🏰 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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