Inverugie Castle

Inverugie Castle is a ruined castle in St Fergus, Aberdeenshire, featuring a rectangular main block with two round towers and remains of a courtyard with partially standing walls and gateways. The structure sits on private land near the River Ugie, roughly two miles south of Peterhead on Scotland's northeastern coast.

The Keith family constructed this fortress around 1660 near their earlier wooden stronghold, using it as their residence until consequences from the Jacobite Rebellion led to its decline. Its construction occurred when wealthy Scottish families were building fortified stone houses as displays of power.

The castle entrance displayed carvings of horses, carriages, and Scottish symbols that represent some of the earliest depictions of wheeled transport in Scotland. These decorative elements reflect the wealth and sophistication the family wished to project in their home.

The site sits on private land, so check access permission before visiting to avoid complications. The surrounding area can be damp, especially near the riverbank, so wear appropriate footwear and weather-resistant clothing.

William Burnes, father of the celebrated poet Robert Burns, trained as a gardener at this estate before the family moved to Ayrshire. This connection to a major figure in Scottish literature makes the location noteworthy for those interested in literary history.