Kindrochit Castle

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Kindrochit Castle

Kindrochit Castle ( Scottish Gaelic: Ceann - drochit ) are the remains of a fortification from the 11th century. They are located on the banks of the River Clunie, situated in the heart of Ballater ( Aberdeenshire ) in Scotland. The name itself means " bridge-head " and refers to the strategic importance of the castle.

Archaeological excavations from 1925 show an original living hall, about 30 × 10 m tall, partial basement and with small corner towers. With the conversion of 1390 was a residential tower, about 21 × 14 m, built with 3 m thick walls.

History

The castle was built 1057-1093 by King Malcolm III. built. They controlled the single simple crossing of the Clunie at a distance of several days' journey, built a stone bridge at the same time.

King Robert II visited annually 1371-1388 Kindrochit Castle to hunt in the surrounding Braes of Mar.

In a document dated 10 November 1390 is King Robert III. the castle his brother Malcolm Drummond. This began with the construction of a residential tower, which should be at this time the fifth largest in Scotland. Before finalizing Malcolm Drummond, however, was murdered by unknown assailants.

John Erskine, 18th Earl of Mar visited with John Taylor, The Water Poet, the lying at that time already in ruins ruins of Castle Kindrochit when he traveled for his book The Penny Lesse Pilgrimage in 1618 by Scotland. They told Taylor this is that Malcolm Canmore is said to have built the castle as a hunting lodge in 1059.