Aikenway Castle

Aikenway Castle was a ruined stone stronghold beside the River Spey in Moray, about eight kilometres north-east of Rothes. It stood on a steep promontory that juts into the river, giving the castle natural defence on three sides. The only way to reach the castle was along a narrow ridge to the south. Archaeologists believe this ridge was deliberately mined to make it even steeper. Inside, visitors once admired elaborate oak panelling that lined the walls.

The castle’s past is mostly unknown. A west turret and other traces survived until 1870. Local records mention a brother of the Earl of Rothes living there at one time. By the early eighteenth century the last known occupants were two sisters, Margaret and Christian Leslie, who lived in the castle in 1729.

Today only faint traces remain of the walls and turret. The river still curves around the old site, and the steep slopes show where the ridge once rose. Walkers can follow faint paths along the riverbank to see the spot where the castle once stood.