Perched dramatically atop a 50-foot-high cliff overlooking the Moray Firth in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Findlater Castle possesses a captivating history that dates back to at least 1246. The castle’s Gaelic-derived name, "Findlater," meaning "white cliff," aptly describes its striking location.
In the 1260s, King Alexander III fortified Findlater Castle in response to threats from King Haakon IV of Norway. Although temporarily occupied by Norwegian forces, the castle returned to Scottish hands following the pivotal Battle of Largs in 1263.
The ruins visible today largely date from the late 14th century, when the castle was extensively rebuilt, possibly by Sir John Sinclair, reflecting influences from Roslin Castle near Edinburgh. In 1455, Sir Walter Ogilvy of Deskford secured royal permission from King James II to further strengthen and expand the fortifications, transforming Findlater into a powerful family stronghold.
A significant event occurred in 1560 when Alexander Ogilvy disinherited his own son in favor of Sir John Gordon, son of the powerful 4th Earl of Huntly. This decision led to intense conflict, climaxing in the Gordon Rebellion of 1562. Loyalist forces supporting Mary, Queen of Scots, besieged the castle, ultimately regaining it for the Ogilvys following the Gordons' defeat at the Battle of Corrichie.
Despite its storied past, Findlater Castle fell into decline by the early 17th century, after the Ogilvy family relocated their principal residence to Cullen House. Left abandoned, the castle gradually crumbled into the romantic and evocative ruin visitors encounter today, a lasting symbol of Scotland's turbulent yet fascinating medieval history.
