Druminnor Castle

Druminnor Castle stands on a steep valley beside the Keron burn, two miles east of Rhynie in Aberdeenshire. Built in the early 15th century, it is an L-plan castle with a long history tied to the Forbes family. The site may have held an earlier castle as far back as 1271, when Alexander III granted land to Duncan Forbes. The original tower house, dating from 1456, was demolished in the early 19th century. The present structure includes parts from the 15th century, with later additions made in 1841–43 by Archibald Simpson. The castle is known for its turbulent past, including a violent feud between the Gordon and Forbes clans. In 1571, twenty Gordons were murdered in the Great Hall. Later that year, Clan Forbes suffered a defeat at the battle of Tillieangus, where their leader, Black Arthur Forbes, was killed. The castle also witnessed a bitter family dispute in 1590, when John, Master of Forbes, was accused of imprisoning his father. The conflict led to legal battles and temporary control of the castle by William Forbes of Tolquhoun. Visitors find an L-plan castle with a modern central door on the north front. The Great Hall sits on the first floor, above vaulted basements. The doorway arch, made of five straight sections, is thought to be unique in Scotland. Heavy corbelling supports a circular stair tower, which includes a watch room. The walls are recessed at the first-floor level, and three armorial panels sit above the door. The south front rises four storeys due to the sloping ground, while the 1815 wing, now gone, once featured pointed gables and dormer heads. The castle remains a category A listed building.