Daugh Castle

Daugh Castle stands in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, about eight kilometres north of Huntly beside the Cairnie Burn. Once also called the Castle of the Daach, it belonged to Thomas Gordon, a figure whose life mixes history with legend. The castle gave way in the 16th century to Auchanachie Castle as the main residence of the family. Today only a low mound marks the site, north of the farm of Little Daugh. The access road still follows the old route to the vanished timber buildings. The site once commanded wide views over lower Strathisla from its strong position. Archaeologists estimate the enclosure wall enclosed an area roughly fifty-five metres by forty-six metres. The mound shows where the main structure once rose above the surrounding ground. Little remains above ground, yet the shape of the earthworks tells the story of a defended place. The castle’s name lives on in local place names and family records. Visitors find a quiet grassy mound beside a farm track, with no visible stonework above ground. The view stretches across fields towards the distant valley of the Isla. The site lies close to other historic places in Aberdeenshire, yet it stands apart in its peaceful setting. The absence of modern intrusions lets the imagination picture the timber castle and its people long ago.