Dalhousie Castle was originally an early 13th century stone fortress, founded by the Ramsay family. Standing on the west bank of the River South Esk, the only remains of this castle are its enormously thick foundation walls and vaults. In the mid 15th century, a four storey keep and courtyard castle, with a large flanking drum tower on the north-east angle of a high curtain wall, was built on the site. In the early 17th century, a stair-tower was added to the keeps re-entrant angle, to make a L-plan and additions of 1825 have now completely cover the courtyard. Originally encased by a deep dry ditch, machicolations and the raising mechanism of the drawbridge can still be seen above the main entrance. The castle was successfully defended against King Henry IV in 1400 but was occupied by Cromwell in 1648. 3 miles west is Rosslyn Castle and 4 miles south-east is Borthwick Castle.