Banff Castle

 

🏰 Banff Castle: Guardian of the Moray Firth 

Commanding spectacular views over the Moray Firth near the historic town of Banff, this elegant castle embodies the transformation from medieval fortress to Georgian mansion. With roots stretching back to the 12th century, Banff Castle has witnessed Viking raids, clan warfare, and Jacobite uprisings, evolving through centuries of conflict and refinement.

 

📍 Location

Where: On the outskirts of Banff, Aberdeenshire (AB45 1DL), overlooking the River Deveron estuary

Why Visit: Stunning coastal setting blending medieval ruins with Georgian elegance, plus ties to Scotland's political struggles

 

📜 A Timeline of Transformation

12th–13th Century: Norman Origins

Original motte-and-bailey castle built by Flemish settlers under King David I

Destroyed by Viking raiders in the 12th century, then rebuilt in stone

 

14th–16th Century: Comyn & Stewart Power

Held by the Comyn family until their downfall after Robert the Bruce's rise

Later owned by the Stewart earls of Buchan, including the notorious "Wolf of Badenoch"

17th–18th Century: Jacobite Era

1746: Occupied by Government troops hunting Jacobites after Culloden

1750: Mostly demolished and rebuilt as a Georgian mansion by William Duff of Braco

19th–20th Century: Modern Use

Served as a hotel before conversion to private apartments

 

👑 Key Inhabitants

The Comyns: Powerful Norman-Scottish lords who dominated northeast politics

Alexander Stewart

Wolf of Badenoch: Infamous 14th-century warlord who burned Elgin Cathedral

William Duff, 1st Earl Fife: Georgian magnate who transformed the castle into a mansion

 

⚔️ Significance in Scottish History

Viking Conflicts: Early destruction highlighted Norse threat to Scottish coast

Wars of Independence: Comyn ownership placed it at heart of Bruce-Comyn rivalry

Jacobite Suppression: Government use during 1745 rising showed its strategic importance

Agricultural Revolution: 18th-century rebuilding reflected Scotland's Enlightenment era

 

🌟 Visiting Today

🏰 Partial Public Access

Current Use: Private residential apartments (no interior access)

Public Access: Gardens and exterior viewing available during daylight hours

Best Views: From Banff Golf Course or Duff House grounds across the river

Nearby:

Duff House (William Adam masterpiece)

Banff Museum (local history exhibits)

Macduff Marine Aquarium

 

⚠️ Note: Respect residents' privacy—admire from public paths only

 

📍 Insider Tip: Walk the Banff to Macduff coastal path for the best photo opportunities of the castle with the Moray Firth as backdrop! 🌊📸

 

While you can't tour the interior, the castle's setting and nearby historic attractions make Banff well worth a visit for any Scottish history enthusiast!

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banff_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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🏰 Dunnideer Castle

Ancient Stronghold of the Garioch 🏰

Perched dramatically atop a 268-meter hill near Insch, Aberdeenshire, the skeletal ruins of Dunnideer Castle stand as a fascinating layer cake of Scottish history. This site holds not one but two historic treasures: a prehistoric hillfort dating back 2,500 years and a 13th-century tower house built from its stones—a silent witness to Pictish culture, Clan Comyn power, and Scotland’s Wars of Independence.

 

📍 Location

Where: Near Insch, Aberdeenshire (AB52 6JY), 35 miles northwest of Aberdeen

Why Visit: Panoramic views across the Garioch valley, rare combination of prehistoric and medieval ruins, and an accessible but rewarding climb

📜 A Timeline of Power & Conflict

Iron Age (c. 500 BC)

A vitrified hillfort was constructed here—stones fused by intense fire, possibly during ancient warfare. This was likely a major Pictish stronghold in their heartland.

13th Century: Norman Conquest

Built around 1260 by the Comyn family (also known as Cumming), using stones from the earlier hillfort

The Comyns were the most powerful barons in northern Scotland and rivals to Robert the Bruce

14th Century: Fall of the Comyns

1306–1307: After Robert the Bruce murdered John Comyn, the castle was likely attacked and abandoned

The Comyns' fall marked a major power shift in Scottish politics

Modern Era

By the 18th century, already a romantic ruin inspiring local legends

👑 Key Inhabitants

Pictish Chiefs: Ruled this strategic hilltop in the Iron Age

The Comyn Family: Norman-Scottish magnates who dominated Scottish politics until 1306

Later Gordons: Briefly held the lands after the Comyn downfall

⚔️ Significance in Scottish History

Pictish Legacy: One of northeast Scotland's most impressive vitrified forts

Comyn Power: Symbolized the family's control over the Garioch—the "Granary of Aberdeenshire"

Bruce's Revenge: Its abandonment reflected Robert the Bruce's systematic destruction of Comyn influence

Architectural Innovation: Early example of a stone tower house replacing earlier wooden fortifications

🌟 Visiting Today

🏰 Always Accessible

Opening: 24/7, year-round (daylight recommended)

Admission: Free

The Climb: Steep 30-minute walk from Insch—wear sturdy shoes!

