Corgarff Castle

Corgarff Castle, Aberdeenshire

Corgarff Castle is located slightly west of the village of Corgarff, in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland. It stands by the Lecht road, which crosses the pass between Strathdon and Tomintoul.

Situated in stunning scenery with magnificent views, this tower house is thought to have been built in 1550 by the Forbes of Towie family as a typical tower house, which was a common architectural style in Scotland during that time. Its strategic location in the Cairngorms allowed it to control the key route through the area.

In the 18th century, Corgarff Castle took on a new role as a military garrison. During the Jacobite uprisings, the castle was used by government forces to suppress rebellion in the Highlands. After the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the castle's role shifted to a base for Hanoverian troops.

The castle’s last military use was to control the smuggling of illicit whisky between 1827 and 1831. Today the site is still complete with its 18th century star-shaped fortification.

Corgarff Castle fell into disuse in the 19th century and was left abandoned. In the early 20th century, it underwent restoration by the Office of Works, now known as Historic Environment Scotland, to preserve its historical significance. Today, Corgarff Castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public as a historical site. Visitors can explore the castle's interior, including the various levels, defensive features, and learn about its fascinating history.

Corgarff Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's turbulent past and provides visitors with a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. Its picturesque location in the Cairngorms National Park adds to its appeal as a historical and tourist attraction.