Craigston Castle, Aberdeenshire

Abstract

The main tower (1604-7) compares with the then recently remodelled Fyvie but also has features reminiscent of Borthwick 150 years earlier; it was probably built by the Bell family of masons with modifications for the client (Urquhart). The re-entrant of the entrance front is arched over and painted to resemble a ribbed vault, there is a carved balcony above, and much carved and painted work within. Flanking wings were added in 1747-53, the surviving farm court with its surrounding buildings in 1766-77. The article includes biographies of the Urquhart owners and of various plans for works in the 18th and 19th centuries. D F R