Aboyne Castle is a 13th-century castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland north of the town of Aboyne. The location of Aboyne Castle was selected for its strategic position near the River Dee and controlling the northern end of one of the Mounth crossings. Aboyne Castle was formerly derelict, but was restored by the present Marquess of Huntly in 1979.
Architecture
The castle was constructed by Bysets, Lords of Strathdee and Aboyne before 1233 as a motte-and-bailey. Edward I sent instructions for its fortification in 1307. It was later turned into a stone keep. in 1671, the west wing was rebuilt as a tower house by Charles, first Earl of Aboyne, parts of which are still visible. A mansion house was added in 1701. An east wing was added in 1801. In 1869, kitchen improvements were made using granite and stepped gables. The Mansion House was updated in the 1880s by Sir Cunliffe Brooks by adding baronial-style ornamentation. George Truefitt did some restoration work in the later part of the 19th century. It was remodelled in 1986 by Ian Begg. The structure is three-storey with basement and attic. The east elevation is symmetrical, while the north, south, and west are asymmetrical. A heraldic panel is located between the second and third windows of the north elevation, as is a decorative ironwork finial and a weather-cock finial. There is a baronial tower house, an angled tower to the northwest, a four-storey basement, and an attic tower to the north. The oldest section of the castle is the northwest which incorporates a balustrade atop a five-storey circular tower that is corbelled to square. This tower was replicated later at the northeast. The castle is harled and lime washed. Eaves are course, there are several turrets, a possible secret passageway, and a monk's room. There are a number of small-pane windows, as well as a grey slate roof with tiled ridge. A doorway to the principal floor is reached by stone steps, and a small-pane glazed timber door is located to the right of the basement. Immediately to the north of the castle, there is a harled wall with an enclosed courtyard.
There is a large extent of planted policies on both sides of the River Dee, including ornamental plantations and the Loch of Aboyne. On the Upper Dee, Aboyne Castle grounds are used as a fly fishing fish beat. It is fished in agreement with Glen Tanar Estate. Within the Aboyne Castle Policies, there is included an artificial, islet-studded Loch of Aboyne measuring 3 × 2 fur. The burn of Aboyne has kept its ancient name, Allach, only near the castle where the Allach Bridge was built over the burn.
Relic
The Formaston Stone, a relic of historical importance, is preserved. Dating from between 800 and 1000, it has a mirror symbol, a decorated Celtic cross, and an Ogham inscription.
Preservation
Aboyne Castle, including its gateway, courtyard, and northern boundary walls became a category B listed building on 24 November 1972. Several other structures became listed building such as the early 19th century walled garden, garden house and the Wee House, listed at category C on 30 March 2000; and the triple span, segmental-arched Allach Bridge, constructed in 1787 of coursed grey granite, category B on 30 March 2000.
