The first formally designed landscaping for Brechin Castle Gardens was done by Alexander Edward for the 4th Earl of Panmure between 1701 - 1708. Since that period there have been many improvements, including the addition of shrub and woodland garden in the early 20th century.

Brechin Castle Gardens represents one of the finest private gardens in Scotland. It covers over 40 acres of planted parkland and includes the famous walled garden. The gardens link to the castle by woodland paths which are awash with the vibrant colours of azaleas and large leaved rhododendrons in Spring.

The walled garden is slightly over 13 acres and is quite magnificent, particularly in Spring, with a profusion of plantings and individual features, such as the dramatic Lawson's cypress trees which line the main pathway. The walls by the ornate entrance gate are adorned with such beautiful roses as Rosa foetida 'Bicolour', alternatively known as Austrian Copper for its yellow centred coppery-red flowers and Rosa ecae . Nearby peonies, Cytisus battandieri and Clematis 'Etoile Rose' provide spectacular spring and summer colour.

The Gardens, are located on a sloping south facing site surrounded by mature trees, and are walled. The extensive upper garden is open to the sun and contains areas of lawn, mature ornamental tree plantings, beds and borders and a superb mature and beautifully kept shaped yew hedge. In an annex to the north, accessed through an ornamental gate beside a drinking fountain inscribed "Drink and be thankful", is the kitchen garden area containing most of the greenhouses including a unique curved Victorian peach house. In addition the potting sheds, vegetable areas and cold frames are located there.

Back in the main garden a cherub flanked flight of steps draws the visitor down the landscaped slopes to a circular lily pond surrounded by the summer and autumn gardens which feature specimen trees selected for autumn colour.

The Brechin Castle Gardens are a real delight for enthusiasts wishing to explore a designed landscape where every turn brings you a different vista and with a whole new variety of trees, shrubs or flowers to discover.

The Gardens are open to visitors under Scotland's Garden Scheme on Sunday 11th May 2008 at 2.00 p.m. 

Brechin Castle and Gardens are open to the public from 3rd to 11th May 2008 and 5th to 20th July 2008 with guided tours only at 2.00pm and 3.15pm  Groups can visit the Castle and Gardens by separate arrangement. For further information please contract Fay Clark on 01356 624566.