Dalhousie Castle at Bonnyrigg reopens after a £6 million transformation

One of Scotland's oldest inhabited castles has begun a new chapter. Dalhousie Castle at Bonnyrigg in Midlothian, has reopened following a £6 million refurbishment, with redesigned bedrooms and a new line-up of bars and restaurants.

The 13th-century castle sits in eleven acres of private parkland about eight miles from Edinburgh. The refurbishment began in October 2024, with local craftspeople and suppliers involved in the restoration, and guests can now stay in one of 35 refurbished en-suite bedrooms designed to celebrate the castle's history.

At the heart of the new food and drink offering is The Alexander Bar, named after Sir Alexander de Ramsay, the 14th-century Scottish knight who famously withstood a six-month siege at the castle by King Henry IV of England. The Ramsay family, who owned Dalhousie for hundreds of years, have provided inspiration for several elements of the new spaces.

The Ramsay Restaurant, in the castle's former ballroom, focuses on Scotland's natural larder, with a menu featuring grilled meats, seafood and seasonal produce. It serves lunch and dinner to visitors as well as hotel guests.

Down in the historic basement, the candlelit Dungeon Restaurant, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and suits of armour, has introduced an AA Rosette-awarded eight-course tasting menu. Each course draws on the castle's long history, with ingredients historically grown, sourced and enjoyed on the estate, and a five-course market menu and wine pairings are also available.

Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Chapters, a single-cask whisky library hidden behind a secret bookshelf in a private space inside the castle.

General manager Philip Egan said Dalhousie had more than 800 years of history and character, and that it was incredibly important the transformation respected and preserved what makes the castle so special. He said the ambition was never to change its identity but to celebrate it, and that the team was incredibly proud of a new chapter that feels every bit as special as its past.

That history is a big part of the appeal. Over the centuries the castle has hosted Edward I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots, witnessed events during the Wars of Independence and was later used by Oliver Cromwell as a base during his campaign in Scotland.

Beyond the dining rooms, visitors can book falconry and archery in the grounds, and the castle's website already has a page for Christmas 2026.