A Brief History
The Southern side of the Forth became home to the Dundas Clan from around the twelfth century. By the fifteenth century, much of Linlithgowshire was controlled by Clan Dundas. Members of the family played prominent roles during early Scottish history including Hugh Dundas who fought alongside William Wallace and his son, George Dundas who fought under Robert the Bruce.
The Auld Keep of Dundas Castle was built in 1416. James Dundas obtained a license from the Duke of Albeny, to construct a keep. The Duke was then the effective ruler of Scotland having ousted his weak, elder brother Malcolm and starved Malcolm's older son to death. Luckily, Malcolm fathered a second son who, after a safe up-bringing in France was to become James l of Scotland. The right to build or extend castles was a carefully monitored process, governing rebellious lairds and keeping them from having a stronghold from which they could defy the king. But a Keep was instrumental to the safety of not only the Clan leaders but the people of the surrounding areas who would retreat within the walls in times of war.
The Dundas Clan were canny in their choice of ally and quickly declared their allegiance to the new young King James. As a reward, they were granted an extension of the castle, in exchange for provision of troops during war.
Oliver Cromwell stayed at Dundas. His statue is found today outside the entrance to the castle.
In 1818 the main house as we know it today was built by the renowned architect, William Burn. Sadly, the rebuilding and subsequent up-keep of such a large property proved too much for the Dundas family and the estate changed hand until at last, in 1899 it was bought by Stewart Clark. He was a self-made man, having acquired his fortune in the textile industry. He was the Deputy Lord Lieutenant in Renfrewshire, a Member of Parliament for Paisley and a respected philanthropist.
During the Second World War, the building was occupied by the military.
Visiting
Dundas Castle is a private home and is currently lived in by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark and his wife Lady Lydia.