Dee Castle

Dee Castle stands in Aberdeenshire, five kilometres east of Ballater, beside the River Dee. Built in the 15th century, it served as a residence for the Gordon family. Some believe the castle dates from around 1602, while others argue it could be older. In 1641 it was burned and later left to decay. Today only fragments remain, yet the site still carries traces of its past. A small part of the castle may have formed the north-west corner of a Roman Catholic chapel built in 1797. By 1898 the chapel was no longer used. Later it became a private home, and the west wall, now 1.5 metres thick, is thought to belong to the original castle. Visitors can still see this sturdy wall rising among the trees. The surroundings are peaceful farmland with views across the River Dee. A quiet lane leads to the site, where the remains sit among grass and bracken. The air carries the scent of heather and pine. Few tourists come, so the place feels undisturbed. It offers a quiet moment with the past.