Don't Miss:

The distinctive five-arched window openings (castle's signature feature)

360° views from Bennachie to the Cairngorms

The surrounding vitrified ramparts of the Iron Age fort

⚠️ Safety Note: Ruins are unstable—do not climb on walls. Supervise children closely.

📍 Local Tip: Visit at sunset for breathtaking golden-hour photos—and watch for red kites soaring over the valley! 🦅📸

 

Park at Insch and follow the signed path up Dunnideer Hill. The effort is rewarded with one of northeast Scotland's best views!

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunnideer_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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🏰 Gight Castle

The Ruined Ancestral Home of Lord Byron 🏰

Nestled in a secluded woodland setting near the banks of the River Ythan in Aberdeenshire, Gight Castle (pronounced “Gecht”) is a hauntingly beautiful ruin with a history steeped in poetry, tragedy, and the turbulent politics of Scotland’s northeast. Though now a crumbling shell, its legacy is forever tied to one of Britain’s most famous literary figures: Lord Byron.

📍 Location

Gight Castle is located near Fyvie, about 25 miles north of Aberdeen. Tucked away in a wooded estate along the River Ythan, the castle’s remote and romantic setting makes it a perfect destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The surrounding woodlands are part of the Gight Woods, now a protected wildlife area.

📜 History & Inhabitants

15th–16th Centuries: The Gordons of Gight

Built around 1560 by George Gordon, 4th Laird of Gight, a branch of the powerful Clan Gordon.

The Gordons were staunch Catholics and supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots, which often pitted them against Protestant rivals and the Crown.

18th Century: The Byron Connection

In 1785, Catherine Gordon, the heiress of Gight, married Captain John “Mad Jack” Byron.

Their son, the famous Romantic poet Lord Byron, inherited the estate—though he never lived there.

Financial troubles forced Catherine to sell the castle in 1787 to the Gordon family of Haddo (later Earls of Aberdeen).

19th–20th Centuries: Decline & Ruin

The castle was abandoned by the early 1800s and gradually fell into decay.

Its stones were reportedly used for local buildings, and it became the atmospheric ruin seen today.

⚔️ Significance in Scottish & British History

Clan Gordon Power: The Gordons were key players in northeast Scotland’s politics, often clashing with clans like the Forbeses.

Religious Conflicts: As Catholics, the Gordons faced persecution after the Reformation, leading to their decline.

Literary Legacy: Lord Byron famously referenced his ancestral roots at Gight in his poetry, adding a layer of romantic myth to the castle.

Jacobite Ties: Though not directly involved in the risings, the Gordons’ Catholic sympathies aligned with Jacobite causes.

 

👻 Ghosts & Legends

Local lore claims the castle is haunted by the “Green Lady,” a ghost said to be a Gordon woman who drowned in the Ythan. Lord Byron himself later wrote about the curse of Gight, which supposedly doomed its owners to tragic ends.

🌟 Visiting Today
🏰 Open Access Ruin

Access: The castle is on private land but accessible to the public via a scenic footpath through Gight Woods.

Opening Times: Always open (daylight hours recommended).

Admission: Free (no ticket required).

 

What to See:

The remains of the L-shaped tower house with vaulted cellars.

The surrounding ancient woodlands (rich in wildlife—look for red squirrels and ospreys!).

The nearby River Ythan, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

⚠️ Note: The ruins are unstable—explore with caution and stick to marked paths.

📅 Plan Your Visit

Parking: Available at the Gight Woods car park (follow signs from Fyvie).

 

Nearby Attractions:

Fyvie Castle (National Trust for Scotland)

Haddo House (historic Gordon estate)

Bennachie Hill for hiking

🎩 Fun Fact: Lord Byron once said the curse of Gight made his family “born to disaster”—though it certainly inspired some of his greatest works! ✍️🏴

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://www.livebreathescotland.com/gight-castle/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Knockhall Castle

The Phoenix of Newburgh 

Standing sentinel over the River Ythan estuary near Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, Knockhall Castle's striking pink sandstone ruins tell a 500-year tale of clan warfare, royal intrigue, and miraculous survival. This once-grand tower house has risen from the ashes (literally!) to become one of northeast Scotland's most fascinating lesser-known castles.

