Auchmeddan Castle was a castle, most likely dating from the 16th century, now demolished, located 9 miles (14 km) west of Fraserburgh, at Mains of Auchmeddan, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.[1][2] An alternative spelling was Auchmedden Castle.[2]

History

The property belonged to the Baird family from 1568, but it was acquired by the Earls of Aberdeen, Gordons, in the mid 18th century. The castle was demolished in the late 18th century. The estate was purchased by Robert Baird, though from another family, in 1854, [1] seemingly because it represented a connection with the earlier Baird gentry family, with whom there was believed to be a distant connection. The estate was later inherited by Robert's brother James and then by their nephew George Alexander Baird.

Up to 1913 part of the south wall, and some scattered stone, could be traced; but by 1965 there was no trace and the site was under cultivation.[2] It is believed that some of the material from the demolition was used in the construction of Denburn House in New Pitsligo, in particular panelling and timber work.[3]

Position

The structure was on the side of a ravine, the Den of Auchmedden, leading northwards to the coast at the village of Pennan.[2]

Tradition

Thomas the Rhymer supposedly prophesied that "there shall be an eagle in the craig while there is a Bird in Auchmeddan", and when the Bairds left the property a pair of eagles which nested on a crag near the castle are supposed to have left too.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Coventry, Martin (1997). The Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead. p. 61. ISBN 978-1-899874-10-1.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Auchmedden Castle". Retrieved 6 September 2014.
  3. ↑ McKean, Charles (1990). Banff & Buchan: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publications Ltd. p. 106. ISBN 185158-231-2.

57°40′21″N 2°15′06″W / 57.672453°N 2.251541°W / 57.672453; -2.251541

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