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Kildrummy Castle, situated near Ballater, was built in the 13th century, possibly by the Earl of Mar. It occupies a good position over important routes in the region. Edward I visited the castle and is thought to have lent his favourite mason to design a gatehouse, as it was very similar to the gatehouse of Edward's castle in Harlech.

In 1306 the castle was burnt while Sir Neil Bruce, brother of Robert the Bruce, was holding it against the English army. It was repaired and besieged again by English supporters in 1335. In 1357 the castle was attacked again and David II defeated the Earl of Mar who was disloyal to the king. In an effort to control the power of the barons, James I annexed the castle in 1435.

Kildrummy was occupied by Jacobites during the 1689 rebellion, and although it was damaged, John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, used it as a base when he raised the standard for the Jacobites in 1715. After the Jacobites' defeat the Earl fled to France, abandoning the castle.

In 1898 Kildrummy was acquired by Colonel James Ogden who partially restored it. After his death his niece handed it over to the state in 1951 and it is now looked after by Historic Scotland.

This illustration was taken from 'Antiquities and Scenery of the North of Scotland, in a series of letters to Thomas Pennant Esq', by Rev Charles Cordiner, Minister of St Andrew's Chapel, Banff (1780)

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