Claypotts Castle
24 minute walk from Broughty Ferry station · Dundee, Aberdeen and North East · Free entry
Claypotts Castle is a late medieval Z-plan tower house located in the West Ferry area of Dundee. Built between 1569 and 1588 by John Strachan, it remains one of Scotland’s best-preserved examples of 16th-century architecture.
This unique building is significant for its Z-plan design, featuring towers at opposite sides of a main block. While its domestic scale suggests it was not primarily for defense, the layout allowed for firing along the castle walls. It is also the subject of a legend involving an industrious brownie (household spirit) who once helped the servants with their work.
Visitors can explore a site rich in history, from its origins on abbey lands to its ownership by figures like the Viscount Dundee. Now maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, the castle stands as a striking Ancient Monument remarkably surrounded by modern housing.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Castle
- Good for
- Architecture, Castles
- Characteristics
- Medieval, Scheduled Monument
- Admission
- Free
- Region
- Dundee, Aberdeen and North East
Stations within walking distance
- Broughty Ferry station — 24 min walk, 1.9 km
Other places near Broughty Ferry
- Angus Coast: Broughty Ferry to Carnoustie — 1 min walk from the station
- Broughty Castle — 8 min walk from the station
- Reres Park — 14 min walk from the station
- Broughty Ferry Beach — 17 min walk from the station
- Grassy Beach — 18 min walk from the station
- Broughty Ferry Local Nature Reserve — 19 min walk from the station