Drumlanrig Castle, Scotland’s Majestic Pink Palace

Image from Wikimedia Commons

The majestic “Pink Palace” sprouting atop a hill can be found at least five kilometers north of Thornhill. Drumlanrig Castle is an example of the late Renaissance architecture and was constructed in the seventeenth century using pink sandstone. It is one of the homes of the dukes of Buccleuch, who have long been considered as among Scotland’s largest landowners.  Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, who married Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, was a member of this landed family. Her father was  John Montagu Douglas Scott, the seventh Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.

Drumlanrig Castle sits on the site of an ancient stronghold, which was considered a crucial strategic point for trade and territorial routes in the fourteenth and fifteenth century. There were plans to build a castle on this in 1618 but it had to wait for about six decades before the plans came into fruition. A central courtyard was, however, added where King James VI was received on his visit to Scotland in 1617.

Image from Geograph.co.uk

The present Drumlanrig Castle was created as a mansion in the 17th century. The defensive ramparts were rendered obsolete and had to give way to comfortable living and large, airy windows. Much of this architectural masterpiece was credited to the works of Robert Mylne and Sir William Bruce, architects who were also responsible for designing George Heriot’s Hospital. The construction took many years to finish, an endeavor that required the service of 31 masons, 8 wrights and innumerable artisans. Parts of the old castle were incorporated in the structure of the present “Pink Palace”;  it was broken down and reused as materials for the new one. Throughout that construction period, some planned designs did not make it to the final progress as certain elements were altered and changed. In the process of constructing the new castle, William Douglas, the 3rd Earl of Queensberry (he became 1st Duke of Queensberry in 1684) nearly bankrupted himself. Surprisingly, he only spent one night in the building, deciding it was not suitable for his taste. He returned to Sanquhar Castle which served as his seat. His son, however, moved in after inheriting the title and estates. Bonnie Prince Charlie spent a night there on his retreat from Derby.

Image from Wikimedia Commons

The castle laid empty and fell into disrepair in the 18th century. It was rescued only after the Duke of Buccleuch, head of the Scott family, came into possession of the castle in 1810 after the Douglas and Scott dynasties merged. The castle was finally restored in 1827 and has since became the seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry when in Dumfriesshire (Bowhill House in the Scottish Borders remains the family’s principal seat).

Today, Drumlanrig Castle houses many of Scotland’s finest treasures of art, including Leonardo da Vinci's "Madonna of the Yarnwinder," Rembrandt’s "Old Woman Reading," and many more by the Dutch masters. Cartoons by Rowlandson, can also be seen inside.

The family collection also includes priceless furniture and silver. The two great cabinets made by a 17th century master from France can also be found inside. Tapestries, exotic fabrics, porcelain and all other great works of art can be found inside. It is truly a sight to behold.