Brucklay Castle, 16th-century castle ruins in Buchan, Scotland
Brucklay Castle is a ruin in Aberdeenshire with origins in the 1600s. The stone structures show modifications made over nearly 3 centuries, with multiple phases of building and adaptation still visible.
James Crawford of Brucklay built the original structure between 1600 and 1625, reusing an earlier building on the same site. The estate underwent several changes over the centuries before becoming a ruin.
The name Brucklay comes from Gaelic and refers to its location in the Buchan highlands. Visitors can still see the private burial ground on the estate, where gravestones reflect the local family history.
The ruins are difficult to access and located on private land. Visitors should obtain permission from the owner beforehand and wear sturdy footwear, as uneven ground and loose stones make walking challenging.
During World War II, the grounds housed a prisoner of war camp with several huts under military guard. This chapter is often overlooked, yet it adds a significant layer to the site's local wartime history.
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