📍 Location

Where: 1 mile north of Newburgh (AB41 6BT), 15 miles north of Aberdeen

Why Visit: Stunning estuary views, rare surviving 16th-century interiors, and ties to the Jacobite Rising

📜 A History of Fire & Fortune

16th Century: Udny Power Base

Built in 1565 by Henry Preston, soon acquired by the powerful Udny family

Served as strategic stronghold controlling access to Aberdeen harbor

17th Century: Civil War & Flames

1639: Burned during the Bishops' Wars by Covenanters attacking Royalist sympathizers

1685: Remarkably rebuilt by John Udny, incorporating original medieval features

18th Century: Jacobite Connections

Secretly hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie's officers en route to Culloden (1746)

Later used as smuggler's den exploiting its riverside location

👑 Key Figures

The Udny Clan: Ruthless Aberdeenshire lords who dominated local politics

John Udny: The "Phoenix Laird" who restored the castle after its burning

James Francis Edward Stuart ("Old Pretender"): Allegedly sheltered here during 1715 Rising

⚔️ Political Significance

Religious Wars: Its burning marked Scotland's Protestant-Catholic divide

Jacobite Network: Key stop on clandestine routes between Highlands and Europe

Economic Power: Controlled vital salmon fishing rights on the Ythan

🌟 Visiting Today

🏰 Partially Accessible

Exterior: Always viewable from public footpaths along river

Interior: Open select summer days (check Newburgh History Society)

Don't Miss:

The vaulted ground floor with original 16th-century kitchen

"Bloody Stair" where Udny enemies were allegedly dispatched

Estuary wildlife including seals and ospreys

 

📍 Insider Tip: Visit at low tide to spot the castle's reflection in the Ythan's mirror-like waters—best photographed at dawn! 🌅📸

Note: Sturdy footwear recommended—uneven terrain around ruins.

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knockhall_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Borve Castle

The Forgotten Sentinel of Benbecula 🏰

 

Perched on a windswept promontory overlooking the wild Atlantic coast of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, the ruins of Borve Castle (also known as Caisteal Bhuirgh) stand as a haunting reminder of Clan MacNeil’s fierce legacy and the turbulent history of the Western Isles. Though now a crumbling relic, its stones whisper tales of medieval power struggles, Norse influence, and the relentless tides of Scottish history.

 

📍 Location

Where: Near Borve, Benbecula, between North and South Uist (HS7 5LA)

Why Visit: One of the few surviving medieval fortifications in the Outer Hebrides, with sweeping coastal views and an aura of forgotten grandeur

📜 A History Shrouded in Legend

14th Century: Norse-Gaelic Roots

Likely built in the 1300s by Amlaibh MacRuari, a Norse-Gaelic lord, as a stronghold against rival clans.

Later seized by Clan MacNeil of Barra, becoming a key outpost in their island dominion.

15th–16th Century: Clan Warfare

Controlled by the MacNeils, who used it to launch raids and defend against the MacDonalds of Clanranald.

1549: Described as "a stronghold of pirates" in Scottish records—likely referencing the MacNeils’ seafaring warfare.

17th Century: Abandonment & Decay

Fell into disuse as power shifted to the MacDonalds and the Scottish Crown tightened control over the Hebrides.

By the 18th century, it was already a ruin, its stones scavenged for local buildings.

👑 Key Figures

Amlaibh MacRuari: The Norse-Gaelic warlord who may have founded the castle.

Gilleonan MacNeil: 15th-century chief who expanded MacNeil influence in the region.

Clanranald MacDonalds: Rivals who eventually overshadowed the MacNeils in the Uists.

 

⚔️ Political Significance

Norse Legacy: A rare surviving link to the Norse-Gaelic lords who once ruled the Hebrides.

Clan Power Struggles: Symbolized the MacNeils’ defiance against MacDonald expansion.

Pirate Haven: Its reputation as a raiders’ base reflects the lawless maritime culture of the medieval Isles.

🌟 Visiting Today

🏰 Open Access Ruins

Access: Free to explore year-round (no gates or tickets).

Best Time to Visit: Summer for milder weather, but the stormy off-season adds dramatic atmosphere.

What to See:

Remnants of the curtain wall and rectangular keep.

Panoramic views of the Atlantic coast and nearby Borve standing stone.

Nearby Benbecula’s WWII airfield ruins for 20th-century history buffs.

⚠️ Note: The site is exposed—bring sturdy shoes and prepare for wind!

 

📍 Did You Know?

