Balquhain Castle

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The ruins of Castle Balquhain.

Balquhain Castle is the ruins of a former residential tower in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was once the bulwark of the Leslies of Balquhain. The ruin is located about four kilometers west of Inverurie and is protected as a "scheduled monument ".

History

Balquhain Castle was built in the 14th century and held by the family of Leslie since 1340. On July 5, 1441 John Leslie of Balquhain signed a contract with the masons David Hardgat, David Dun, Robert Masoun and Gilbert Masoun, which should stop the construction work.

In 1526 the castle was plundered during a feud with the family Forbes. In 1530 it was rebuilt. Mary I, Queen of Scots, stayed in 1562 during the Battle of Corrichie in Balquhain Castle. In 1746 it was burnt down by the troops of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and then abandoned.

Description

The tower has a length of 13.75 meters to a width of 8.75 m and is surrounded by the remains of a small fortification.