Braemar Castle

Braemar Castle is a large and modified L-plan tower built by the earl of Mar in 1628 on a mound which projects into the Dee floodplain and may be at least partially artificial. The tower was extensively remodelled in the 18th century to convert it to military use and now possesses a star-shaped courtyard wall. It is open to the public seasonally and maintained by a community trust.

The tower has three vaulted cellars, indicative of an earlier date than 1628, and rises through four storeys above. After a brief occupation it was sacked by Jacobites in 1688-89 and left derelict. It was appropriated by the government after 1745 and it was redesigned with larger turrets and the star courtyard. It was renovated in the early 19th century when the army moved out, and extended to permit Queen Victoria to stay in the 1850s, although this extension has been demolished after being considered beyond repair.

Official Braemar Castle website

HES Canmore database entry