Coull Castle

Coull Castle stands on a low hill in Aberdeenshire, south of the village of Coull. Built in the 13th century by the Durwards, it once controlled the northern approach to Aboyne. The castle served as the main stronghold of the barony of O’Neill for centuries. Its last intact mention appears in a charter from Mary I in 1554. By the early 17th century the structure had fallen into ruin according to Sir James Balfour’s records. The ruins were carefully excavated in 1912 by Dr Marshall Mackenzie after he bought the land. W. Douglas Simpson continued the work in 1922, uncovering a pentagonal courtyard and at least three flanking towers. Today only slight traces remain above ground, marking where the castle once stood. Visitors find a quiet grassy mound with low stone outlines and a sense of height above the surrounding fields. The site offers wide views north towards Aboyne and the wider valley. A single information board explains the layout of the courtyard and towers. The peaceful setting contrasts with the castle’s former military importance.