Colliston Castle

Colliston Castle is a tower house with a Z-shaped plan, featuring two round towers positioned at opposite corners of the structure. A staircase turret connects the main block to one of these towers and forms a distinctive part of the overall layout.

David Beaton granted the lands of Colliston to John Guthrie and Isobel Ogilvie in 1544, establishing the beginning of family ownership there. Later renovations during the 1700s and 1800s modified parts of the building while preserving its core structure.

The design shows defensive features like wide gun-loops and round shot-holes that were typical of how Scottish landowners protected their homes in the 1500s. These details reveal the security concerns of people living during that time.

This castle sits roughly 6 kilometers north of Arbroath in a rural setting and can be viewed from outside the property. It is a good idea to check local conditions before visiting, as the site's remote location and terrain may affect accessibility.

An inscription carved into the stone dates to 1583 but is frequently misread as 1553 due to weathering patterns on the surface. This common misinterpretation highlights how the passage of time can obscure details even in written records.

Location: Angus

Location: Arbroath and St Vigeans

Founders: David Beaton

GPS coordinates: 56.60800,-2.63282

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06