Inverugie Castle
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.
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.
19th C. Watercolour of Inverugie Castle by Mr John Mitchell
(owned by the Earl of Kintore)
Below: the remains of Inverugie Castle - now
unsafe for public access. The bottom of the tower and gable-end
to the left are still clearly visible.
