Aboyne Castle

The much altered remnant of Aboyne Castle remains the private residence of the Gordon family, but can be clearly seen from a distance from the surrounding estate, which is publicly accessible with good paths. The original castle was probably erected in the 13th century by the Bissets, but would have been fairly modest to serve the thanage. It was strategically important, guarding a pass north from Deeside, but the first structure of any major significance was probably not built until Aboyne was granted to the Gordons in the 15th century.

The old tower house was subsequently absorbed into what was to become a massive baronial mansion, which was abandoned and became derelict in the early 20th century. The castle was then part demolished, extensively remodelled and refurbished from the 1970s, meaning that the development cannot now be assessed accurately.