Auchterhouse Castle

Auchterhouse Castle – or what is left of it – consists of the cut down ruin of a squarish tower within the private gardens of Auchterhouse, a privately owned and occupied mansion. The old tower is rectangular and measures a surprisingly large 12 metres across, with walls perhaps 3 metres thick.

Auchterhouse was a property of the Ogilvie family, and came to national politics in the mid 15th century when they were involved in the suppression of the rebellious Earl of Crawford. An older castle may have been damaged during this rebellion, resulting in the current tower being erected or strengthened. However in 1466, the property passed with marriage to James Stewart, brother of King James II and later earl of Buchan. It is likely that he elected to have a new property built which forms the earliest phase of the adjacent mansion, which remained with his descendants until the 18th century.

Due to its location, it is not possible to view the ruin clearly as it is hidden from the public roads by trees and shrubs.