Tolquhon Castle

Tolquhon Castle is an incredible ruin found in Aberdeenshire in north-east Scotland. Although I've visited many castles in Scotland, this particular castle had somehow flown under the radar... perhaps in favour of more famous castles nearby like Fyvie Castle.

Built in the 1580s, Tolquhon Castle (pronounced "Ta Hoon") is currently under the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is well worth a visit while touring Aberdeenshire.

History of Tolquhon Castle

The story of Tolquhon begins in the early 15th century with Preston’s Tower, a simple tower house built after 1420 by Sir Henry Preston or his son-in-law Sir John Forbes. This tower was the nucleus around which the castle’s later splendour would grow.

In the late 16th century, the estate’s fortunes were transformed under Sir William Forbes, 7th Laird of Tolquhon. Between 1584 and 1589, Forbes commissioned a grand Renaissance-style courtyard residence, incorporating the older tower into a more ambitious complex. The work, carried out by master mason Thomas Leiper, was less about military strength and more about display, prestige, and comfortable living. An inscription above the gatehouse proudly records Forbes’s role in its construction.

Tolquhon became a symbol of the Forbes family’s wealth and taste, with fine heraldry, ornate stonework, vaulted storerooms, and even a rare surviving stone-flagged hall floor. Yet the family’s fortunes did not last. Like many Scottish nobles, they were financially ruined by investment in the disastrous Darien Scheme of the late 1600s - a Scottish colony in South America on the Darien Peninsula. By 1716, the Forbeses were forced to leave their ancestral seat, and the castle passed into other hands.

Although it lingered as a farmhouse for a time, Tolquhon gradually fell into ruin during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1929, it entered state care, and today it is preserved by Historic Environment Scotland as one of Aberdeenshire’s most picturesque Renaissance ruins—a place where grandeur and decline sit side by side in stone.

Our visit to Tolquhon Castle

My wife and I visited Tolquhon in early August after a spur-of-the-moment decision between visiting Pitmedden Gardens and Haddo House. We weren't quite sure what to expect, as sometimes a castle ruin can be totally abandoned and inaccessible, but upon arrival, we were glad to see that it was under the care of Historic Scotland.

There is a well-kept car park with space for 6 or 7 cars. The main reception is located within a small cottage where tickets can be purchased. We were greeted by very friendly staff who asked where we were from, led us to the castle entrance, and gave us a short primer on the castle.

The castle looked impressive and large from the outer court, beckoning us to explore via the elaborate gatehouse. Entering the courtyard is quite special; it must have been the height of extravagance in its day.

There was so much to explore in the castle, from vaulted rooms, halls and towers. The only section off limits was the tallest tower, which was temporarily closed. Swallows are the new owners of this castle; there are little nests built everywhere. The birds can swoop quite close to you, so be aware if you are scared of birds.

After exploring the castle, we completed a lap of the exterior of the castle. The west outer wall contained recessed areas named "bee boles", where beehives were placed and harvested for honey.

At the south side of the castle, you really get a feel for the size of the building with some of the tallest walls visible.

We made our way back to reception to say cheerio to the staff. I asked about flying my drone, and to their credit, they said I could take off from outside of their land... a real improvement to just a point-blank "no" at other sites I've visited.

FAQs on Tolquhon Castle

Are there facilities at Tolquhon Castle?

Yes, toilets just to the left of the reception. There is no cafe, but there are picnic tables.

Who are the families associated with Tolquhon Castle?

The Preston and Forbes families have a long history at the castle.

What else is nearby to visit?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Fyvie Castle – A magnificent 800-year-old fortress turned stately home, famed for its lavish interiors, fine art collection, and ghost stories.

• Gight Castle – Atmospheric ruins set in woodland, once home to Lord Byron’s ancestors, with scenic riverside walks.

• Haddo House & Gardens – A grand Palladian mansion surrounded by formal gardens and woodland walks, managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

• Pitmedden Garden – A spectacular 17th-century walled garden with intricate parterre designs and colourful flower displays.

• Bullers of Buchan – A dramatic collapsed sea cave on the coast, home to nesting seabirds and stunning cliff-top views.

• Prop of Ythsie – A tall Victorian monument perched on a hill, offering panoramic views across Aberdeenshire.

Videos of Tolquhon Castle

Here are a few videos from our visit:

     

Key Information

• Tolquhon Castle is a ruined castle near Ellon in north-east Scotland.

• Linked historically to the Preston and Forbes families.

• Built in the 1420s, then added to between 1584 and 1589.

• The castle contains many interesting areas to explore, from store rooms to grand halls.

• The castle is under the stewardship of Historic Environment Scotland.

Conclusion

For some reason, Tolquhon Castle isn't on many people's list of places to visit, and we only visited it after seeing a tourism sign for it near Pitmedden Gardens. The ruin is a brilliant place to spend a morning or afternoon and has a great deal to offer visitors. Highly recommended!