Craigston Castle, Category A listed castle in King Edward, Scotland.
Craigston Castle is a fortified residence in Aberdeenshire designed in a U-shaped plan with two main wings connected by an elevated arch. Each wing features richly corbelled parapets and the building sits within extensive woodland grounds.
Construction began in 1604 under John Urquhart of Craigfintry and was completed in 1607, making it an early example of Scottish castle building. The residence belonged to the Bell group of castles, a series of related structures from that period.
The dining room displays elaborate wood carvings with biblical scenes and family heraldic symbols. These decorative elements reflect how Scottish noble families expressed their faith and lineage through detailed craftsmanship.
The site welcomes visitors from May through October with a focus on small group experiences. The surrounding woodlands and rural setting provide a calm atmosphere for exploring the grounds and building at a relaxed pace.
The original construction plans included corner turrets at the top of each wing that were never built. This makes the castle an interesting example of abandoned architectural ambitions from the early 1600s.
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