Brahan Castle

Attribution: S. Fraser (Maryburgh Primary School March 2015)

BRAHAN CASTLE

A tower house built for the MacKenzies of Kintail and Seaforth. Much enlarged and remodelled in the late 18th and 19th centuries, demolished in 1952. The fine stable range has converted to a house. The castle was demolished in 1951, the rubble unceremoniously used as foundations for the new Conon Bridge.

Brahan Castle

Attribution: Photograph donated by Mrs Rosemary Henderson, Maryburgh.

The Castle: Home of the Seaforth Highlanders

Due to the exorbitant costs of upgrading, Brahan Castle was dismantled in 1953. Built in the early 17th century, it was a stronghold of the MacKenzies.

In this picture, the Seaforth Highlanders are drilling in front of the castle during the time it served as a regiment barracks. Brahan was a grand residence, teeming with servants and the social elite of the time, and renowned for its elegant balls and shooting parties.

The Brahan Seer foretold the demolition of the castle.

Built in the early 17th century, it was a stronghold of the MacKenzies

Attribution: Photograph donated by Mrs Rosemary Henderson, Maryburgh.

The Entrance to the Castle

Postcard, bearing Edward VII stamp and franked 18 July (year unclear but must be before 1911), addressed to Miss Lundie, Estcourt, Beauly, and reads:

Dear Nan, I hope you got home entire yon night. Haven’t heard yet if we are to get Friday, most likely not. Don’t forget the fan book like a (unclear) and anything in the way of recitations. Do you remember yon recitation book we had at one of the concerts. Martha did one and “Dg” McLean yon one “Never go to France”. Can you by any stretch of memory recall the name of that book. This imposing entrance is just a wee bit up the road from the school.

Yours with love, Nan.

Ornamental Stags

Attribution: Photograph donated by Mrs Rosemary Henderson, Maryburgh.

The interior of the Castle

Below you’ll find a collection of photographs of the interior of Brahan Castle. At present we have little precise information about the interior of the castle so we’ve had to guess at the likely functions of the rooms in order to give the images more convenient headings. We would welcome contributions and information relating to these images. If anyone would like to contribute to this or any related topics please contact Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society .

Music room

Attribution: Photograph donated by Mrs Rosemary Henderson, Maryburgh.

The Golden Bed

“History of the Golden Bed of Brahan.

“Colonel Daniel Mackenzie was for some time in the service of Colin Earl of Seaforth and afterwards, going abroad, served in the wars for several years in Moscow and Flanders.

“There, having by his merit and valour run through the inferior degrees of honour, he at length attained that of a Colonel of a Regiment of Foot and married the daughter of Dean Wolfard, Count de Vredrad, Governor of Buldorbe in Flanders, a descendant of the noble and illustrious House of Nassau.”

Having a desire to see his friends and native country, Colonel Mackenzie came over to Scotland and brought to his old master Colin Earl of Seaforth a rich and sumptuous bed, commonly called the Golden Bed of Brahan because of the gold trappings, embroiderings and gildings that were upon a sea-green coloured velvet furniture belonging to it. But Earl Colin, dying before his arrival, he presented it to Earl George.

Now it is in Falkland Palace, in Fife, under the care of the National Trust of Scotland.

The Golden Bed

Attribution: Photograph donated by Mrs Rosemary Henderson, Maryburgh.

