Towie Barclay Castle, 16th-century castle near Turriff, Scotland
Towie Barclay Castle is a stone fortress built in the 16th century with distinctive Scottish building features including substantial walls and vaulted interior spaces. The rooms contain decorated corbels and show a mix of original construction and later modifications.
The castle was built in 1593 by the Barclay family and later became involved in regional conflicts during the 1600s. An important event occurred in 1639 when it was near the site of the first casualty of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the local area.
The castle's name reflects the Barclay family who made this place their home and shaped the local area for generations. You can sense this family connection throughout the building and its surroundings.
The property is managed by Aberdeen Endowments Trust and visits need to be arranged in advance before arriving. It is best to contact ahead to confirm access to the grounds and what you can see during your visit.
The lower levels preserve much of the original 16th-century stonework and structure. The upper floors were reconstructed in more recent centuries, showing how each generation adapted and rebuilt parts of the building.
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