Tolquhon Castle

Tolquhon Castle is a castle ruin in Aberdeenshire built around a rectangular courtyard with Preston Tower anchoring the northeast corner and residential ranges filling the other sides. The layout includes defensive features like gun loops and domestic spaces arranged for practical daily living and protection.

William Forbes, the seventh Laird of Tolquhon, expanded the existing Preston Tower between 1584 and 1589 by adding residential buildings and a new courtyard. This expansion transformed it into a modern residence for a prominent family in northeast Scotland.

The courtyard shows how the Forbes family lived and displayed their standing in the region. The defensive details built into the walls reflect a way of life that balanced comfort with caution.

Walking around the ruins is straightforward as the site is open and easy to navigate from the courtyard to the surrounding buildings. Sturdy footwear is helpful since the ground is uneven and some areas can be muddy in wet weather.

The castle features triple gun loops, a defensive design rarely seen in Scottish castles that shows how seriously its builders took protection. This unusual architectural choice was deliberately incorporated by the master mason Thomas Leper during construction.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Location: Tarves

Inception: 1584

Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/tolquhon-castle

GPS coordinates: 57.34814,-2.21321

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:47