Cairnbulg Castle facts for kids
Cairnbulg Castle is an old and interesting castle in Scotland. It's located in a place called Cairnbulg, in Aberdeenshire. This castle is special because of its unique "z-plan" shape. It sits right next to the River Philorth and was once known as Philorth Castle. A famous historian, W. Douglas Simpson, even called it one of the "nine castles of the Knuckle," which refers to the rocky coastline nearby.
Contents
The Story of Cairnbulg Castle
Early Days and Rebuilding
Cairnbulg Castle was first built a very long time ago, in the early 1300s. But it didn't last long! During the Wars of Independence (a big fight for Scotland's freedom), the castle was destroyed around 1308 or 1309.
Later, the land was given to the Earls of Ross. The castle was rebuilt in 1380. This happened after the daughter of the 5th Earl married Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie. In the 1500s, more parts were added to the castle. A second round tower, a courtyard, and other buildings joined the original square main tower.
Changing Owners and Restoration
In 1613, the Fraser family of Philorth sold the castle. It then passed through several other families, some of whom were also part of the wider Fraser clan. By 1775, the castle belonged to George Gordon, 3rd Earl of Aberdeen. He took away anything valuable from the castle.
By the late 1800s, Cairnbulg Castle was almost a ruin. But then, a rich family from Aberdeen called the Duthies bought it and brought it back to life! They worked hard to restore it.
In 1934, the castle returned to the Fraser family. Lord Saltoun, who was a direct descendant of an earlier owner, bought it. Flora Fraser, 21st Lady Saltoun, and her husband, Captain Alexander Ramsay of Mar, lived there for some time. Captain Ramsay was one of Queen Victoria's great-grandchildren. Their daughter, Katharine Fraser, Mistress of Saltoun, took over the castle in 1997.
World War II and Public Access
During the Second World War, Cairnbulg Castle had a different role. It was used as the Officers' Mess for the nearby RAF Fraserburgh air force base. This means it was a place where officers could eat and relax.
A railway station called Philorth Bridge Halt used to be close by. It was part of the old Fraserburgh and St Combs Light Railway.
Today, Cairnbulg Castle is open to the public, but you need to make an appointment to visit.
Images for kids
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Philorth Castle, demolished in the first half of the 20th century. In view here are the two pepperpot-turreted round towers at its centre
