Corgarff Castle

Built around 1550, Corgarff Castle is unique for its 18th-century star-shaped defensive wall added when it was converted into a military barracks. The castle has a dramatic history including the burning of the Forbes family in 1571 during a clan feud. Later used by government forces to control Jacobite movements and prevent whisky smuggling, it represents the evolution of Scottish castles from noble residences to military installations. Now in the care of Historic Scotland, Corgarff stands in the remote Strathdon valley as one of Scotland's most atmospherically situated castles.