Again, it should be noted that a number of the above ‘sept’ family names retain a reasonably large presence in this area.
In July 2002 some 200 members of the Keith Clan visited the area as part of a world wide Clan Gathering, It is hoped that through these pages, and other sources, that we can maintain ongoing links with the Clan.

There remain within the area no less than three castles associated with the Keith family. These three castles are located at Boddam, Ravenscraig and Inverugie.

Boddam Castle will be found just off the roadside on the southern edge of Boddam, just to the south of Peterhead. The sparse remains stand starkly overhanging the clifftop. Little is left of the building although that which does remain is able to provide an indication of how it once was.

Ravenscraig Castle can be found nestling under dense trees alongside the River Ugie and just up stream from Inverugie Castle. With the river, running fast below its mound and with the remains of its moat still clearly in evidence it is surprisingly evocative of its previous glory.

Inverugie Castle stands right on the road that runs through the village of Inverugie and although well fenced off from the roadside the inner castle courtyard can be approached (with permission) via private property to the side.

Unfortunately, all three castles are very much in a ruinous state and the two northern ones are situated on private land. A short pathway enables access to Boddam Castle, while Inveruguie Castle lies directly by the roadside. Ravenscraig is some 500 metres walk along the River Ugie and nestles amongst many trees. Although it is not too difficult to approach any of these castle remains care needs to be taken.

19th C. Watercolour of Inverugie Castle by Mr John Mitchell
(owned by the Earl of Kintore)

Inverugie Castle was founded about 1380 by Sir John de Kegh who had received the lands of Inverugie as a marriage portion with his wife Mariot Cheyne, daughter of Sir Reginald Cheyne of the Craig (Raverscraig). Sir John de Keth was the second son of Edward de Keth, one of the Earls Marishal.
In 1513, when Sir William Keith of Inverugie fell at the battle of Flodden, Inverugie fell into the female hands of his two infant daughters. The elder of whom, in 1538, went on to marry her kinsman, William, the third Earl of Marischal thus the castle and estates of Inverugie became the property of the Earls Marischal.

Although founded in the 14th century, the greater part of the fabric is supposed to have been erected about the close of the 16th century by George, 4th Earl Marischal, the founder of Marischal College, Aberdeen.

It is recorded that running southwards from the outer gateway was a wall, the cope of which was ornamented with a representation of a closed carriage with four horses this being a noted early instance (1670) of such a vehicle in Scotland. In front of this carriage two mounted horsemen galloping at full speed, the Scottish thistle and a lion were depicted.

In 1729, when the castle became vacant following the death of the Countess Marischal, it started to fall into decay and after the downfall of the Keith family in the middle of the 18th century predatory bands, chiefly hailing from Peterhead, subsequently looted it. Thus, its deterioration continued until Lord Pitfour eventually purchased the castle, along with the barony of St Fergus and the lands of the Abbey of Deer. At this time, the castle was partially restored by his son, James Ferguson of Pitfour, but unfortunately, the castle soon fell back into further decay.

The ruins, as reported in the late 19th century, consisted of a square central mass, with two corner towers, a gateway and double court, and handsomely coped walls. Unfortunately, severe gales during the 1890’s brought about several collapses of the main structure and the ensuing remedial works actually led to further deterioration.