Lesmoir Castle

Lesmoir Castle stands in Aberdeenshire, about 3.2 kilometres west of Rhynie, near the Tap o' Noth hill. Built in the 16th century, it occupied a site with older earthworks from the 13th century. The castle once formed part of the Gordon stronghold network in the region. Its remains lie within circular earthworks that still mark the original boundary. A motte and a triangular bailey to the south rise slightly above the surrounding marshland. A wet moat once surrounded the tower and walled courtyard, which held outbuildings. The castle’s history includes Jock o’Scurdargue’s use of the site in the 15th century. Repairs were made around 1600, but in 1647 David Leslie captured it by draining the moat. He sacked the castle and executed 27 of its garrison. The Grants of Rothiemaise bought the ruins in 1759 and dismantled what remained. The last house on the site was demolished the same year for building materials. Visitors today find few standing walls, but the earthworks and moat traces remain visible. The site overlooks the marshland where the bailey once stood. The circular earthworks define the original castle limits. The motte offers a slight rise above the flat ground. Though little remains of the tower or courtyard, the landscape still reflects the castle’s strategic position.