Sir Alexander Ramsay

SIR ALEXANDER RAMSAY OF DALHOUSIE

Alexander. Under the description of 'dominus de Dalhousy,' granted to the Abbey of Newbattle in 1366-67, when his grandfather was apparently alive, but had denuded himself of the estate, the Blinhalch on the north of the Southesk, for his soul and, that of his wife Catherine, and that of his father Alexander, "whose body is buried in Newbattle Church." The grant is witnessed, "inter alios," by 'Ricardus Brun, my brother.' He took part in the invasion of England which ended in the battle of Otterburn 1388; and was slain at Homildon HIll, 14 September 1402, when he had attained the rank of knighthood. The Scots Peerage III: 90

DALHOUSIE CASTLE

The seat of the Ramsays is Dalhousie Castle in Midlothian. The Ramsays have retained possession of Dalhousie Castle longer than any family has retained possession of a castle in Scotland. The castle is located about eight miles south of Edinburgh on A7 at Bonnyrigg. The setting is a picturesque wooded area along the South Esk River in the parish of Cockpen. The original structure was built in the 13th century and the main parts of the present baronial mansion were constructed in 1450. The castle is of pink sandstone quarried from the opposite bank of the river and its roof is of solid lead. Dalhousie Castle, with its 15th century drum tower, closely resembled Direlton Castle, which is now in ruins.