🏰 Cawdor Castle

Where Myth Meets a Living Home

If you’re touring the Moray Firth or the Highlands near Inverness, Cawdor Castle is an absolute essential. It’s famous worldwide thanks to William Shakespeare, but the real history involving a thorn tree and a kidnapped heiress is even better than the play!

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📍 Location

• Where is it? Located in the parish of Cawdor, about 5 miles southwest of Nairn and 12 miles east of Inverness.
• Setting: It’s surrounded by stunning formal gardens and "The Big Wood," featuring some of the most ancient trees in the Highlands.
• Coordinates: 57.524N, 3.926W ///uptown.beaks.nightcap
• Van Access: There is a good-sized car park, and the drive in is manageable for most motorhomes, though the village roads are charmingly narrow!

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

The castle is built around a literal piece of nature that you can still see today.

1. The Legend of the Thorn Tree (1370s)

• The Founder: The Thanes of Calder (later Cawdor) wanted to build a new tower.
• The Decision: Legend says the Thane loaded a donkey with gold and let it roam; wherever it stopped to rest, he would build his castle. The donkey stopped under a holly tree.
• The Result: The castle was built around that tree. If you visit the dungeon today, you can still see the remains of the "Thorn Tree" (which carbon dating has proven died around 1372).

2. The Calder to Campbell Shift (1510)

• The Inhabitants: Originally the home of the Calders. However, the 8th Thane died leaving only a baby girl, Muriel, as his heir.
• The Kidnapping: The powerful Earl of Argyll (a Campbell) kidnapped Muriel to marry her off to his son, Sir John Campbell. When her nursemaid worried about Muriel being swapped for another child, it’s said the Earl replied, "She can never be changed as long as she has the mark of the red-hot key on her shoulder!"
• The Legacy: The Campbells of Cawdor have lived there ever since.

3. 17th Century Splendour

• The castle was significantly expanded in the 1600s, adding the beautiful range of residential buildings that surround the original medieval keep.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

Cawdor sits at the intersection of English literature and Scottish reality.

• The Macbeth Connection: In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist is named "Thane of Cawdor." While this made the castle world-famous, it is historically impossible—the real King Macbeth lived in the 11th century, 300 years before the castle was built! The castle owners have a great sense of humour about this, often telling visitors: "The bird was here, but the nest was not."
• Highland Power Dynamics: The transition from the Calders to the Campbells represents a major political shift in Scottish history. It shows how the Clan Campbell expanded their massive influence from the west coast into the north through strategic marriages and "aggressive" legal maneuvering.
• Preservation of the Peerage: Cawdor remains the seat of the Earl Cawdor. Its continued use as a private residence (inhabited by the Dowager Countess Cawdor) highlights the survival of the Scottish aristocracy and their role in maintaining Highland heritage through the centuries.

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Johnny’s Travel Tip: Don’t just look at the castle! The gardens are world-class, including a "Walled Garden" and a "Wild Garden." It’s a great place to stretch your legs after a long stint behind the wheel.

Have you ever seen the famous "Thorn Tree" in the dungeon? Or did you go specifically for the Macbeth connection? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#MotorhomeTouringScotland #CawdorCastle #HighlandHistory #Macbeth #ScottishCastles #MotorhomeLife #JohnnyBurr

🚐 Where to Park the Van: Cawdor & Nairn Area

1. Barns Highland (Best for Views & Space)

Just a stone’s throw from Nairn, this is a firm favourite for the motorhome community. It’s a dedicated campsite on a working farm.

• Why it’s great: Huge, level pitches and incredible views over the Moray Firth. It’s very "big-rig" friendly.
• Distance to Cawdor: ~15 minutes.

2. The Cawdor Tavern (The "Pub Stay" Option)

Located right in the heart of Cawdor village.

• Why it’s great: If your followers are looking for that authentic Highland evening, this is it. They are known to be welcoming to motorhomes for a "stay-and-dine" arrangement (always tell people to call ahead!).
• Distance to Cawdor: Literally around the corner from the castle gates.

