Corgarff Castle, Scotland

Through much of its history Corgarff has been of strategic importance, guarding the quickest route from Deeside to Speyside, a route later followed by the military road from Blairgowrie to Fort George. Its lonely moorland location ensured that Corgarff Castle, built by John Towie, has had an eventful and sometimes tragic history.

The first reference to the castle at Corgarff is in November of 1571 when Adam Gordon,laird of Auchindoun Castle, in Glen Fiddich, came with his men to Corgarff. His plan was to capture Forbes of Towie. The Forbeses and Gordons were often feuding. The laird of Corgarff was away, but Margaret, his wife, was at home and refused them entry. And so the assailants savagely set fire to the castle, burning Margaret, her family and servants to death in the process. In all, 27 people died.

The arrival of the redcoats after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 resulted in the tower house being gutted internally and converted into a soldiers’ barracks. The high stone-vaulted ceiling of the old hall was removed and an extra timber floor inserted, thereby providing accommodation up to 42 men. Outside, the courtyard buildings and surrounding wall were demolished and replaced with two single-storey pavilions and the star-shaped wall, equipped with musket-loops, that gives Corgarff its unrivalled appearance.

Corgarff Castle passed into State care in 1961.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Monday to Sunday
9.30 am to 5.30 pm

1 October - 31 March
Saturday and Sunday only
9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Last ticket sold 30 min before closing time.

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Ticket Prices

Adult £5.00,
Child £3.00,
Concession £4.00

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01975 651 460

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