Corgarff Castle: Remote Fortress of Scottish History and Conflict

Origins and Early Clan Conflicts

Corgarff Castle was constructed around 1550 by the Forbes family of Towie as a fortified tower house, typical of Scottish noble residences of the era. The castle initially comprised a vaulted hall, private chambers, and was surrounded by a courtyard with ancillary buildings like stables and a bakehouse. Its remote location at the head of Strathdon made it strategically important, guarding the route between Deeside and Speyside. The castle’s early history is marked by violent clan feuds, most notably between the Forbeses and the Gordons. In 1571, Adam Gordon of Auchindoun attacked the castle when the Forbes men were away. Margaret Forbes, the laird’s wife, famously refused to surrender and shot one of Gordon’s men. In retaliation, Gordon’s men set the castle ablaze, killing Margaret and 27 others inside. This tragic event inspired the Scottish ballad “Edom o Gordon,” embedding Corgarff in local lore.

Military Significance Through the Centuries

After periods of abandonment and repair, Corgarff Castle played a role in several key historical conflicts. In 1645, it served as a mustering point for the Marquis of Montrose during the Civil War. The castle was burned again in 1689 and 1716 by Jacobite supporters to prevent its use by government forces. Following the failed Jacobite rising of 1715, it was burned by government troops and later returned to the Forbes family. In 1746, during the last Jacobite uprising, the castle was used as an arms store by Jacobite forces. Government troops surprised the garrison, and after the Battle of Culloden, the castle was converted into a barracks by the British army. The interior was gutted and modified to house officers and soldiers, while the courtyard buildings were replaced by two pavilions and a distinctive star-shaped defensive wall with musket loops, giving the castle its unique silhouette.

From Barracks to Whisky Watchtower

The castle remained a military post until 1831, its soldiers tasked with suppressing Jacobite sympathizers and later combating illegal whisky distilling and smuggling in the Highlands. The west pavilion still houses a small whisky still from this period, reflecting its role in enforcing excise laws. After military abandonment, Corgarff became part of the Delnadamph estate until 1961, when it was passed into state care and is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The castle’s preservation allows visitors to explore a rare example of a Scottish tower house transformed into a military fortification.

Setting and Visitor Experience

Set in the tranquil and rugged Cairngorms National Park, Corgarff Castle is surrounded by expansive Highland landscapes. Its remote location on the A939 offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and moorland. The castle’s whitewashed walls and star-shaped fortifications create a striking contrast against the natural backdrop, especially evocative in winter snows. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior, including the barracks modifications and pavilions, with informative storyboards detailing its complex history. The west pavilion is wheelchair accessible, providing inclusive access to part of the site. While there are no toilet facilities on-site, the castle visit typically lasts about an hour, rewarding history enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Corgarff Castle stands as a poignant symbol of Scotland’s turbulent history — from clan rivalries and civil wars to Jacobite rebellions and government control. Its layered past, marked by tragedy and resilience, offers a window into the social and political upheavals that shaped the Highlands. The castle’s haunting story, dramatic architecture, and stunning setting continue to captivate visitors, preserving the memory of those who lived, fought, and died within its walls.