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Cairnbulg Castle

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Cairnbulg Castle

Cairnbulg Castle, Medieval castle in Rathen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Description

Cairnbulg Castle is a medieval castle in Rathen, Aberdeenshire, built as a central tower house with an attached wing and a round tower at its southeastern corner. The stone structure reflects the defensive design typical of 16th-century Scottish fortified homes.

History

The castle was originally called Philorth and belonged to the Comyn family until Robert the Bruce granted it to John Ross in 1306. This transfer marked a turning point, linking the property to prominent figures in Scottish history.

Culture

The interior displays family portraits showing every laird since 1570, which document the Fraser family line across centuries.

Practical

The castle remains a private residence owned by the Fraser family and can only be visited by prior appointment. You should arrange your visit in advance to ensure access.

Did you know?

The castle sits on a raised platform surrounded by remains of a water-filled moat that stayed active until the 1900s. This water system served as a key defensive feature for the medieval fortress.

Location
Location
Part of
The Nine Castles of Knuckle
GPS coordinates
57.66556,-1.97340
Latest update
December 8, 2025 19:42

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Aberdeenshire).

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« Cairnbulg Castle - Medieval castle in Rathen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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