View more photographs of Brahan Castle

Click on photo album to view thumbnails and then click thumbnail to see the full size images 
Maryburgh » Maryburgh History » Maryburgh Seaforth Sanitorium
On duty.
On duty.
In May 2018 RCHS was contacted by Heather Anderson who, as a 15 year old in 1963, was Nurse Heather Booth in the Seaforth Children's Home, as was her sister earlier (see Shirley Maureen Booth above). Although the photographs include Heather with the children, only Heather can feature. In explanation of this: RCHS has, in the past, received permission to reproduce the photographs featured above but does not have permission from children featured in photographs with Heather Booth.
Maryburgh in the background.
Maryburgh in the background.
In May 2018 RCHS was contacted by Heather Anderson who, as a 15 year old in 1963, was Nurse Heather Booth in the Seaforth Children's Home, as was her sister earlier (see Shirley Maureen Booth above). Although the photographs include Heather with the children, only Heather can feature. In explanation of this: RCHS has, in the past, received permission to reproduce the photographs featured above but does not have permission from children featured in photographs with Heather Booth.
Heather and another nurse
Heather and another nurse
In May 2018 RCHS was contacted by Heather Anderson who, as a 15 year old in 1963, was Nurse Heather Booth in the Seaforth Children's Home, as was her sister earlier (see Shirley Maureen Booth above). Although the photographs include Heather with the children, only Heather can feature. In explanation of this: RCHS has, in the past, received permission to reproduce the photographs featured above but does not have permission from children featured in photographs with Heather Booth.
Relaxing
Relaxing
In May 2018 RCHS was contacted by Heather Anderson who, as a 15 year old in 1963, was Nurse Heather Booth in the Seaforth Children's Home, as was her sister earlier (see Shirley Maureen Booth above). Although the photographs include Heather with the children, only Heather can feature. In explanation of this: RCHS has, in the past, received permission to reproduce the photographs featured above but does not have permission from children featured in photographs with Heather Booth.
Private George Rennie, The Royal Scots
Private George Rennie, The Royal Scots
Private George Rennie, The Royal Scots, wounded at Ypres 24 November 1914. 5567 Private John Veitch, 2nd Scots Guards. 6694 Private James Surgeoner, 16th Lancers, 30.12.14. Autographs from patients at Seaforth Sanatorium 1914 A fascinating legacy from this period is a collection of autographs signed by wounded soldiers. The soldiers seem to have come from different regiments, different ranks and even different countries. Editor's Note - We've done our best to transcribe the autographs which follow but there are a few inconsistencies that need to be clarified. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information. Also, it would be great if someone could provide a link to military historians who might be able to trace the records of some of these soldiers. Please send any additional information to Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society
Private W Marshall, 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Private W Marshall, 2nd Gordon Highlanders
Private W Marshall, 2nd Gordon Highlanders, wounded at Zonneleike 28 October 1914. Private I Stewart, Black Watch, Barielle(?) 28/11/14. Autographs from patients at Seaforth Sanatorium 1914 A fascinating legacy from this period is a collection of autographs signed by wounded soldiers. The soldiers seem to have come from different regiments, different ranks and even different countries. Editor's Note - We've done our best to transcribe the autographs which follow but there are a few inconsistencies that need to be clarified. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information. Also, it would be great if someone could provide a link to military historians who might be able to trace the records of some of these soldiers. Please send any additional information to Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society
Dominique Nythenhove, 6th regiment de Ligne
Dominique Nythenhove, 6th regiment de Ligne
Dominique Nythenhove, 6th regiment de Ligne, wounded in the Battle of Ypres 26 October 1914. Autographs from patients at Seaforth Sanatorium 1914 A fascinating legacy from this period is a collection of autographs signed by wounded soldiers. The soldiers seem to have come from different regiments, different ranks and even different countries. Editor's Note - We've done our best to transcribe the autographs which follow but there are a few inconsistencies that need to be clarified. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information. Also, it would be great if someone could provide a link to military historians who might be able to trace the records of some of these soldiers. Please send any additional information to Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society
Private E Smith, 2nd Battalion Warwicks and Private A Cameron, 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Private E Smith, 2nd Battalion Warwicks and Private A Cameron, 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Private E Smith, 2nd Battalion Warwicks, wounded at Ypres 7 November 1914. Private A Cameron, 1st Seaforth Highlanders, wounded at Labassee 4 December 1914. Autographs from patients at Seaforth Sanatorium 1914 A fascinating legacy from this period is a collection of autographs signed by wounded soldiers. The soldiers seem to have come from different regiments, different ranks and even different countries. Editor's Note - We've done our best to transcribe the autographs which follow but there are a few inconsistencies that need to be clarified. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information. Also, it would be great if someone could provide a link to military historians who might be able to trace the records of some of these soldiers. Please send any additional information to Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society
