Auchindoun Castle, a 15th century stronghold in Moray, has reopened to the public following a series of high-level masonry inspections and associated repairs. Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who manages the site, is welcoming visitors to explore the site and its surrounding earthworks.
Auchindoun Castle passed through a number of well-known hands across the centuries. Built in the 1400s, possibly by Thomas Cochrane, the 10th Early of Dundonald and a favourite of King James III, the stronghold was then owned in the early 1500s by the Ogilvy family who sold the castle on to Sir Adam Gordon in 1594.
In 1571 a party of Gordons from Auchindoun attacked and burnt the nearby Corgarff Castle, along with its occupants. William Mackintosh, seeking vengeance, attacked and burned Auchindoun. For this crime he was beheaded by the Countess of Huntly’s cook. The castle was back in Ogilvy hands by 1594, and lay derelict by 1725.
Graham Smith, District Visitor & Community Manager North Region at HES, said:
“Built in the 1400s, Auchindoun Castle still stands as a mighty and imposing stone fortress. The site’s remains tell a bloody history all whilst overlooking the spectacular setting of the Moray landscape. With a lord’s hall, withdrawing chamber and a barrel-vaulted chamber only revealed by excavation in 1984, there’s lots to explore and discover. Plus, the views from its hilltop location make it more than worth the walk!”
The High-Level Masonry Programme is the result of ongoing risk assessment and sample surveys and assesses the impact of climate change on sites as well as the scale of deterioration caused by a number of other factors, including the materials used in the building’s construction, its age and physical location. Whilst this is not an issue unique to Scotland, HES is believed to be amongst the first heritage managers to approach it in this way, with the results shared with peer organisations.
Auchindoun Castle is open daily and entry to the site is free of charge.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
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For further information, please contact:
Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot