Corgarff Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corgarff Castle
 |
|
|---|---|
| Aberdeenshire Near Corgarff in Scotland |
|
Corgarff Castle viewed from the Lecht Road
|
|
 Corgarff Castle
Location in Scotland
|
|
| Coordinates | 57°9′46″N 3°14′3″W / 57.16278°N 3.23417°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Historic Environment Scotland |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Restored |
| Site history | |
| Built | Mid-16th century Rebuilt in mid-18th century |
| Built by | Clan Forbes |
| In use | 16th Century-1831 |
| Events | Razed in 1571 by Adam Gordon |
Corgarff Castle is an old building in north-east Scotland. It is found near the village of Corgarff in Aberdeenshire. The castle sits right by the Lecht road. This road goes over a mountain pass between Strathdon and Tomintoul.
Contents
A Castle's Story
Corgarff Castle was built a long time ago, around 1530. The Elphinstone family first owned it. Later, the Forbes family from Towie rented it.
Tragedy Strikes
In 1571, something very sad happened at the castle. An enemy, Adam Gordon of Auchindoun, attacked and burned the castle. This event was so famous that it even inspired an old song called Edom o Gordon.
Captured and Reclaimed
In May 1607, the castle was captured from Alexander, 4th Lord Elphinstone. Alexander Forbes of Towie and his friends took it over. They used tools like hammers and battering rams to break down the gate. After taking the castle, they filled it with their own group of people.
In 1626, the Earl of Mar bought the castle. In 1645, it was used as a meeting point for soldiers. These soldiers belonged to the Marquis of Montrose.
More Fires and New Owners
Corgarff Castle was burned again two more times. This happened in 1689 and 1716. These fires were started by people who supported the Jacobites. The Forbes family got the castle back in 1745. But they lost it again because of their Jacobite beliefs.
Military Life at Corgarff
In 1748, the British government bought the castle. They rebuilt and made it bigger to use as a barracks. A group of government soldiers lived there. The castle was on a military road. This road went from Braemar Castle to Fort George in Inverness.
Stopping Illegal Whisky
Soldiers stayed at the castle until 1831. After that, the castle was used for a different purpose. It helped to stop people from making illegal whisky in the area.
Corgarff Today
The castle stayed part of the Delnadamph estate for many years. In 1961, the castle was given to the state. Now, Historic Environment Scotland takes care of it. Corgarff Castle is open for people to visit. It is also known as a scheduled ancient monument.