3. Culloden Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite

For those who prefer the reliability of the Club network.

• Why it’s great: It’s exceptionally well-maintained and quiet. It’s also perfectly positioned if people want to do a "Historic Triangle" trip: Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns.
• Distance to Cawdor: ~15-20 minutes.

4. Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park (Best for Families/Beach Lovers)

• Why it’s great: It sits right on the edge of the East Beach in Nairn. Great for a coastal walk after a day of castle touring.
• Distance to Cawdor: ~15 minutes.

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💡 Johnny’s "Pro-Tip" for the Post:

"If you're heading to Cawdor from the Inverness side, keep an eye on your sat-nav. Some of the back roads toward the castle are beautiful but can get a bit 'hairy' if you're in a larger tag-axle. Stick to the B9090 or B9006 for the easiest approach!"

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://www.cawdorcastle.com/

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🏰 Duntulm Castle

The Defiant Fortress of the North

If you’re taking your van around the Trotternish Loop on the Isle of Skye, you have to pull over at the northern tip to see the ruins of Duntulm Castle. Perched precariously on a basalt cliff overlooking the Minch, it’s the definition of "rugged Scotland."

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📍 Location

• Where is it? Situated at the northernmost point of the Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye.
• Setting: It’s surrounded on three sides by steep drops into the sea. On a clear day, you can look across the water to the Outer Hebrides (Harris and North Uist).
• Coordinates: 57.683N, 6.350W – ///witty.pram.should
• Access Note: The road (A850/A855) is spectacular but can be narrow in places—take it slow in the bigger rigs!

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

The site has been a defensive position since the Iron Age, but its "glory days" were defined by the fierce rivalry between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds.

1. The Early Fort (Pre-14th Century)

• Long before the stone castle, this was a Dun (a prehistoric fort). Its name, Duntulm, likely means "Fort of the Grassy Hill."

2. The MacLeod & MacDonald Tug-of-War

• The MacLeods: Originally held by the Clan MacLeod.
• The MacDonald Takeover: In the 15th century, the MacDonalds of Sleat (the powerful "Lords of the Isles") seized the castle. It became their principal seat, and they moved their headquarters here from South Skye to better guard the sea lanes.

3. The 17th Century Peak

• The castle was expanded into a luxurious (for the time) residence. It featured a great hall, a massive curtain wall, and a tower. It was the heart of the MacDonald empire in the North.

4. Abandonment and Ghosts (1730s)

• The Move: The MacDonalds abandoned Duntulm in 1732, moving to the more "modern" and comfortable Monkstat House.
• The Legend: Local lore says they left because the castle was too haunted. One famous ghost is Hugh MacDonald, who was imprisoned in the dungeon and fed only salt beef with no water until he went mad. Another is the distraught nursemaid who accidentally dropped the Chief’s infant son from a window onto the rocks below.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

Duntulm wasn't just a home; it was a political statement of defiance.

• Lords of the Isles vs. The Crown: The MacDonalds of Sleat were essentially "Kings in the North." Duntulm served as a reminder to the Scottish Kings in Edinburgh that the Highland and Island clans were a force to be reckoned with.
• Maritime Strategy: Before roads existed, the "highways" of Scotland were the sea lochs. Duntulm allowed the MacDonalds to control the Minch (the sea between Skye and the Outer Hebrides), taxing or attacking ships as they saw fit.
• The End of an Era: The abandonment of Duntulm in the 1730s signaled a major shift in Scottish politics. Following the Jacobite Risings, the old "warrior-chief" lifestyle was dying out, replaced by the "landed gentry" style of living that led to the Highland Clearances.

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Johnny’s Travel Tip: There is a small parking area nearby, but it fills up fast in the summer! It’s a short, grassy walk to the ruins, but stay back from the edges—the cliff is eroding and can be unstable.

Have you braved the wind at Duntulm, or do you prefer the calmer views at Dunvegan? Share your Skye stories below! 🚐💨👇

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Rait Castle

🏰 The Ghostly Ruins of Rait Castle: A Tale of Betrayal

If you’re cruising near Nairn in your motorhome, there is a hidden, roofless shell of a building that holds one of the darkest legends in Scottish history. Rait Castle isn't your typical tower house; it’s a rare 13th-century "hall house" with a story that will give you chills.

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📍 Location

• Where is it? Tucked away about 3 miles south of Nairn in the Highlands.
• Setting: It sits on a slight rise overlooking the fertile plains of Moray. Access is via a narrow track—so if you're in a larger tag-axle motorhome, you might want to park nearby and enjoy the short walk!
• Coordinates: 57.555N 3.84W

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Rait Castle is famous for being a "hall house," a style more common in England than Scotland, which tells us a lot about its early owners.

1. The De Rait Family (13th Century)

• The Founders: The castle was likely built by the de Rait family, who were of Flemish origin.
• The Style: Unlike the vertical "towers" we usually see in Scotland, this was built as a grand, two-storey horizontal hall. The upper floor was the "Great Hall" where the family lived and entertained.

2. The Comyn (Cummings) Era (14th - 15th Century)

• The Transition: By the early 1400s, the castle passed to the Comyns, a powerful family who were bitter rivals of the neighboring Mackintoshes.
• The "Bloody Toast" (1442): Legend says the Comyns invited the Mackintoshes to a "peace banquet" at Rait. The secret signal to begin the massacre was a specific toast. However, the Comyn laird's daughter had warned her Mackintosh lover. A bloodbath ensued, and the daughter, attempting to escape through a window, had her hands cut off by her own father. She is said to haunt the ruins to this day as a handless ghost.

3. Abandonment

• Following the massacre and the shifting power of the clans, the castle was abandoned. It was never modernized, which is why it remains a "pure" example of 13th-century design.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

Rait Castle represents the complex "feudal" chess match of medieval Scotland:

• Flemish Influence: The presence of the de Raits highlights how Scottish Kings (like David I and his successors) brought in Flemish and Norman knights to help govern the north. This moved Scotland away from tribal Celtic law and into the European feudal system.
• Clan Warfare: Rait is a stark monument to the brutal reality of Highland Clan politics. The feud between the Comyns and the Mackintoshes wasn't just about land; it was about local dominance in a time when the central Scottish Crown was often too weak to intervene in the North.
• Architectural Rarity: For historians, Rait is significant because it's a rare survivor of the English-style hall house in Scotland. It shows that even during times of war, architectural trends and cultural ideas were flowing back and forth across the border.

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Johnny’s Travel Tip: This is a fantastic spot for photography, especially at sunset when the light hits the ancient stonework. Just be careful—the locals say the atmosphere changes once the sun goes down!

Do you enjoy visiting "haunted" ruins, or do you prefer the restored castles? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments! 👇

#MotorhomeTouringScotland #RaitCastle #Nairn #HighlandHistory #ScottishLegends #MotorhomeLife #JohnnyBurr

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Aldourie Castle

 

🏰 Aldourie Castle: The Jewel of Loch Ness

If you’ve ever taken a boat trip on Loch Ness or driven the eastern shore, you’ve likely spotted the fairy-tale turrets of Aldourie Castle peeking through the trees. It is famously the only habitable castle on the shores of the world’s most famous loch!

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📍 Location

• Where is it? It sits on the southern/eastern shore of Loch Ness, about 5 miles southwest of Inverness.
• Setting: Nestled within a 500-acre estate at the very head of the loch, near the village of Dores. It commands a prime position where the loch narrows toward the River Ness.
• Coordinates: $57.394^\circ \text{N}, 4.327^\circ \text{W}$.

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Unlike the rugged ruins of Urquhart, Aldourie transitioned from a modest "Laird’s House" to a high-society Victorian masterpiece.