Andre Flamand, 11th Infantry
Andre Flamand, 11th Infantry
Andre Flamand, 11th Infantry, wounded to(at) the Battle of Ypres (Dixmunde) 25.10.14. 8 Museum Street, 8, Antwerp, Belgium. Belfort to Bruges, Belgium 21.11.14. Autographs from patients at Seaforth Sanatorium 1914 A fascinating legacy from this period is a collection of autographs signed by wounded soldiers. The soldiers seem to have come from different regiments, different ranks and even different countries. Editor's Note - We've done our best to transcribe the autographs which follow but there are a few inconsistencies that need to be clarified. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information. Also, it would be great if someone could provide a link to military historians who might be able to trace the records of some of these soldiers. Please send any additional information to Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society
Charles Van de Kirkhoven, 3rd (fighter on foot) Infantry
Charles Van de Kirkhoven, 3rd (fighter on foot) Infantry
Charles Van de Kirkhoven, 3rd (fighter on foot) Infantry, Doomick, Hautergden Doomick Straud, West Vlaaniteran(?), Belgium. Autographs from patients at Seaforth Sanatorium 1914 A fascinating legacy from this period is a collection of autographs signed by wounded soldiers. The soldiers seem to have come from different regiments, different ranks and even different countries. Editor's Note - We've done our best to transcribe the autographs which follow but there are a few inconsistencies that need to be clarified. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information. Also, it would be great if someone could provide a link to military historians who might be able to trace the records of some of these soldiers. Please send any additional information to Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society
Joseph De Gombert, 5th Infantry,
Joseph De Gombert, 5th Infantry,
Joseph De Gombert, 5th Infantry, wounded to(at) the Battle of Antwerp 7.10.14, Neder-over-Humbeeck, 5 Avenue du Roi Albert 5, Bruxelles, Belgique. Autographs from patients at Seaforth Sanatorium 1914 A fascinating legacy from this period is a collection of autographs signed by wounded soldiers. The soldiers seem to have come from different regiments, different ranks and even different countries. Editor's Note - We've done our best to transcribe the autographs which follow but there are a few inconsistencies that need to be clarified. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information. Also, it would be great if someone could provide a link to military historians who might be able to trace the records of some of these soldiers. Please send any additional information to Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society
Seaforth Centre before the A835 was built
Seaforth Centre before the A835 was built
Seaforth Centre. Photograph taken before the road to the West was constructed and at a time when the building was surplus to requirements and faced the prospect of demolition.
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Seaforth Children's Home 1957-1965
Nurse Shirley Maureen Booth on left with her friend and fellow nurse, Mary Ledingham, from Invergordon. They each dressed up to entertain the children.
Nurse Shirley Maureen Booth on left with her friend and fellow nurse, Mary Ledingham, from Invergordon. They each dressed up to entertain the children.
Opening ceremony.
Opening ceremony.
Attractive art deco entrance.
Attractive art deco entrance.
"Laying foundation stone Seaforth Sanatorium 27 November 1906."
"Laying foundation stone Seaforth Sanatorium 27 November 1906."
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
m26_ht_oh_sc_log.gif
m26_ht_oh_sc_log.gif
Seaforth Centre aka Seaforth Sanatorium
Seaforth Centre aka Seaforth Sanatorium
Opening of Seaforth Sanatorium
Opening of Seaforth Sanatorium
Opening of Seaforth Sanatorium, Maryburgh, by Mrs Stewart-Mackenzie of Seaforth, January 1908.
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
Plaque recording building use as an auxiliary hospital
Plaque recording building use as an auxiliary hospital
The plaque reads: "To record the use of this building as an auxiliary hospital during the great war and the thanks of the Scottish Branch British Red Cross Society to the generous donor. April 1919."
Memorial stone (surmounted by Mackenzie crest)
Memorial stone (surmounted by Mackenzie crest)
Memorial stone (surmounted by Mackenzie crest) "The Seaforth Sanatorium has been erected and endowed for all time by Colonel James Alexander Francis Humberston Stewart-Mackenzie of Seaforth and his wife Mary Margaret for the treatment of phthisis patients belonging to the counties of Ross and Cromarty. AD1907." [Note: phthisis - tuberculosis of the lungs.]
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
Seaforth Home Adult Training Centre 1974
Laying Foundation Stone 27th November 1908
Laying Foundation Stone 27th November 1908
Laying Foundation Stone 27th November 1908. [Photo RCHS]
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