Knockhall Castle, Tower house in Newburgh, Scotland
Knockhall Castle is a tower house in Aberdeenshire with three stories arranged in an L-shaped plan, featuring gun-loops and large rectangular windows set into the stone walls. The building lost its roof over time, leaving behind the main stairwell, kitchen fireplace, and cellars as surviving elements of its interior.
William Sinclair built this castle in 1565 as a noble residence in the region. The Udny family held it for more than two centuries until a fire in 1734 forced them to leave and settle elsewhere.
The castle served as the home of the Udny family across generations, representing their deep roots in the Aberdeenshire region before circumstances led them to abandon it. This place reflects how noble families were tied to their ancestral lands for centuries.
The roofless stone tower stands exposed to the elements, so visitors should wear sturdy footwear and take care while exploring the interior. The site is open and can be quite windy, making weather-appropriate clothing a practical choice.
When the fire broke out in 1734, a man named Jamie Fleeman, the Udny family's fool, rescued a heavy iron chest containing important documents from the flames. The family rewarded his bravery by providing him with weekly meals for the rest of his life.
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