Ethie Castle is home to a rich history steeped in centuries of memories. The records of the castle even go back to the early 13th century. Since the nearby shallow Lunan Bay offered a perfect opportunity for landing, the Vikings are said to have built a house on the site where Ethie was built. Completely transformed by Roland Zettel from November 2013 to the present day, the castle has become a truly opulent location for any event, sporting experience, and stay. We spoke with Roland Zettel to learn more following the castle’s prestigious award in our Resorts and Retreats Awards this year.
In the depths of the 14th century, Arbroath Abbey’s monks built a sturdy sandstone tower house on Ethie’s current site. This is where they lived and thrived for many years until the de Maxwell family owned the dwelling. The years that passed saw the property’s possession move from the monks through to the de Maxwell family and back again.
After this change of hands, in 1524, Scotland’s only and last Cardinal, David Beaton born in Balfour in Fife in 1494, and his family shared the site with the Pope’s permission to do so. Cardinal Beaton had studied at the University of Glasgow and St. Andrews before becoming a monk at Arbroath Abbey – in addition to a member of Parliament
In the 1530s the beginning of major renovations were carried out and the castle went under its first transformational period. The extensions added to the courtyard, in preparation for King James V’s visit, were carried out by Cardinal Beaton to ensure the king’s stay was immaculate in quality.
In 1539, Cardinal Beaton became Archbishop of St Andrews. Unfortunately, in 1546, Cardinal Beaton was murdered by Protestants in St Andrews during the Reformation. Now, the tale as old as time – in relation to the castle’s own timeline – it is said that during the Reformation the abbots hid the silver treasure from Arbroath Abbey within the castle walls.
When Ethie was bought by the Carnegie family, who later became the Earls of Northesk, in 1665, it was given a new lease of life. As the 7th Earl of Northesk, also Vice Admiral under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson during the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the castle can still be found with the coat of armes featuring Trafalgar in its design. This proudly hangs in the former window in Ethie Castle to remind all team members and guests of the deeply rooted history of the site.
1927 saw the castle and its ground purchased by artist and antiques collector, William Cunningham Hector of Glasgow, however when he and his family vacated the property they removed all of the decadent furniture the castle had held in its walls.
This magnificent castle is said to have provided a whimsical yet solid wave of inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s novel the Antiquary due to the featured described which echo throughout the story. As Sir Walter Scott was a close friend of William Carnegie, the 8th Earl of Northesk, he had stayed many a time in the beating heart of the structure.
Following the sale of the castle by the Cunningham family, the property passed through very many hands until the 1960s when the Forsyth family resided there. Alistair Forsyth, who was Chief of the Forsyth Clan, had plans to rebuild and renovate much of the castle with minor changes until the 1970s when he moved to New Zealand.
Once Alistair Forsyth had vacated the castle, the de Morgan family took over the ownership of Ethie Castle to convert it into a B&B hotel with three characterful rooms. As this enchanted castle charms all upon their arrival and throughout their stay, spanning centuries of intricate history, Roland Zettel, Earl of Wigtoun, Lord and Baron of Cumbernauld, was honoured to become the new owner following the de Morgan family’s departure.
This 14th century castle nestled in Inverkeilor in Scotland, near the coast, has been home to many families. Having changed hands countless times over the years, the castle has seen many memories being made and witnessed the bittersweet ups and downs of humans throughout its history.
Having been lovingly restored in recent years, by Owner Roland, Ethie Castle has become a place of unparalleled beauty for a myriad of guests year upon year. The impressive structure has been transformed from its ancient beginnings from many years gone before, including its prominent wings and towers as well as the overall character of such a prominent attraction, into a cosy and welcoming place to stay. As the castle is filled with such historical importance, Roland has done all he can to ensure the building has kept its character and features while doing more than restoring it. He has created an elevated space where all guests can feel happy and comfortable throughout their stay.
