Aboyne Castle

Aboyne Castle (historical name: castrum de Obeyn;[1] alternate names: Castle Of Aboyne or Aboyne Castle Policies;[2] also Bonty Castle or Bunty Castle[3]) is a 13th-century[1] castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland 0.75 mi (1.21 km) north[4] of the town of Aboyne (Grid Reference NO5299).[5] The location of Aboyne Castle was selected for its strategic position near the River Dee and controlling the northern end of one of the Mounth crossings.[6][7] Aboyne Castle was formerly derelict,[2] but was restored by the present Marquess of Huntly in 1979.

Aboyne Castle
Location within Aberdeenshire
General information
Location	Aboyne
Town or city	Aberdeenshire
Country	Scotland
Coordinates	57.0846°N 2.7833°W / 57.0846; -2.7833

Architecture

The castle was constructed by Bysets, Lords of Strathdee and Aboyne before 1233 as a motte-and-bailey. Edward I sent instructions for its fortification in 1307.[2] It was later turned into a stone keep. in 1671, the west wing was rebuilt as a tower house by Charles, first Earl of Aboyne, parts of which are still visible. A mansion house was added in 1701. An east wing was added in 1801. In 1869, kitchen improvements were made using granite and stepped gables. The Mansion House was updated in the 1880s by Sir Cunliffe Brooks by adding baronial-style ornamentation. George Truefitt did some restoration work in the later part of the 19th century. It was remodelled in 1986 by Ian Begg.[8]

Historical picture of the castle

The structure is three-storey with basement and attic. The east elevation is symmetrical, while the north (entrance), south, and west are asymmetrical. A heraldic panel is located between the second and third windows of the north elevation, as is a decorative ironwork finial and a weather-cock finial. There is a baronial tower house, an angled tower to the northwest, a four-storey basement, and an attic tower to the north. The oldest section of the castle is the northwest which incorporates a balustrade atop a five-storey circular tower that is corbelled to square. This tower was replicated later at the northeast.[2] The castle is harled and lime washed. Eaves are course, there are several turrets,[4] a possible secret passageway, and a monk's room.[3]

There are a number of small-pane windows, as well as a grey slate roof with tiled ridge. A doorway to the principal floor is reached by stone steps, and a small-pane glazed timber door is located to the right of the basement. Immediately to the north of the castle, there is a harled wall with an enclosed courtyard.[8]

Ownership

In 1242, after the expulsion from Scotland of John and Walter Byset of Clan Bissett, who had been alleged of the murder of Patrick, Earl of Atholl, at Haddington, East Lothian,[6] Aboyne Castle passed to the Knights Templar in that year.[4] It passed next to the Frasers of Cowie, before passing yet again, this time by marriage, to Sir William de Keith, Great Marischal of Scotland around 1355. In 1449, De Keith's great granddaughter, Joan, brought the castle by marriage to Alexander Gordon, 1st Earl of Huntly (1449).[4] Its present owner is the Marquis of Huntly whose family has owned it since the early 15th century.[2]

Grounds

Left: Gatehouse; Right: Entrance driveway

There is a large extent of planted policies on both sides of the River Dee, including ornamental plantations and the Loch of Aboyne.[4]

On the Upper Dee, Aboyne Castle grounds are used as a fly fishing fish beat. It is fished in agreement with Glen Tanar Estate (Craigendinnie Beat).[9] Within the Aboyne Castle Policies, there is included an artificial, islet-studded Loch of Aboyne measuring 3 × 2​¹⁄₃ fur.[1] The burn of Aboyne has kept its ancient name, Allach, only near the castle where the Allach Bridge was built over the burn.[4]

Relic

The Formaston Stone, a relic of historical importance, is preserved. Dating from between 800 and 1000, it has a mirror symbol, a decorated Celtic cross, and an Ogham inscription.[1]

Preservation

Aboyne Castle, including its gateway, courtyard, and northern boundary walls became a category B listed building on 24 November 1972.[8] Several other structures became listed building such as the early 19th century walled garden, garden house and the Wee House, listed at category C(s) on 30 March 2000;[10] and the triple span, segmental-arched Allach Bridge, constructed in 1787 of coursed grey granite, category B on 30 March 2000.[11]

References

1. "Aboyne Castle". visitdunkeld.com. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
2. Historic Environment Scotland. "Site Record for Aboyne Castle (35305)". Canmore. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
3. McCarty, Monica (2009). Highland Scoundrel. Random House, Inc. pp. Back Cover. ISBN 0-345-50340-6.
4. "A historical perspective, drawn from the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Biographical and Historical, edited by Francis H. Groome and originally published in parts by Thomas C. Jack, Grange Publishing Works, Edinburgh between 1882 and 1885". Scotland Gazette. Retrieved 24 November 2007.
5. United Kingdom Ordnance Survey Map, 1:50,000 Series
6. Simpson, W. Douglas. The Early Castles of Mar, Proceedings of the Society: 102, 10 December 1928
7. Hogan, C. Michael. Elsick Mounth, The Megalithic Portal, ed. A. Burnham (2007)
8. "Aboyne Castle, Including Gateway, Courtyard and Boundary Walls to North, and Ancillary Structures, Aboyne And Glen Tanar". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
9. "Aboyne Castle". fishpal.com. September 2010. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
10. "Aboyne Castle Policies, Walled Garden, Garden House and the Wee House, Aboyne And Glen Tanar". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
11. "Aboyne Castle Policies, Allach Bridge, Aboyne And Glen Tanar". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2010.