1. The Early Days (1626)

• The Origins: The first recorded building was a classic Scottish "Laird's House" built in 1626. The name "Aldourie" comes from the Gaelic Allt Dughrie, meaning "The Windy Burn."
• The Frasers: It was originally a property of the Frasers of Lovat, one of the most powerful clans in the Highlands.

2. The Tytler Family Expansion (18th - 19th Century)

• New Ownership: In 1754, the estate was bought by William Fraser Tytler. The Tytler family were prominent lawyers and historians who held the castle for generations.
• The Makeover: In the 1850s, the family commissioned the famous architect Mackenzie & Matthews to transform the house. They added the iconic turrets, towers, and crow-stepped gables, turning it into the Scottish Baronial dream we see today.

3. Modern Renaissance (20th Century - Present)

• Preservation: After centuries with the Tytlers, the castle changed hands. In 2014, it was purchased by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who is now one of Scotland's largest landowners and a major figure in Highland "rewilding" conservation.
• Status: It has been meticulously restored and is now an ultra-luxury private-hire estate.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

While Aldourie didn't host many bloody battles, its political and strategic significance is deep-rooted:

• The Great Glen Strategy: Aldourie sits at the northern gateway of the Great Glen, a massive geological fault line that cuts Scotland in two. Throughout history, controlling this corridor was essential for English and Scottish crowns to manage Highland clans and prevent Jacobite uprisings.
• Social Politics: During the Victorian era, Aldourie became a hub for the social elite. The "Baronial" style of the castle was a political statement in itself—it was an attempt to romanticize Scottish identity and loyalty to the British Empire simultaneously, often visited by those who moved in the same circles as Queen Victoria.
• The Jacobite Context: Though Aldourie was more of a residence than a fort, its proximity to Inverness and Culloden meant the surrounding lands were constantly caught in the crossfire of the 1745 rebellion.

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Johnny’s Travel Tip: While the castle itself is a private estate, the village of Dores nearby has a fantastic beach with one of the best views down the entire length of Loch Ness. It’s a great spot to park the van and soak in the atmosphere!

Have you spotted Aldourie from a Loch Ness cruise, or have you explored the Dores side of the loch? Let’s see your photos in the comments! 📸👇

#MotorhomeTouringScotland #AldourieCastle #LochNess #Inverness #ScottishBaronial #HighlandHistory #JohnnyBurr

 

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

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Duffus Castle

If you’re touring the Moray coast near Elgin, there is one ruin you absolutely cannot miss: Duffus Castle. It’s one of the finest examples of a motte-and-bailey castle in Scotland, but with a very dramatic twist!

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📍 Location

• Where is it? Located in the fertile Laich of Moray, about 3 miles north of Elgin.
• Setting: It stands on a massive man-made mound, surrounded by flat, sprawling plains. It’s a peaceful spot with a great little "Coffee at the Castle" hut nearby—perfect for a pitstop in the van!
• Coordinates: $57.690^\circ \text{N}, 3.332^\circ \text{W}$.

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Duffus is a story of ambitious engineering meeting the reality of soft Scottish soil.

1. The Flemish Arrival (1140s)

• The Founder: Built by Freskin, a Flemish knight. King David I of Scotland invited Freskin to Moray to help suppress local rebellions and "Normanize" the region.
• The First Castle: Originally, this was a massive wooden fortress sitting atop a steep earthwork mound (the motte) and a lower fortified courtyard (the bailey).

2. The Rise of the Moravia Family

• Key Inhabitants: Freskin’s descendants took the name 'de Moravia' (of Moray). They became one of the most powerful families in Scotland, eventually spawning the Clans Murray and Sutherland.
• Transition to Stone: In the 14th century, the wooden fort was replaced by a massive stone tower house.

