Lauriston Castle, Category C listed building in St Cyrus, Scotland.
Lauriston Castle is a Category C listed building perched on a clifftop near St Cyrus in Aberdeenshire, sitting just over a mile from the North Sea coast. The structure displays the results of centuries of rebuilding and modification, with its core layout organized around a central courtyard.
The building received its first charter in 1243 and was later fortified by King Edward III in 1336 during Scotland's Wars of Independence. The transformation into a courtyard castle took place across the centuries between these two key moments.
The Stratons, who owned the castle for 450 years, were involved in local conflicts, including the Battle of Harlaw in 1411 and subsequent feuds with neighboring nobles.
The building underwent major restoration in the late 1980s, with the Great Hall and Doocot Tower being rebuilt. These works made it possible to preserve the historic structure for visitors today.
During World War II, sections served as RAF barracks, leading to partial demolition after the war. This military use left visible traces on how the place looks today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
