A Sleeping Giant Awakes

With Cosmo Linzee-Gordon

Over the years, many of the castles of the House of Gordon have fallen into ruin or been sold off, but Cosmo Linzee Gordon is fighting to keep Cluny Castle in Gordon hands. We caught up with him to find out more about this stunning place.

Where is Cluny Castle?

Twenty miles directly west from Aberdeen between Sauchen and Monymusk.

Can you give a flavour of it’s history over the centuries?

Contrary to the majority of other castles, Cluny was never the site of any battle or clash of clans, rather that of one within which one could retire from feuds or conflict to a hearty meal! The closest Cluny experienced to any militia on site was after the Battle of Alford in July 1645 when the Marquess of Montrose marched his troops to Cluny for brief refreshment before continuing on towards the River Dee.

What are your plans for the future of the castle and estate?

The castle has always been kept a private, family home and so shall it remain, however the introduction of increased weddings and accommodation facilities has seen the castle beginning to open its doors for the first time. There is certainly the potential for events of great variety to be held on site and that is what we are aiming to expand into.

What’s your favourite thing in the castle and why?

The castle organ which is not to be found in the Chapel but eccentrically positioned adjacent to the Library.

38

What’s your favourite room in the castle and why?

The Chapel - although not quite restored to it’s original level following a fire in the 1920s, having once been described as ‘the most splendid in the entirety of the kingdom’, it remains adorned with emblems and mementos of John and Emily Gordon of Cluny for whom it was built as the final and most modern addition to the castle, completed in 1870.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in the job?

The ongoing upkeep and challenge of bringing the castle into the 21st Century while allowing it to flourish.

How have you been promoting what the place has to offer? Via social media and wedding / events outlets.

What’s your favourite memory of the castle?

There are a vast array, however one particularly notable memory is that of the time during which ‘The Queen’ was being filmed at the castle.

What makes Cluny a special place for Gordons to get married?

Cluny is uniquely special having been kept within the family since it was built. It is steeped in Gordon history that is echoed within and upon its many walls.

Other than Cluny, what’s your favourite castle of the Gordons and why?

Aboyne - due to its inhabitants.

You can out more about the castle at www.clunycastle.com!

Helen Mirren at Cluny Castle during the filming of ‘The Queen’

39