Dairsie Castle is 16th century Z-plan tower house that was restored from ruin in the min 1990's into a private residence, and later serving as a luxurious self-catering holiday home, that can be viewed from the road side. The original castle was the property of theBishopsof St Andrews, and was also held by the Dairsie family from which it takes its name

~ History ~

1540's ~ The Learmonth family gain Dairsie castle through marriage. Sir James Learmonth of Dairsie Castle is Master of the Household to King James V of Scotland, and Provost of St Andrews.

1583 ~ King James VI seeks refuge at Dairsie castle following his escape from Huntingtower Castle, then known as Ruthven Castle, where he had been held by rebel protestant nobles, led by William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie. Restored to his power, King James has the Earl executed and the name Ruthven forever removed. To further enhance his power, he also has the Scottish Parliament make the church of Scotland directy accountable to the King under what are referred to as the 'Black Acts'.

1616 ~ The Learmonth family hand their castle over to John Spottiswood, eldest son of Archbishop Spottiswood.

This is confirmed in a transfer charter of the "manor-place".

1643 ~ King Charles I of England hands the seals of office to Robert Spottiswood at Oxford, and directs him to act as his secretary.

In this capacity, Spottiswood recieves several commissions, one being a warrant appointing Montrose to be his majesty's lieutenant in Scotland. Sir Robert sets out from Oxford with this warrant, travels through Wales to the Isle of Man, is shipped thence to Lochaber, and, meeting James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose in Athol, gives him the the Royal commission to act for King Charles I in Scotland against the King's enemies.

1647 ~ As a direct result of the Spottiswoods support of the executed King Charles I, John Spottiswood resigns Dairsie Castle to Sir George  Morison,  father-in-law of Robert Spottiswood, recently executed along with another kinsman for his part in the Royalist Montrose campaigns in Scotland.