Castle History

Rising from the Aberdeenshire countryside in a burst of pink harled walls and fairytale towers, this striking castle seems lifted from a storybook. Craigievar Castle's construction began in the early 17th century under the direction of the wealthy Mortimer family. Financial trouble soon forced the Mortimers to sell the unfinished structure. The property was acquired by William Forbes, a successful merchant whose fortune came from Baltic trade. Forbes completed the building in 1626, creating a refined example of Scottish Baronial architecture. The castle's tall, narrow form emphasized vertical grandeur rather than brute military strength. Defensive features such as gunloops and thick walls were balanced with elegance and domestic comfort. Its distinctive pink exterior was originally a protective lime harl, not just a decorative choice. The interior reveals finely carved plaster ceilings and rich woodwork from the early 1600s. Unlike many Scottish castles, it avoided major destruction during later conflicts. The property remained in the Forbes family for more than 350 years. Queen Victoria famously admired the castle after spotting it during a Highland excursion. Its romantic appearance helped cement its reputation as one of Scotland's most picturesque castles. The surrounding landscape was carefully managed to enhance its dramatic silhouette. Modern conservation efforts have preserved both its structure and its vibrant color. Today, Craigievar Castle stands as a rare and remarkably intact vision of early modern Scottish ambition and artistry.