3. War and Gravity (14th - 17th Centuries)

• Wars of Independence: During the conflict between Scotland and England, the castle was attacked and burned by the forces of Robert the Bruce in 1308 to prevent it from being used by the English.
• The Great Slip: The earth mound wasn't designed to hold the weight of a stone castle. At some point, a massive section of the stone tower broke off and slid down the hill! You can still see this spectacular "collapsed" section today.

4. The Sutherland Era and Abandonment

• Final Residents: The Sutherland family held the castle until the late 17th century. By 1705, they found the drafty medieval tower too uncomfortable and moved into the nearby, more modern Duffus House, leaving the castle to the birds.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

Duffus Castle is much more than just a ruin; it’s a monument to the birth of "Modern" Scotland.

• Feudalism & Control: Duffus was a "colonial" outpost. It represents the moment Scottish Kings (like David I) shifted from Celtic tribal leadership to a feudal system based on knights and land grants, similar to the English system.
• Taming the North: For the Scottish Crown, Duffus was a vital "police station" used to keep the rebellious locals of Moray in check and prevent Viking-descended lords from seizing the north.
• The Wars of Independence: Its destruction by Robert the Bruce highlights the "Scorched Earth" policy used by the Scots. They would rather destroy their own magnificent castles than let an English garrison occupy them.

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Johnny’s Travel Tip: The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is free to enter! The ground can be a bit uneven (especially with that leaning tower!), so wear sturdy shoes.

Have you ever seen a castle quite like this one? Drop your photos in the comments below! 👇

#MotorhomeTouringScotland #DuffusCastle #MoraySpeyside #ScottishHistory #HiddenScotland #JohnnyBurr

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

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

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🌸🏰 Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens🏰🌸

The “Pearl of the North”

📍 Location:

Ballindalloch Castle is located in Moray, in the heart of Speyside, Scotland—nestled where the Rivers Avon and Spey meet. Surrounded by rolling hills, ancient woodland, and some of the world’s most famous whisky distilleries, it is one of Scotland’s most enchanting and continuously inhabited castles.

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🕰️ A Castle Steeped in History

Built in 1546, Ballindalloch Castle is one of the few Scottish castles that has been continuously lived in by the same family—the Macpherson-Grants—for over 450 years. Its architecture has evolved from a fortified tower house designed for turbulent times to a refined Highland estate showcasing Georgian, Victorian, and modern enhancements.

Throughout its long history, the castle has survived clan feuds, civil wars, Jacobite rebellions, and the shifting political landscape of Scotland and the United Kingdom.

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👑 Notable Inhabitants Through the Centuries

🏰 The Macpherson-Grant Family (1546–Present)

The estate was granted to John Grant of Freuchie, and his second son became the first laird of Ballindalloch. The family would go on to play important roles in Scottish politics, land management, agriculture, and military service.

Key figures include:

• General James Grant (1720–1806)
  A distinguished soldier who fought in the British Army during the Seven Years’ War and later in Florida and the Caribbean. He returned home to modernize the estate and is responsible for many of the castle’s Georgian additions.
• Sir George Macpherson-Grant (8th Baronet, 1839–1907)
  A visionary agriculturalist known for developing the famous Ballindalloch Aberdeen Angus cattle herd, one of the oldest and most respected in the world.
• The Current Family
  Today, the castle remains a cherished family home. The present generation continues to restore and manage the estate, welcoming visitors while maintaining centuries-old traditions.

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⚔️ Importance in Scottish & English History

🏴 Scottish Clan Heritage

Ballindalloch lies within historic Clan Grant territory and has long served as a symbol of continuity and resilience. While other castles were destroyed or abandoned during the clan conflicts, Ballindalloch survived, expanding through periods of peace.

📜 The Jacobite Era

During the Jacobite risings, the surrounding region was a hotbed of tension, with families split in their loyalties. The Macpherson-Grants were among those balancing political survival with ancestral ties, navigating alliances with both Crown and clan.

🇬🇧 Integration into British Politics

By the 18th–19th centuries, the family became deeply involved in British military and parliamentary affairs. Their influence stretched across Scotland and into the wider United Kingdom, reflecting the shifting political landscape following the Act of Union in 1707.

