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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