Aberdour Castle, Scotland

Introduction 

Yesterday, I reported on the pleasant Fife coastal village of Aberdour in the east of Scotland. Today, I am posting information on Aberdour Castle which enjoys a commanding view over the Firth of Forth.In medieval times castles were primarily built and located for 'command and control' of the local landscape.

 View of Castle's eastward facing aspect.

 

Parts of the castle date from around AD1200 ranking it as one of the oldest such edifices in Scotland.It was abandoned in 1725. In the interregnum it was closely associated with the aristocratic Douglas Earls of Morton.

 Another view of the eastward facing aspect.


 Westward facing aspect

 

 


Site of eastward facing gardens, probably dating to the Renaissance period.In the top left of the image can be seen a small niche of blue indicating the Firth of Forth. If the tree cover was eliminated (as it may well have been in the past) then a panorama of the Firth of Forth would be displayed. Apart of the scenic value ship movements could be monitored, especially important in times of conflict.

The conical stone building in the top right is a doocot.  This a the Scots word for dovecot or pigeon house. Historically, the birds provided a vital source of meat and eggs, while their droppings were used for fertilizer and gunpowder.

 

 

 
Another aspect of formal gardens on east facing side of the castle. 
 


This walled area is now used for relaxing. However, in days past it was probably used for vegetable and flower cultivation with the walls affording protection from the winds and adverse weather.


 The castle is easily accessible, being conveniently situated close to the village's railway station.

 More information

For more information on castles and Scotland in general please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle. 

 

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