Local lore claims the castle is haunted by the ghost of a Norse warrior—listen for his battle cry on stormy nights! 🌊👻

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borve_Castle,_Benbecula

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Kisimul Castle Ferry Landing

 🏰 Kisimul Castle

The Island Fortress of Clan MacNeil

Rising from the turquoise waters of Castlebay, Barra, Kisimul Castle is Scotland’s most dramatic island stronghold—a medieval gem that served as the seat of Clan MacNeil for over 800 years. Known as the "Castle in the Sea," this stone sentinel embodies Hebridean resilience and Gaelic heritage.

 

📍 Location

Where: On a rocky islet in Castlebay Harbour, Isle of Barra (Outer Hebrides)

How to Visit: Accessible only by 3-minute boat ride from Castlebay pier (weather-dependent)

Why Go: The only major medieval castle still owned by its founding clan

📜 A Clan’s Enduring Legacy

11th Century Origins

Likely first fortified by Norse-Gaelic warlords before the MacNeils

Clan tradition claims descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary Irish king

15th–18th Century: Seat of the MacNeils

Built in its current form by Gilleonan MacNeil in 1427

Served as clan court, prison, and defense against rival clans like the MacDonalds

1745: Supported Bonnie Prince Charlie; later sheltered fugitives after Culloden

19th–20th Century: Abandonment & Revival

Fell into ruin after 1838 when the clan sold Barra

1937: Restored by American architect Robert MacNeil, 45th Chief, who bought back the estate

 

👑 Key Figures

Gilleonan MacNeil: Builder of the current castle

Rory the Turbulent: 16th-century chief who raided English ships (Elizabeth I called him a "pirate")

Robert MacNeil: 20th-century chief who revived the castle

⚔️ Political Significance

Clan Sovereignty: Operated as an independent lordship for centuries

Jacobite Loyalty: One of few Hebridean clans to fully back the ’45 Rising

Cultural Stronghold: Preserved Gaelic traditions against outside influences

 

🌟 Visiting Today

🏰 Open Seasonally (Historic Environment Scotland)

2024 Dates: 1 Apr–30 Sep (closed Oct–Mar)

Hours: Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm (last boat 4:45pm)

Admission: £9 adults / £5.50 kids (HES members free

Don’t Miss:

The clan prison with original iron rings

Great Hall with MacNeil heraldry

Views to Hebridean fishing boats from the battlements

 

⚠️ Important: Boats don’t run in high winds—check ferry status before visiting!

📍 Did You Know? The castle’s freshwater came from an ingenious stone cistern that collected rainwater—still visible today! 💦🏴

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=4738

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Barcaldine Castle

The "Black Castle" of Argyll's Turbulent Past

Perched ominously on the shores of Loch Creran in Argyll, Barcaldine Castle (or Caisteal Dubh in Gaelic, meaning "Black Castle") stands as a rare surviving example of a 17th-century Scottish tower house. Built for defense rather than luxury, its thick walls whisper tales of clan warfare, Jacobite uprisings, and Campbell dominance in the Western Highlands.

 

📍 Location

Where: Near Benderloch, 10 miles north of Oban (PA37 1SA)

Why Visit: One of few "Lochside Castles" you can stay in, with ghost stories and stunning views over Loch Linnhe

📜 A History Written in Blood & Loyalty

17th Century: A Campbell Stronghold

Built in 1609 by Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, a ruthless clan leader known as "Black Duncan"

Designed as a defensive outpost against rival clans like the MacDonalds and MacGregors

Played key role in Campbell expansion across Argyll

18th Century: Jacobite Intrigue

Occupied by government troops during the 1715 Jacobite Rising

Later used as a base for anti-Jacobite Campbell militias before Culloden

19th Century: From Fortress to Farm

Converted to agricultural use during Highland Clearances

Nearly demolished before 20th-century restoration

👑 Key Figures

Sir Duncan Campbell: Builder who executed rivals at nearby Carwhin Mill

John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll: Used castle to coordinate government forces against Jacobites

The "Grey Lady": Ghost of a murdered servant said to haunt the tower

⚔️ Political Significance

Clan Domination: Symbolized Campbell control over Western Highlands

Government Enforcer: Key staging post for anti-Jacobite operations

Architectural Rarity: Among last true Scottish tower houses built for war

🌟 Visiting Today

🏰 Open as Exclusive Hotel

Accommodation: 5 luxury bedrooms (from £250/night)

Public Access: Grounds viewable anytime; interiors for guests only

Ghost Tours: Available October-March (book via website)

Nearby: Combine with visit to Castle Stalker (20 mins south)

📍 Pro Tip: Ask about the secret tunnel to Loch Creran - used to smuggle weapons during uprisings!**

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcaldine_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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