Huntly Castle

Huntly Castle stands in the north-east of Scotland where the rivers Deveron and Bogie meet, a short distance north of the town of Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It was the stronghold of the chiefs of Clan Gordon, who became Earls of Huntly. Four different castles occupied the site over the centuries, each built in a new position on the estate. The first was a wooden motte, the second a stone castle in the bailey, the third and fourth further east on the southern edge of the grounds. The ruins today show parts of all four phases. The castle’s past is tied to key figures in Scottish history. Robert the Bruce stayed here after falling ill at Inverurie and later rewarded the Gordons for their loyalty. James IV visited several times, once bringing Italian minstrels and an African drummer, and gave money to the masons building the new hall. Mary, Queen of Scots, also came to the castle, sending men to arrest the Earl in 1562. The story of the Earl’s sudden death during a football match adds a dramatic note to its history. Visitors walk among the remains of the five-storey tower, the great hall and supporting buildings. Parts of the ornate stonework still show the craftsmanship of the 16th and 17th centuries. The L-plan layout includes the round tower called the New Warke, the Great Chamber and the Chamber of Dais where the Earl lay in state. Beyond the ruins, the riverside setting offers quiet views across the surrounding countryside.