Huntly Castle, Huntly, United Kingdom

Huntly Castle was the ancestral home of the chief of Clan Gordon, Earl of Huntly. Architecturally the castle consists of a well-preserved five-story tower with an adjoining great hall and supporting buildings. Areas of the original ornate facade and interior stonework remain. A mound in the grounds of the castle is all that remains of an earlier 12th century motte. Originally named Strathbogie, the castle was granted to Sir Adam Gordon of Huntly in the 14th century. King Robert the Bruce was a guest of the castle in 1307 prior to his defeat of the Earl of Buchan.

With its splendid architecture, Huntly Castle served as a baronial residence for five centuries. The palace block, erected in between the 16th and 17th centuries, has an impressive L-plan tower house and defensive earthworks from the civil war. The property is famed for the fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes and includes two impressive heraldic fireplaces in the Marchioness’s lodging.

Eleven steps lead to the raised area where the castle stands. The castle can be viewed from outside and there is an interpretation board giving information about the property.

References:

Visit Scotland

User Reviews

Kenneth Aitken (2 years ago)
Good access to lots of the castle with informative boards, throughout. As always, interesting to learn a bit about the people that built and lived in the castle.

John Burton (3 years ago)
Well worth a visit, a lot more to it than you'd imagine for a ruin. Atmospheric, steeped in some excitingly bloody history and surrounded by stunning countryside. Even better once covid restrictions are lifted, though not too much currently off limits, just the top of the tower and the dungeon. Everything in between still to enjoy.

Sumari Dancer (3 years ago)
Stunning ruin. Well maintained and with informative plaques throughout. Well worth the visit.

Mike Darcy (3 years ago)
Fantastic ruin. Very well placed informative plaques explain every portion of the grounds. Enjoyed reliving the historic lives people lead.

Tanya Von Black (3 years ago)
Absolutely stunning. We had the best time. So beautiful, so much history and the staff couldn't have been nicer. I really enjoyed this castle even with some parts being locked off at the moment. The swallow are nesting and I enjoyed watching them flitting in and out.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Mark1792

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