Huntly Castle

The origins of Huntly Castle date back to the 12th century, when a motte stood on this site, which was continuously expanded and originally known as Strathbogie. In the 14th century, the site came into the possession of Sir Adam Gordon. King Robert I of Scotland stayed here in 1307 during the Scottish Wars of Independence. In 1449, the castle was burned down by troops of the Earl of Moray when the Gordons supported King Robert I in the war against the Earl of Douglas. Despite the destruction, an even larger castle was built on the same site. King James IV of Scotland visited Huntly several times, including in 1496 as best man at the wedding of Perkin Warbeck to Lady Catherine Gordon. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle underwent further additions. A 1576 account of the death of the 5th Earl of Huntly, George Gordon, details the use of the premises and reports alleged supernatural events. During the English Civil War, Huntly Castle changed hands several times, was captured by Scottish Covenanters, later recaptured by James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, and besieged by General David Leslie in 1647. The Civil War marked the end of the Gordons' rule over the estate. From the early 18th century, the castle fell into disrepair and served as a quarry until a nostalgia movement in the 19th century secured its preservation. Since 1923, it has been owned by the Clan Gordon again and is now managed by Historic Scotland.

The ruin of Huntly Castle is located in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in the United Kingdom, at an elevation of approximately 126 meters above sea level.

Visitors can explore the ruin of Huntly Castle today. The complex includes a well-preserved, five-story tower, an adjoining Great Hall, and other buildings. Parts of the elaborately decorated facade and the interior masonry have been preserved. An earth mound marks the site of the original motte.

• Balvenie Castle (ruin), approx. 20.6 km away
• Fyvie Castle (castle), approx. 23.3 km away
• Kildrummy Castle (ruin), approx. 25.6 km away
• Gordon Castle (castle), approx. 26.1 km away