Red Castle: Ruined Sentinel of Lunan Bay

A Storied Fortress on Scotland’s North Sea Coast

Red Castle’s origins date back to the late 1100s when it was constructed under King William the Lion, likely as a defense against Viking invasions along the Lunan Bay coastline. Positioned strategically on a high bluff overlooking the mouth of the Lunan Water, the castle was also used as a royal hunting lodge. Its distinctive red sandstone walls gave the castle its name, "rubeum castrum," as recorded in 13th-century deeds.

Architectural Evolution and Noble Lineages

The original wooden fortifications were replaced by a grand stone castle in the 1200s, with surviving curtain walls measuring up to 6 feet thick. In the late 1400s, the Stewart family, Lords of Innermeath, added a four-storey tower house with an attic, parts of which still stand today. Ownership passed through notable families including the Barclays, the Earls of Ross, and the Beatons, reflecting the castle’s importance in Scottish noble affairs.

Drama and Decline: The Gray Family Siege

Red Castle’s dramatic history includes a violent siege in the late 16th century. After Lady Elizabeth Beaton married James Gray, he fell in love with her daughter, leading to his expulsion. James Gray and his brother Andrew then attacked and burned the castle over two years, causing severe damage. The castle never fully recovered and gradually fell into ruin, with the last resident being an Episcopalian minister in the 18th century.

The Ruins and Natural Setting Today

Today, Red Castle stands as a fragile ruin, threatened by coastal erosion and ground slippage, with safety fencing restricting close access. Visitors can admire the remaining tower walls and curtain from a safe distance, enjoying sweeping views across Lunan Bay, one of Scotland’s finest beaches. The surrounding dunes and estuary provide a scenic backdrop, rich in wildlife including nesting seabirds.

Preservation and Visitor Experience

The castle is a scheduled monument, protected for its historical significance. While the ruins are unstable, the site offers a powerful sense of Scotland’s medieval heritage and coastal defense history. Nearby Montrose Museum houses artefacts from the site, including finds from an eroding midden below the castle. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and respect access restrictions to preserve this evocative landmark.

Legendary Anecdotes and Local Lore

Local stories speak of a giant named Daniel who defended the castle against Viking raids, and tragic tales of miscarriages and betrayals during the Gray family siege. These legends add a human dimension to the castle’s stones, connecting visitors to the lives and dramas of its former inhabitants.