A Brief History
In 1457 the name of Craigievar Castle is first mentioned in any record as the possession of the Norman family of Mortimer. The original tower was most likely their achievement. However in 1610 financial troubles, perhaps brought on by the extending of their house, forced the Mortimers to sell the lands of Craigievar, along with the unfinished castle, to William Forbes of Menie, brother of the famous Bishop Forbes of Aberdeen.
Craigievar Castle was at last completed in 1626. William was succeeded by his son, also William, who was granted the title of Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1630.
Once Civil War broke out, Sir William was involved in many battles, leading the capture of Harthill Castle in 1640 and being captured (he later escaped) at the battle of Aberdeen in 1644.Despite many attacks and sieges, Craigievar never fell in battle, mostly against rival clans in Scotland's bloody clan warfare, and its appearance is virtually unchanged since it was built.
The L-shaped castle, despite its peaceful appearance with French and Spanish turrets, was once heavily fortified, with a walled courtyard with four round towers - only one of the round towers remains today. There was also a massive iron yett or gate covering the entrance door.
The Laird and his family occupied the top part of the castle, while soldiers and an ever lit kitchen resided in the bottom plan of the castle, allowing heat to rise to the Laird's quarters. Another Forbes stronghold, Castle Forbes is located less than an hour north of Craigievar.The Forbes family resided here for 350 years until 1963, when the property was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland.
A coat of arms over the main staircase is dated from 1668 and delivers the Forbes family motto: "Doe not vaiken sleiping dogs."
The setting is beautiful with parkland featuring magnificent specimen trees, and extensive views over the surrounding countryside to the Grampian Mountains.
Visiting
The castle and estate of adjoining farmlands and woodlands are owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The castle is normally open to tourists during the summer months, although was closed from August 2007 for major reharling work. The castle has holiday accommodation available at the Steading cottage and kennels cottage from April to the end of October
www.nationaltrust.org.uk