Kildrummy is one of the finest castle ruins in the north of Scotland. The greatest part of the surviving ruins date from the 13th century and were probably erected by an Earl of Mar.
Kildrummy Castle History
A path from the car park leads to the entrance gateway, reached by a bridge over the Barbican. An English mason, being similar to that at Harlech in Wales may have built the gatehouse. There are another four great towers to the castle, built onto the wall of the enceinte, creating a vast shield-shaped fortress.
The Warden’s Tower is the most complete, the Snow Tower having collapsed in 1805. Between the two is the ruin of the great gall, which was about 65ft long.
The former chapel was a striking building, evidenced by the lancet windows of one gable, which still survives. The need for an easterly orientation resulted in a projection outwith the line of the castle wall. A postern gate allowed an exit to fetch water.
Kildrummy Castle remained in Mar’s hands until 1435 when James I took over the castle. It was then kept as a royal castle and administered by a constable. In 1507 the estates were granted to Lord Elphinstone and remained in his family’s hands until 1626 when they were acquired by the Erskine Earls of Mar.
The Kildrummy Castle was finally abandoned in 1716 when the Earl of Mar escaped to France following his failed Jacobite rebellion. In 1898 James Ogston who did some stabilization work and removal of debris acquired the ruins. He died in 1931 and is commemorated by a plaque on the chapel gable. His niece placed the castle in care in 1951.
Kildrummy Castle Location
Kildrummy Castle Address: Overvilla, Huntly AB54 7XT, United Kingdom. get help with directions using the map provided below: