Castle Menzies

History

The Menzies' came north at some point and were granted lands in Lothian in the 12th Century, almost certainly in exchange for military service. This is the same route that other Scottish clans with Norman origins such as Bruce, Moray (Murray) and St. Clair (Sinclair), established themselves in Scotland.

The first definitive chief was Sir Robert de Meyneris, who became Chamberlain to King Alexander II in 1249. At some point he received a grant of lands in West Atholl, including Culdares and Duneaves. Part of the condition of the grant is that Sir Robert became 'loco pateris' to the people of the lands in accordance with Gaelic custom.

His son, Sir Alexander Menzies was granted the lands of Aberfeldy and Weem. He further extended these possessions due to his support of Bruce during the War of Independence at the expense of some of his neighbours who had supported Comyn's claim to the crown. At the peak of their power, the Menzies' held a significant swathe of the Central Highlands which included Weem, the Appin of Dull and Rannoch. They also held land in Lothian and in Aberdeenshire. The Chief of the Clan was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1665.

During the Jacobite rebellions the main branch of the clan, the Menzies of Weem strived to be neutral but most of the cadet branches (notably Menzies of Shian and Menzies of Pitfodel) fought in all the battles on the Jacobite side. Despite various political events and being surrounded by powerful neighbours such as the Campbells of Breadalbane, the Stewarts of Grantully, the Grahams of Menteith and the Murrays of Atholl, the Menzies' managed to maintain their standing and possessions until the death of the last of the main line in 1918.

This spectacular 16th century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society welcomes vistors. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulant history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid example of the transition between earlier rugged fortress and later mansion house.

With the extinction of the main line, the estates, the Castle and its contents were auctioned off to pay outstanding debts and the Clan was left without a Chief. In 1957 the descendants of the cousin of the first Baronet were successful in petitioning Lord Lyon King of Arms to be recognised as being allowed to use the arms of Menzies of Menzies. The current Chief is David Steuart Menzies of Menzies.