Braemar Castle: A Storied Highland Fortress in the Cairngorms

Origins and Strategic Importance

Braemar Castle was constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, the 2nd Earl of Mar, as a hunting lodge and symbol of aristocratic power in the wilds of Upper Deeside. Its location was chosen for strategic oversight of key river crossings and glens used by warring clans and cattle thieves. The castle’s robust design, including a star-shaped artillery curtain wall and iron yett (gate), reflected its dual purpose as both a grand residence and a defensive stronghold. Early on, it served as a base for recruiting local clansmen and as a prison for lawless caterans, underscoring its role in maintaining order in this remote region.

Jacobite Turmoil and Military Use

The castle’s history is deeply intertwined with the Jacobite risings. It was attacked and burned in 1689 by John Farquharson, the ‘Black Colonel’ of Inverey, a staunch Jacobite, to prevent government forces from using it. Despite this, the Earls of Mar, including the 11th Earl who led the 1715 Jacobite Rising, maintained ties to the castle until their lands were forfeited. Subsequently, the Farquharson clan acquired the property, and the castle was later used as a Hanoverian garrison after the 1745 rising, bearing witness to the turbulent military history of the Highlands.

Architectural Features and Interior

Braemar Castle is a five-storey L-plan tower house with distinctive bartizans crowning its corners and a round stair tower nestled in the re-entrant angle. The ground floor contains vaulted stone rooms that housed the guardroom, ammunition store, and original kitchen. A notorious dungeon known as the ‘Laird’s Pit’ lies beneath, accessible through an iron grill in a passage floor. Over the centuries, the interior has been altered, including Victorian additions, but it retains many original defensive features such as iron grilles on windows and the iron yett at the entrance.

Clan Farquharson and Royal Connections

Purchased by John Farquharson, 9th Laird of Invercauld, in 1731, the castle became the ancestral home of Clan Farquharson. The clan’s stewardship continues today, with the castle now managed by the local community. The castle’s social history includes visits from Queen Victoria, who attended the Braemar Gatherings held on the grounds, as well as Queen Elizabeth II and her mother. The Farquharson family’s legacy is evident in the furnishings, memorabilia, and personal belongings displayed throughout the castle.

Modern Restoration and Community Role

Since 2006, Braemar Castle has been leased and operated by Braemar Community Ltd, a local charity staffed by volunteers. A major restoration campaign has preserved the castle’s fabric and historic character, including the distinctive harling exterior. The castle reopened to the public in 2008 and again in 2024 after extensive conservation work. It now serves as a cultural hub, offering guided tours, historical reenactments, and educational programs that celebrate its rich heritage and the broader story of the Highlands.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

Visitors to Braemar Castle can immerse themselves in centuries of Scottish history within a compact yet atmospheric setting. The castle’s rugged mountain backdrop and historic interiors evoke the turbulent past of clan rivalries, royal visits, and military garrisons. Stories of hauntings, including the ghost of a young woman and the ‘Black Colonel,’ add to the castle’s mystique. With 12 furnished rooms open to the public, including grand dining and drawing rooms, the castle offers a vivid glimpse into aristocratic life and Highland culture.