List of castles in Moray Facts for Kids

Moray, a beautiful area in Scotland, is home to many fascinating castles. These old buildings tell stories of knights, kings, and everyday life from hundreds of years ago. Some castles are still standing strong, while others are just ruins, showing us glimpses of their past glory.

What is a Castle?

A castle is a large, strong building or group of buildings that was built to protect people and land. Castles were often homes for kings, queens, or powerful lords. They had thick walls, towers, and sometimes moats (ditches filled with water) to keep enemies out. Over time, some castles changed into grand homes, while others fell into ruin.

Famous Castles You Can Visit

Moray has several castles that you can explore today. They offer a great chance to step back in time and imagine what life was like long ago.

Brodie Castle

Brodie Castle, a beautiful fortified house.

Brodie Castle is a wonderful example of a fortified house. It is still complete and looks much like it did centuries ago. This castle is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open for visitors to explore. It's located near Nairnshire and is a great place to learn about Scottish history.

Duffus Castle

The impressive ruins of Duffus Castle.

Duffus Castle is a fantastic ruined castle managed by Historic Scotland. It's open to the public, so you can walk around and see its impressive remains. This castle was originally built in the 14th century and was once a very strong fortress.

Balvenie Castle

Balvenie Castle, a historic ruin near Dufftown.

Also managed by Historic Scotland, Balvenie Castle is another important ruin you can visit. It's located near Dufftown and offers a glimpse into the past. Castles like Balvenie were often involved in important historical events.

Spynie Palace

David's Tower at Spynie Palace.

Spynie Palace is a large ruined palace that was once the home of the Bishops of Moray. It's managed by Historic Scotland and is open to visitors. A famous visitor to Spynie Palace was Mary Queen of Scots, who stayed here during her travels.

Other Notable Castles and Ruins

Many other castles in Moray are now ruins, but they still hold important historical value.

Auchindoun Castle

The remains of Auchindoun Castle.

Auchindoun Castle is a ruined castle located near Dufftown. Even though it's mostly ruins, you can still see its strong walls and imagine its former size.

Ballindalloch Castle

Ballindalloch Castle, a private historic house.

Ballindalloch Castle is a beautiful historic house that dates back to 1546. Unlike many other castles, it is still a private home. It shows how some castles were changed over time to become more comfortable residences.

Blervie Castle

Blervie Castle, a Z-plan ruin.

Blervie Castle is a ruined Z-plan castle from the 16th century, located near Forres. Z-plan castles have a main rectangular block with towers at opposite corners, making them look like the letter 'Z' from above.

Burgie Castle

Burgie Castle, another Z-plan ruin.

Burgie Castle is another Z-plan castle, built in the 17th century. It is also a ruin near Forres, showing the popularity of this castle design in the area.

Coxton Tower

Coxton Tower, a well-preserved tower house.

Coxton Tower is a tower house built between 1571 and 1584. It is a private ruin near Lhanbryde, but it can sometimes be visited by appointment. Tower houses were tall, strong buildings that served as both homes and defenses.

Cullen House

Cullen House, once a castle, now private dwellings.

Cullen House was once a castle but has been converted into private dwellings. This shows how old buildings can be given new life and purpose.

Darnaway Castle

Darnaway Castle, a historic house.

Darnaway Castle is a historic house that has been lived in for centuries. It stands as a testament to the long history of the area.

Drumin Castle

The ruins of Drumin Castle.

Drumin Castle is a ruined castle that adds to the rich history of Moray's ancient buildings.

Elgin Castle

The site of Elgin Castle.

Elgin Castle was once an important castle in the town of Elgin. Today, it is a ruin, but its location still marks its historical significance.

Findochty Castle

Findochty Castle ruins by the coast.

Findochty Castle is a ruined castle located near the coast. Its remains hint at its past role in protecting the area.

Gordon Castle

Gordon Castle, a grand historic house.

Gordon Castle is a very large and grand historic house. It is a private residence, showing the scale of some of the noble homes in Moray.

Kininvie Castle

Kininvie Castle, a private residence.

Kininvie Castle is another private castle in Moray. It adds to the list of historic homes that are still in use today.

Pitlurg Castle

The ruins of Pitlurg Castle.

Pitlurg Castle is a ruined castle that stands as a reminder of the many smaller strongholds that once dotted the landscape of Moray.

Rothes Castle

The remains of Rothes Castle.

Rothes Castle is a ruined castle that was once a significant stronghold in the area. Its remains can still be seen today.

Castles with No Remains

Some castles in Moray have completely disappeared over time, leaving no visible remains. Their existence is known only through historical records and archaeological findings. These include Aikenway Castle, Craigneach Castle, Deskie Castle, Forres Castle, Hempriggs Castle, Inverugie Castle, Kilbuaick Castle, Kinneddar Castle, Quarrelwood Castle, Skeith Castle, and Tronach Castle. Even without physical structures, these sites are important for understanding the full history of castles in Moray.