The castle’s association with Cardinal Beaton is still prominent, as it includes a small chapel and the Cardinal’s Sitting Room, with a secret staircase to the Great Hall above. Guests can continue to enjoy countless mysterious and fulfilling moments during their visit by learning much more about the history of this special place.
With many aesthetically and architecturally intricate and historical features, including four turnpike staircases, balustraded tower, turrets and crow stepped gables, the castle has a lot to offer. Furthermore, the barrel vaulted rooms, together with panelled rooms, decorative plaster work, fireplaces and window shutters all provide an insight into the history associated with the castle.
Roland is more than happy to talk guests through the history of the castle each time they visit, to create an immersive experience of the luxurious and complex building. However, so much more than a building, this outstanding castle is a place for historical and personal discovery as guests can dive deep into the history of the place as well as their inner selves.
Roland’s team are dedicated individuals always searching for new ways to make their guests feel comfortable, cosy, relaxed, and recharged. They introduce the history of the place, and what it currently offers, so that everyone can make what they want out of their stay. Roland told that his staff are elf-responsible people who always look after other team members as well as guests. This means that everyone is on the same page and providing the best service humanly possible by working harmoniously together.
From falconry to salmon fishing, shooting sports – including clay shooting – golf, hunting and more, Ethie Castle has so many immersive experiences to offer. With St. Andrews’ golf course only 1 hour away, and Glen Eagles’ course 1.5 hours away, golfers of all abilities can enjoy the sport just a stone’s throw away from the retreat.
Additionally, for those interested in sumptuous whisky and gin tasting, Ethie Castle is the best place to experience Angus’ own distillers and distilleries producing an excellent range of Scottish whisky and gin – and a wider range of spirits to try. Roland is able to arrange visits to a number of these renowned and experienced distilleries for guided tours to see exactly how the beautifully crafted spirits are created, including a taste of a range of products. Atop this, as Arbroath is an ideal place to enjoy tasting authentic spirits made locally, the arrangements made by Roland and his team always result in a fine experience for any spirit enthusiast.
Ethie Castle is the perfect romantic location for weddings in addition to other special events for memorable, moments. Roland is set to introduce even more innovative ideas for weddings and celebratory events in the years to come, to ensure that individuals, couples, families, and groups of all kinds will cherish the time they spend at the outstanding castle.
As people actively select this award-winning retreat for their special day, couples can enjoy their very own fairytale story in the castle and on a private country estate. For a wedding or civil ceremony, Ethie Castle has so much to offer, with its staff working tirelessly in the background to make dreams come true. They streamline everything so that everything runs smooth on the big day, and many of the castle’s activities are available to enrich the day for each couple and their guests.
As the castle offers ten rooms, with nine offering ensuite bathrooms and one with its own bathroom in the hallway, this is the best setting to host your closest loved ones wishing to stay after your ceremony. You can be together to create memories to last a lifetime when you choose Ethie Castle for your wedding or civil partnership. Of course, you can also soak up the atmosphere and surroundings, and capture those magical photos for your special day.
In light of Ethie Castle’s award of Best Boutique Historic Castle Retreat 2025 – Scotland, Roland continues to plan what is to come next for the lavish retreat. He would like to offer digital detoxification and disconnection from the outer world to people, especially for men experiencing divorce. He plans on creating a space where there are no mobile phones or connections with the outer world, so that individuals can immerse themselves in the beauty of the castle and its natural surroundings, ensuring they can ‘switch off’ from the bustle and noise of their daily lives.
Roland will also work tirelessly to help more people to enjoy the castle while being offered snooker lessons and games, expert shoe cleaning lessons, and so much more. With these unique and interesting plans in the pipeline, the future of Ethie Castle continues to blossom well into the years – and even centuries – ahead of it.
This beautiful castle has been available for rent since September 2024, and it has plenty of space for a selection of guests who wish to experience luxury at its finest. If you’re interested in staying in this opulent castle, contact Ethie Castle directly today.
Contact Details
Contact: Roland Zettel
Company: Ethie Castle
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ethiecastle.com/
