Located 10 south-west of Alford, Kildrummy sits on top a ridge dominating
the route from Don to Moray. It is Scotland's most complete 13th-century castle.
On the site of earlier dwellings, this castle is thought to have been started in the 1230s
by the Bishop of Caithness, Gilbert de Moray, for Alexander II. It was possibly based on the French Chateau de Courcy near Laon but there were lots of additions and extensions over the years including a chapel thought to have been built around the time of Alexander's sudden death in 1249. The gatehouse is very similar to castles in Wales by Edward I and it may have been added on his orders in 1296 when he captured it from the Scots.
Lots of history took place here and it was occupied many times by both the English and Scots.
'Bobbing John', the 11th Earl, used Kildrummy as the headquarters to organise the final details of the 1715 Jacobite Rising.
After this failed, the castle was dismantled one last time. Later it was used as a quarry.
Only in 1898 were repairs and excavations undertaken by Colonel Ogston, owner of the estate.
It is now in the care of Historic Scotland and is open April to September, 9.30am to 5.30pm every day. Admission charge.
More info (Undiscovered Scotland).
For more photos visit the
page by Phil Wright.
Be sure to visit the magnificent gardens started in the early part of the 20th century and also the huge bridge over the water.
Nearby you can stay at the Kildrummy Castle Hotel which overlooks the old castle. Weddings can also be arranged here.
