Rothes Castle
Castle In Elgin, Scotland
The scant remains of a 13th century castle, located on a hill above Rothes.
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The scant remains of Rothes Castle can be found on a wooded hill above the town of Rothes. There has been a settlement at Rothes since 600 AD, but the castle itself dates from around 1200.
We were on our way back to our cottage after a long day out. The clouds had gathered and the rain had started falling, but when I saw a sign for a castle, there was no stopping me.
Unfortunately, all that remains is a section of the outer south-east wall. However, there are great views south over Speyside.
The castle is thought to have been built by Peter de Pollock in the early 13th century, passing to the Leslie family by the 1290s.
On the 29th July 1296, Sir Norman Leslie hosted King Edward I. The Leslies were a powerful family in the area, and in 1458 George Leslie became the 1st Earl of Rothes.
It may take some imagination, but the castle was four storeys high in its heyday.
A dry moat surrounded the castle, which was accessed by a drawbridge and protected by a heavy portcullis gate.
The castle was destroyed by fire in 1662, and much of the stone was used to build houses in the town.
What Rothes lacks in castle remains, it makes up for in distilleries, being home to four of them. So if you like whisky, you're in luck.
If you visit during inclement weather, there is a handy large shelter near the remaining wall.
There is parking near the top of the hill and it is a stone's throw from the castle.
Rothes Castle is a Scheduled Monument with Historic Environment Scotland.
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Login to bag this placeHow To Find Rothes Castle
Where To Park For Rothes Castle?
There is parking next to the ruins.
Contributed by Lorraine London
I have been a keen hill walker for many years and more recently enjoy trig bagging. When I'm not exploring Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire, I spend most of my holidays in bonny Scotland. Other than hills, I love investigating ruinous buildings and waterfalls. I have been a member of NT and EH for years, which also gives me access to Historic Environment Scotland places.
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