12 October 2015
Kindrochit Castle rises from its ruins
A 1,000-year-old castle in the heart of Braemar was officially opened at the weekend (Fri, Oct 9) by the Provost of Aberdeenshire following the completion of substantial conservation works.
The ruins of Kindrochit Castle are steeped in uncertainty but now historians, tourists and residents can explore the structure and discover more about it.
The original castle was built in the late eleventh century by Malcolm III, King of Scotland, and was originally named Ceann-drochit meaning bridge head.
A bridge was built nearby across the River Clunie making it the only place to cross for several miles and thus a strategic point for a castle to be located.
Additions to the original primitive structure, including the construction of a stone tower, were made in the 1300s when the castle was used as a royal residence.
No solid evidence of the demise of the castle exists but legend says the castle fell into ruin following the onset of the plague.
Once news spread that the inhabitants of the castle had been struck down with the disease, the castle, with the inhabitants still inside, was destroyed by cannon to prevent it from spreading and it has lain in ruins ever since.
Consolidation and conservation works have been carried out thanks to joint funding of £216,000 from Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).
As well as the repair and repointing of walls and returfing of wall heads, access routes have been created to allow visitors to explore inside the castle.
Interpretation panels have also been installed detailing the history of the castle and some of the interesting finds discovered there, including the Kindrochit Brooch, found in the prison area in the early twentieth century, currently housed in the National Museum of Scotland.
Provost Hamish Vernal said: “Kindrochit Castle really is at the heart of the Braemar community and it is wonderful that it is now open to the public.
“The top quality work that has been carried out by the North East Scotland Preservation Trust means that the ruins are now accessible to all and I’m very pleased that the castle has attracted hundreds of visitors already.
“I especially like the flag flown at the castle which was designed by pupils from Braemar School and I would like to thank the Friends of Kindrochit Castle for their continued support in ensuring the castle can be enjoyed throughout the year.”
Vice-Convenor of the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board, Brian Wood, said: “We are delighted to have supported this project through the Scottish Government’s ‘Shovel Ready’ programme.
“It’s a really important landmark in the middle of Braemar and steeped in history. It’s great that locals and visitors alike can now wander around the castle and learn more about Kindrochit.”
A small group of local people have formed the Friends of Kindrochit Castle to monitor the structure, pick up litter in the surrounding area and carry out promotional activities.
The project won a Highly Commended Award at the 2014 Aberdeenshire Council Design Awards.