The name is probably derived from that of "Guthrum", a Scandinavian prince who settled here in the dawn of Scottish history. In the year 1299, the Northern Lords of Scotland sent Squire Guthrie to France to affect the return of Sir William Wallace to Scotland and resume the fight against the English. Guthrie embarked at Arbroath, landed at Calais, and returned to Montrose with his charge.

David II originally granted the barony to Sir David Guthrie, the King’s Treasurer, who subsequently obtained a warrant from James III of Scotland under the great seal to build a castle and a ‘yett’ (entrance gate) at Guthrie in 1468. It is an historic site and well known in Scotland.

The Castle and additions continued as the Guthrie family residence until the early 80’s. The Guthrie’s have been prominent in the ecclesiastical, military, and literary fields of Scotland since the early 1500’s.  The Pena Family purchased the Castle in 1984.

The Castle, as built originally by Sir David in 1468, consisted only of the square tower, the current site of the library, Guthrie suite, ancient bedroom, and now snooker room.  It is believed that the family gave up living in the tower and built a house close by around 1760.  In 1848, John Guthrie, with the help of architect David Bryce, connected the tower and the house, resulting in the finally panelled hall with the oak staircase leading to bedrooms above the well-proportioned west bedroom (Guthrie Suite).  The Castle has a reputation of being haunted!  The ghost was last seen by one of the present members of the Guthrie family when she was a little girl. There have been other experiences since the Pena’s first inhabited the Castle in September 1984.

The yett, which was the original entrance to the Castle, now hangs at the entry to the wild flower garden.  There are two gardens adjacent to each other – the historic walled garden and the wild garden.  No one knows the exact date of the construction of the horseshoe-shaped historic listed 2.2 acre walled garden, but one story is that Monks built it in the early 1600’s.  The garden contains many species of flowers and floribunda, the most notable are the 150-year yew hedges shaped in the sign of the Celtic Cross.

Dear Guthrie’s, Relatives and Guthrie Friends,

We have some exciting news from the Laird of Guthrie Castle himself…

Guthrie Castle and its history represent the very essence of the name ‘Guthrie’. Most of you will know the history of the Castle, but for those of who do not, there is a brief history detailed below.

Since the Peña Family purchased the 55 room historic 15^th century story book Castle in 1984, there have been many requests for entry to it from all over the world - including from as far a field as Australia. The requests covered; film & movie makers, BBC documentary producers, wedding organisers, hoteliers, private citizens, photographers, corporate hospitality and of course Members of The Guthrie Clan (for good reason!). With a few exceptions for day visits, all requests have been politely refused and access to the grounds has been very limited.

2003 will be the year to mark, that Guthrie Castle OPENS (strictly on an invitation and acceptance only basis) to private hire and group bookings! (Certain events will also be considered.) Total accommodation capacity is 18 adults at one time.

The Castle facilities boast: An 18 Hole Golf Course, fully equipped Gym, Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi, Entertainment centre in the top of the Tower (with arcade games, pinball, juke box, bar and full-size snooker table), A Chapel (converted in 1996 from previously existing rooms on the newest wing of the Castle), a beautifully sculptured horse-shoe shaped historic (1614) walled Garden, magnificently groomed lawns and forest patches on the 156 acre estate with its own Loch, in the county of Angus, by Forfar.

There are 3 suites and 3 double bedrooms (for use) with 5 en-suite bathrooms, library, drawing room, dining room (and a separate children’s dining room), breakfast room, children’s separate play/games room, boardroom and office facilities.

Additionally, there are three external cottages: ‘Carrington Cottage’ – a small two-story cottage, which opens on to the historic walled garden. ‘Hay Cottage’ - a self-contained period cottage located at the east entrance 0.3 mile from the Castle, adjacent to Guthrie Village and ‘Gate Cottage’ – another self-contained period cottage located at the main west entrance 0.4 mile from the Castle.

This is your chance to experience a piece of your own family heritage in what could only be described as, ‘a perfect setting’.

We understand there are approximately one hundred and fifty thousand Guthrie’s world-wide and obviously, as there are only 52 weeks in a year, a small proportion of those will be able to take up the opportunity, so it will be a case of "First come, first served".

Rates and conditions will be e-mailed to interested parties upon replies to this letter.

Alternatively, you may ring (UK) 01241 828 691 or + 44 1241 828 691 (International) or send a fax to (UK) 01241 828 605 or + 44 1241 828 605 (International) or visit our website at

www.guthriecastle.com

No booking agents or middlemen are involved, you may contact the Castle directly. We have already had some requests up to 2005, so reply quickly to avoid disappointment.

We look forward to welcoming you at Guthrie Castle!

Regards,

Martin Heller.

Promotions Director.