🐂 Agricultural Significance

The creation of the Ballindalloch Aberdeen Angus herd placed the estate at the center of British agricultural innovation. This helped shape farming practices across Scotland and contributed to the global success of the Angus breed.

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🌿 Ballindalloch Today: A Living Estate

Visitors to Ballindalloch Castle can explore:

🌸 Magnificent formal gardens—including the Rock Garden, Walled Garden, and the newly restored 17th-century grounds.

🖼️ Historic interiors—filled with fine art, antique furniture, and family heirlooms spanning nearly five centuries.

🏞️ Woodland & riverside walks—offering scenic views and peaceful trails.

🐂 The famous Angus cattle herd—a cornerstone of the estate’s identity.

🥃 The Ballindalloch Distillery—a modern addition, producing handcrafted single malt whisky on ancestral land.

 

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🌟 Did You Know?

Ballindalloch Castle is often called “The Pearl of the North” due to its beauty, preservation, and continuous family heritage. Few castles in Scotland can boast such an unbroken line of occupation.

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✨ Have you ever visited Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens? Share your photos, stories, and memories below!

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Auchindoun Castle

🏰 Auchindoun Castle: A Story of Fire, Feuds, and Highland History 🔥

 

Fancy a trip to a truly dramatic Scottish ruin? The lonely walls of Auchindoun Castle near Dufftown tell a turbulent tale of ambition, betrayal, and deadly clan rivalry!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 A History Written in Blood and Stone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Perched on a hill overlooking the River Fiddich, Auchindoun was built around 1480, possibly for Thomas Cochrane, a controversial favourite of King James III.

Notable Residents: The castle passed through several powerful hands, including the Clan Ogilvy, but it's the Clan Gordon that cemented its place in history.

A Dark Chapter: Sir Adam Gordon of Auchindoun earned the dark nickname "Scottish Herod" after his forces set fire to Corgarff Castle in 1571, killing all 27 occupants during a bitter feud with the Forbes clan (immortalised in the ballad "Edom o' Gordon").

English/Scottish Significance: The castle's prominence during the volatile 16th-century clan wars and its use as a temporary base by Viscount Dundee during the first Jacobite rising in 1689 highlights its role in the power struggles that defined relations between Scotland's noble houses and the Crown, impacting the wider British political landscape.

The Burning: In revenge for the murder of the "Bonnie Earl o' Moray," the castle was famously attacked and burned by the Clan Mackintosh in 1592, a dramatic event retold in the ballad "The Burning of Auchindoun." Though restored later, it eventually lay derelict by 1725.

Auchindoun is a powerful and atmospheric ruin—a true monument to Scotland's rugged past.

🗺️ Planning Your Visit

Location: Auchindoun Castle, near Dufftown, Moray (Postcode: AB55 4DR). It stands in a remote, spectacular setting off the A941.

Access & Parking: Access is on foot only. You can park in a small layby off the A941 (Dufftown to Rhynie road). From the layby, follow the rough track uphill for approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the castle. Be sure to wear good footwear as the path can be steep and muddy!

What to See: Explore the impressive remains of the L-plan tower house and the surrounding curtain wall. Look closely—the castle stands within the impressive earthworks of what may have been an older Iron Age fort!

🥃 Nearby Places of Interest

Dufftown: Known as the "Malt Whisky Capital of the World," a great spot for food, drink, and distillery tours (including Glenfiddich and Balvenie).

Balvenie Castle: Another impressive ruin managed by Historic Environment Scotland, located just a few miles away. Fun fact: stones from Auchindoun were allegedly used to repair Balvenie!

The Speyside Malt Whisky Trail: If you enjoy your spirits, you are right on the doorstep of one of the world's most famous whisky regions.

It's a fantastic stop for any motorhome tour, offering a genuine taste of Highland history and some truly breathtaking views!

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

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

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

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