Birkhill Castle facts for kids
Birkhill Castle is a beautiful old house located near the River Tay in Fife, Scotland. It's the home of the Earl and Countess of Dundee and their family. While it's a private home, it also hosts special events like weddings and sometimes welcomes guests. It's just a short drive from the historic town of St. Andrews.
A Look Back in Time
Birkhill Castle sits by the wide River Tay in a part of Scotland called Fife. It's been the home of the Earl and Countess of Dundee and their four children for a long time. The Earl of Dundee has an important job in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK's government. He also holds a very old and special title: the Hereditary Royal Standard Bearer of Scotland.
This special role means his family has carried Scotland's royal flag for centuries! An ancestor of the Earl was given this important job by King Alexander II way back in the 13th century. Imagine, his family members carried the Scottish flag for famous heroes like William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn. Robert the Bruce also made the flag bearer and his family the protectors of the city of Dundee. The current Birkhill Castle building was built by the family in 1780.
Exploring the Castle
The castle is surrounded by lovely gardens filled with many interesting and rare plants and trees. While the castle often hosts private groups and special events, it also offers accommodation for people who want to stay and experience this historic home.
