History - Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club - Set in the stunning Perthshire countryside. We provide fine dining, golf, and accommodation.

400 years of history to discover

Built in 1664, Murrayshall House was originally owned by Sir Andrew Murray (son of First Lord Balvaird and brother of David Murray, the Second Lord of Balvaird and Fourth Viscount of Stormont). His family became known as the Graham-Murrays and they stayed in the house for 260 years.

Murrayshall House was modernised in the 18th century and again in 1864. The property continued to change hands following various family tragedies. Then in 1973, a group of businessmen bought the house and decided to make the most of the expansive land. They transformed the estate and created the luxury hotel you see today. The direct descendants of the Graham-Murrays (the Earls of Mansfield) remain in the Perthshire area – more than 400 years later. They dwell in Scone Palace just a few miles from Murrayshall.

Lord Lynedoch

You might have noticed Lynedoch is an extremely important name for us. Our golf courses, brasserie and many of our rooms are named after Lord Lynedoch (also known as Thomas Graham) and is the most famous member of the Graham-Murray family. An enigmatic war hero, a memorial was erected to him on Murrayshall Hill in 1850. You can ask our team to direct you to it, as it’s still there today.

life and military history

Coming from an aristocratic Scottish land-owning family, Graham inherited many estates across Perthshire. He married the famous beauty Anne Cathcart (immortalised in paint by Gainsborough) and enjoyed a happy life as the archetypal country gentleman. Graham’s wife died when he was just 43. He joined the army, quickly proving his capabilities as he climbed the ranks.

war hero

His finest hour was during the Battle of Barrosa during the Peninsular War on 5th March 1811. He commanded the British, Portuguese and Spanish forces against the French at Cadiz in Southern Spain in which he was hailed a hero after winning the battle. That same year, Graham was made second in command to the Duke of Wellington and fought in the Netherlands. Lord Lynedoch served in the army until he was 70. He enjoyed an active and lively retirement, and died in 1843 aged 93.