Castle Roy is one of the oldest castles of its type in Scotland unique in that it is largely unaltered, whilst most other castles have been extensively modified over the centuries. The castle is thought to have been built at some point in the early 13th century, replacing an earlier wooden motte and bailey keep of Norman influenced design. In accordance with its early design it is one of Scotland’s simplest forts consisting of four curtain walls, about 7 ft. thick, forming a square. Presumably the walls defended a number of timber buildings which have since disappeared. One theory is that Castle Roy was built by James, son of the Earl of Mar, in 1226, after having receiving the title of Lord of Abernethy from King Alexander II. It may have become a residence of the powerful Comyn family, rivals of the famed King Robert the Bruce.
In 1548 the Castle was named in the Charter of the Earldom of Moray and therefore possibly it was still in use, although in the era of gunpowder will only have been of use as a fortified shelter.
References:Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.