Inverquharity Castle

Inverquharity Castle is a magnificent example of a castle from the Third Period of Scottish architecture. Located in the town of Kirriemuir, three and a half miles northeast of the town, the castle stands on the edge of a steep bank rising about 30 feet from the Carity Burn. The castle was once of the L shape of plan, but now the eastern wing is mostly gone, having been demolished to use its materials in building the old farm–steading of Inverquharity. The entrance door is still in the re–entering angle of the main block, with a circular stair adjoining in the thickness of the wall. The existing block measures 45 feet long by 33 feet wide, with walls 7 feet 6 inches thick, and is in good preservation. Inside and out, it is made with fine dressed ashlar, and is of great strength. It contains two vaulted floors, the lower of which was likely used for sheltering cattle at night when there was fear of a visit from Highland neighbours. The loft in the vault was also likely used for accommodation for the herds and servants. The great hall is a very fine chamber, measuring 30 feet in length by 19 feet in width. The castle was owned by the Ogilvies from 1420 until the end of the 18th century. They received a baronetcy in 1626, and many of their family members were distinguished in local history. In the north–west corner of the hall, there is a remarkable and unusual arrangement consisting of a stone porch projecting into the hall, which may have been an upper part of a stair to the basement. Today, Inverquharity Castle stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Third Period of Scottish architecture, and a reminder of the clans and families who once called it home.