Lonmay Castle

The remains of Lonmay Castle lie near Netherton of Lonmay, north of Loch Strathbeg in Buchan, Scotland. It stands on a rocky headland known as the Knuckle in North-East Aberdeenshire. The castle dates from the 13th century and was once home to the Fraser family. Over time, shifting sand dunes have buried most of its remains. The site once protected the north shore of an estuary that later became Loch Strathbeg around 1720. The south shore was guarded by the Castle of Rattray. Lonmay Castle is described by W. Douglas Simpson as one of the nine castles of the Knuckle. Very few traces remain today, as all the stones were removed and used to build farmhouses. The site is now marked only by its name, with no surviving tradition about the building. A 1931 Ordnance Survey map shows the remains as the "Site of Castle." The area is found in the Links, close to the sea, though the castle itself is no longer visible. Visitors to the area can explore the landscape around Loch Strathbeg. The loch is Scotland’s largest dune-loch and supports diverse wildlife. The shifting sand dunes near the former castle site create a quiet, remote atmosphere. The nearby village of Rattray and Starny Keppie harbour add to the coastal scenery. Though the castle is gone, the place still holds a sense of history and solitude.