Rusko Castle

Rusko Castle is a privately owned and occupied tower house dating to the late 15th or early 16th centuries. It is not open to the public, but is partially visible from some of the surrounding public roads. It is a modest rectangular tower that was restored in the 1970s. Today it is a standalone structure, but historically there was an extension and a range of associated buildings, all of which have been removed.

It appears likely that Rusko was built by the Gordons of Lochinvar after Flodden, although it is possible that it was built by the Acarsane family prior to 1949, when John Acarsane resigned his estate to his Gordon son in law, although the Acarsane residence may have been a moated manorial site nearby. This particular family of Gordons was a violent lot, and were outlawed on a number of occasions. On more than one occasion Rusko was used as a prison where the Gordon lairds kept people they had kidnapped. Late in the 16th century, Rusko was sold to the MacGuffocks, who occupied the castle for some time afterwards. In the end, like many towers, it fell into disrepair, and was last occupied by a shepherd c1900. In the end, a violent storm caused the roof to be lost along with the top floor.

HES Canmore database entry
“Mote of Polincrie” Canmore entry