Castle Forbes

Castle Forbes is a castle in Aberdeenshire, standing on a large estate in the Vale of Alford. The building offers views across the River Don and the surrounding landscape with fields and woodlands.

The castle was built in 1815 and replaced earlier fortifications on lands held by the Forbes family since 1411. The estate shows the long history of this family in Scotland.

The castle serves as the seat of the Forbes Clan Chief and reflects the enduring importance of this family in the region. Visitors can observe the connection between the building and local identity.

The castle is located on the B992 road, accessible from the A944 between Aberdeen and Alford. Visitors should note that the estate is private and access may be limited.

The estate contains a stone circle dating to around 3000 BC that now functions as a natural burial ground. Only locally-sourced memorial stones are permitted there, creating an unusual link between ancient heritage and contemporary use.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Location: Keig

GPS coordinates: 57.26130,-2.62913

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42