Kildrummy Castle

Kildrummy Castle Details

Kildrummy Castle, an impressive ruined C14 courtyard castle of the Earls of Mar abandoned after the 1st Jacobite revolt C18.

  • Closest To: Kildrummy, Alford, Lumsden
  • Access: Chargeable Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NJ455164

Kildrummy Castle is a ruined castle dating from the 13th century built on a river cliff in upland Aberdeenshire. Historically it was the seat of the earls of Mar and was one of the most important castles in northern Scotland. Today it is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and open for a fee.

In the 13th century Earl William of Mar elected to build a new castle at Kildrummy, perhaps considering the castle at the Doune of Invernochty no longer suitable for purpose. However the nature of this early castle is not really understood. Later in the century the shield-shaped inner ward was constructed, consisting of a round tower-keep and a tower with residential complex attached along the clifftop, a twin-towered gatehouse at the opposite side, and D-shaped towers to either side. This castle was part dismantled by the English in 1306, and repeatedly besieged and taken into the late 15th century. In 1507 it was remodelled by the Lords Elphinstone, and it was damaged again in the mid 17th century. It was eventually abandoned and ruined by 1724.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry

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