Leslie Castle

Aberdeenshire

Leslie Castle was one of the last great Baronial castles to be built in Aberdeenshire in 1661, incorporating the original home of the Leslie Clan, a wooden motte and bailey, later replaced by a stronger stone building.

Falling into disrepair in the 19th century; the roof was lost, gradually becoming more of a ruin until it was purchased by architect David Leslie in 1979. He spent 10 years restoring the castle and ran it as a boutique hotel for a decade before it became a private residence. In 2018 the castle changed hands again and now welcomes overnight guests.

The Gadie Burn runs parallel to the approach to Leslie Castle and would have been diverted to form a moat around the castle during its early period and contributes to its strategic position in relation to the hills, rivers, and routes of Aberdeenshire to the extent it is celebrated in traditional song. The Back O'Bennachie (also known as Where Gadie Rins) is a poem which has been put to song and rearranged very many times. The original author is unknown but is believed to date back to the early 1600s and despite its snappy rhythm it tells a sad story of a lass who was twice married but both husbands met untimely deaths.

Teas/coffees/home-bakes/souvenirs available at a cost.

Facilities

• WC
• Not Accessible
• Parking
• Refreshments