Michael Fraser
erected Castle Fraser between 1575-1635 with assistance from the Master Mason, Thomas
Leiper. It was known as Muchall-in-Mar until 1695. The castle was completed by his heir,
Andrew Fraser, 1st Lord Fraser. The main block is a Z-plan tower of five
storeys, to the north of which is a courtyard with double-storeyed ‘Laigh
Biggin’s’ and gateway. The tower has a square and round projection. The latter
is of the castle’s most notable features and the roof is reached through an
attractive cap-house. It affords excellent views not only of the surrounding countryside
but also of the turrets and roofs of the adjoining buildings.
Tours of the castle take one
through the vaulted kitchen and laigh hall. On the first floor is the great hall with its
large fireplace, laird’s lug, and the original doorway, which is now blocked. On the
same floor is the dining room and the Peacock Parlour or smoking room. The latter room is
located in the round tower, but is square in shape. On the third floor are the Green,
North, Worked and Tower rooms, which are mostly bedrooms. The fourth floor has the Pink
Room, Red and Blue turrets and the library (the largest room in the castle). This has
decoration of 1839 when the architect John Smith altered it. Descending by a second stair
one reaches the Bailiff’s Room on the second floor. This has a squint, which looks
down into the great hall. A small room adjoining is said to have been a chapel.
Castle Fraser remained in
Fraser ownership until 1921 when it was bought by the 1st Viscount Cowdray for
his son, Hon. Clive Pearson. It passed to his daughter, Lavinia, who married Major Michael
Smiley. They gifted the castle to the Trust in 1976. |
