Fordyce Castle

Fordyce Castle is a tower house in Aberdeenshire built with a T-shaped floor plan, three storeys, and a circular staircase tower set to the side. The structure includes small defensive openings, vaulted basement chambers, and doorways positioned at different levels to suit its internal layout.

A wealthy merchant and local official began construction in 1592 as an L-shaped tower house. A century later the building was enlarged and reshaped into its current T-plan form, reflecting changing needs and architectural practice in rural Scotland.

The north wing served as a school for local children for many decades, showing how rural castles often took on roles beyond defense. This dual purpose reveals how communities adapted these structures to their everyday needs.

The castle stands about three miles southwest of Portsoy and is visible from outside, where you can see the different floor levels and the stair tower clearly. The building sits on accessible grounds, and the architectural details are best observed from the exterior as interior access is limited.

The original builder found a pearl in a nearby stream and presented it to the king, who later had it set into the royal crown. This surprising connection between a rural building and royal favor is an overlooked chapter in the site's story.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Location: Fordyce

Inception: 1592

GPS coordinates: 57.66186,-2.74615

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24