Darnaway Castle

Darnaway Castle is a castle in Moray, Scotland, with a symmetrical structure featuring crenellations and turrets built upon earlier fortifications from the 14th century. The massive hall block from that period forms the core of the structure and defines its appearance.

Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray and Regent for David II, built the original castle in the Middle Ages, which later served as a residence for high-ranking Scottish nobility. The complex underwent modifications and remained as an aristocratic seat over the centuries.

The medieval banqueting hall preserves one of only two surviving original hammerbeam roofs in Scotland, showing advanced carpentry techniques from the 15th century. The space reflects the craftsmanship and ambitions of the aristocratic residents who gathered there.

The castle sits about 4 miles southwest of Forres and is privately owned, so it is not open for public visits. Visitors can view the exterior from the surrounding grounds, which allows views of the building from different angles.

Between 1767 and 1781, roughly eight million pine trees were planted on the estate under the direction of the ninth Earl of Moray, fundamentally shaping the landscape. These planting campaigns show the ambitious forest management of the landowners at that time.