Castles & Towers of Scotland

ABERDOUR CASTLE

Aberdour is an attractive castle built in three distinct stages, the most recent of which is still roofed. The original tower-house was built in the 14^th Century and part of a fallen corner now sits precariously below the ruins. The central range, which contained a kitchen in the vaulted ground floor and bed chambers above, was added in the 16^th Century. William, Earl of Morton, built the East range between 1606 and 1648. The ground floor contains a stable and exhibition room; the upper floor has an attractive gallery, 63ft long, with furniture and medieval music. A couple of small rooms are located off the gallery.

The grounds contain a 16^th Century beehive doocot, with 600 nests, sundials, 50ft deep well, gardens and walled terraces. The walled garden was for some time a Bowling Green.

Aberdour has been in Douglas ownership since 1342. James, 4^th Earl of Morton is noted as being a Regent and murderer of Darnley, second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1642 the 7^th Earl of Morton made Aberdour his principal seat, remaining as such until 1725 when the Douglas family moved to Aberdour House. The castle remained occupied successively as a barrack, school, Masonic hall and house, until 192 into state care.