Glenbuchat Castle, Z-plan castle ruin in Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Glenbuchat Castle is a ruin standing on elevated ground overlooking the River Don with distinctive round and square towers arranged in a Z-shaped plan. The structure displays the original stone construction and defensive layout that defined 1500s Scottish castle design.
The castle was built in 1590 for John Gordon and his wife Helen Carnegie and later served military purposes. It became a garrison site following the 1594 Battle of Glenlivet.
The Z-shaped layout reveals how Scottish noble families designed their homes in the 1500s - combining corner towers for defense with roomy interiors for daily living. Visitors can still see how this practical arrangement balanced protection with comfort.
The castle grounds remain closed to visitors due to ongoing conservation, but the exterior is visible from nearby public paths. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and paths can be muddy.
Local records suggest builders reused stones from the older Kildrummy Castle to construct the walls and towers. This practice of salvaging stone from earlier structures was common when new fortifications were built.
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