Red Castle Travel Guide

Red Castle’s origins date back to the late 1100s when King William the Lion commissioned its construction. Situated strategically on a high bluff at the mouth of the Lunan Water, the castle was intended both as a hunting lodge and a defensive stronghold against Viking incursions along Scotland’s east coast. The castle’s name derives from the distinctive red sandstone used in its construction, which still colors the surviving ruins today. Early ownership passed from William to his Royal Chamberlain Walter de Berkely in 1194, marking the beginning of a lineage of noble custodians.

Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, Red Castle was rebuilt and expanded into a substantial stone fortress. The surviving curtain wall, measuring approximately 32 meters long and 6 meters high, hints at the castle’s former grandeur. In the late 1400s, the Stewarts, Lords of Innermeath, added a four-storey tower house, of which one wall still stands to roof height, complete with corbels and architectural details. Unlike typical vaulted stone ceilings, the lowest level featured wooden floors, an unusual design choice for the period.

The castle’s history is marked by dramatic episodes, including the notorious siege from 1579 to 1581. Lady Elizabeth Beaton, the castle’s owner, was married to James Gray, son of Lord Gray, who later fell in love with her daughter. After being cast out, Gray returned with armed supporters, subjecting the castle to repeated attacks that culminated in its burning and eventual abandonment by nobility. The castle’s decline accelerated thereafter, with materials being scavenged locally and the structure slipping into ruin by the 18th century. The last known occupant was an Episcopalian minister in the 1760s.

Red Castle enjoys one of Scotland’s most scenic coastal locations, perched above Lunan Bay, a broad sandy beach renowned for its natural beauty. The castle commands panoramic views over the North Sea and the estuary, framed by dunes and the winding Lunan Water. However, the site is increasingly threatened by coastal erosion and ground slippage, with parts of the tower at risk of collapse. Safety fencing and warnings have been installed to protect visitors, and access from the riverbank is discouraged.

Beneath the castle lies an eroding midden that has yielded artifacts now housed in the Montrose Museum, providing valuable insights into medieval life. The castle’s layered history reflects the shifting political and religious tides of Scotland, from royal hunting grounds to contested noble residence and eventually a ruin evocative of the region’s turbulent past. Its presence near Arbroath also connects it to the wider heritage of Angus and its historic landmarks.

Today, Red Castle is a protected scheduled monument, visible from the nearby A92 road and railway line. While direct access is limited due to safety concerns, the castle remains a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and photographers drawn to its dramatic ruins and spectacular seaside vistas. Visitors are advised to respect the fragile site and observe seasonal restrictions, particularly during the nesting period of local seabirds.