The castle’s defensive star-shaped curtain wall is one of only two of its kind remaining in Scotland.
It was used as a garrison for Hanoverian troops to suppress the Jacobite clans in the Highlands.
During the late 19th century, the castle served as a dower house for the Farquharson family.
The castle features 'laird's lugs,' hidden listening holes that allowed the owner to overhear conversations in the main hall.
The building was constructed on the site of an earlier fortress destroyed during the 1590s.
Much of the interior restoration was funded by community fundraising and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The castle has survived multiple fires and intentional destruction during various clan conflicts.
It is situated within the heart of the Balmoral Estate area, reflecting the historic royal connection to the region.
Braemar Castle is a 17th-century tower house located in the Cairngorms National Park, managed by the local community through the Braemar Community Ltd. Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar, it served as a hunting lodge before being converted into a government garrison following the 1715 Jacobite Rising. The structure features a unique star-shaped curtain wall, designed to provide defensive firing lines. Following the 1745 uprising, the castle was abandoned by the military and later reclaimed as a private residence for the Farquharson family. The interior displays period furniture, historical weaponry, and artifacts detailing the clan’s influence in the region. Restoration efforts in recent years have stabilized the stonework and interior finishes to preserve its architectural integrity. Visitors can explore multiple levels connected by a traditional spiral stone staircase. It remains one of the few community-run castles in Scotland, operating as a heritage site for public education.
From the meadow path directly in front of the main entrance to capture the star-shaped curtain wall and the tower house profile.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the stone floors are uneven and the stairs are steep.
Allow extra time to walk the grounds, as the exterior views of the castle architecture are best appreciated from the surrounding meadow.
Check the official website before traveling, as the castle occasionally closes for private functions or community events.
Attempting to visit during the winter months, when the castle is typically closed to the public.
Closed during the winter season; usually open from spring through late autumn.
Maintain silence in smaller chambers; refrain from touching historical artifacts or wall coverings.
