Kildrummy Castle

In Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Kildrummy Castle is a disused castle that lies close to Kildrummy. It was the home of the Earls of Mar and is one of the largest 13th-century castles still standing in eastern Scotland, albeit being in ruins. As a scheduled ancient monument open to the public, it is currently held by Historic Environment Scotland and has gardens that are listed in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.

The structure of Kildrummy Castle is "shield-shaped," with numerous individual towers. The opposing side of the castle, where the walls come to a point and were previously guarded by a massive twin-towered gatehouse, also has a flat side that looks out over a steep valley. The Snow Tower, a keep that was taller than the other towers and was constructed in the French style like Bothwell Castle, was another feature of the castle. The castle was shielded by extensive earthworks, such as the ravine and a dry moat. The majority of the castle's lower-story walls and its foundations may both be seen today. In 1925, archeological digs unearthed combat remains and ornate stone flooring.

The Ministry of Works received the castle in 1951, and its successor organization, Historic Environment Scotland, now owns it. Both the Kildrummy Castle gardens and the quarry where the stone for the castle was mined are accessible to the general public. On the former estate, with a view of the ruin, a hotel (the Kildrummy Castle Hotel) was constructed. The Scottish Sculpture Open, also referred to as the Kildrummy Open, was held at Kildrummy Castle from 1981 to 1997 and was run by the Scottish Sculpture Workshop.

Location: Kildrummy, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland