An Angus castle, said to be haunted by the ghost of a murdered cardinal, will receive a makeover ahead of becoming a hotel.
Ethie Castle at Inverkeilor is reputed to be Scotland’s second oldest with continuous inhabitation, and has its origins in the 14th Century.
It was once home to Cardinal David Beaton, who was executed by nobles after a long period of anti-Protestant persecution.
The current owner has applied to renovate large parts of the castle including the original “cardinal’s staircase” and change the castle’s use to hotel-type accommodation.
As well as the apparition, which most claimants encounter on the stairs up to a secret door in his former bedroom, legend has it that a secret room was discovered by a new governess of the castle after being kept awake by the sounds of a boy crying.
After breaking into the walled room, the governess discovered a skeleton of a child lying on the floor next to the remains of a wooden cart.
In 1665, it was bought by the Earls of Northesk and is said to be the inspiration behind the fictional Castle of Knockwhinnock in Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Antiquary.
For conservation reasons, Angus Council must be consulted on the external and internal alterations proposed for the ground floor hallway and cloakroom, first-floor great hall and drawing room, second-floor “blue” room and study, third-floor games room, two staircases, courtyard garage, and a total of six bedrooms.
As well as updating the fabric of the building, extra bedrooms will be made in the games room and blue room.
Wellwood Leslie Architects, on behalf of Dr Roland Zettel, state: “The building has significant historical importance due to its connecting to Arbroath Abbey and Cardinal Beaton, and the Earls of Northesk who held the castle from the 16th Century until 1928.
“Architecturally, it contains some interesting fabric and architectural details from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries – with the combined architectural form being an attractive composition set within a well-designed and maintained garden.”
The application for full planning permission, listed building consent and change of use will be decided by council officers, with a target date of September 3.
