The Castles of Clan Forbes

Castle Forbes is the official Seat of the Clan Chief today and it is an absolutely beautiful 19th century baronial style home. The original house on these lands was called Putachie and the land was granted to Alexander de Forbes, the very first Lord Forbes, following his contribution to the Battle of Harlaw. It seems it pays to be on the winning side as the victory for the Earl of Mar ultimately won Forbes his title and the land that continues to belong to the Forbes Clan today. Castle Forbes wasn’t always the Clan seat, though. In a bit, we’ll explore another one of the Forbes’ famous castles that also happened to be their official home for many centuries.

Many of us immediately think of the exciting history of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 when we read the word “Culloden”. In the case of Culloden House, you would be correct! This famous house is as connected to the Jacobites as it is to Clan Forbes. Though the estate had belonged to several different families over the centuries, including that of Robert the Bruce, it came to the Forbes through Duncan Forbes when the MacIntoshes sold it to him in 1626. In 1688, Forbes faced attacks and the plundering of his estate by Jacobites. Fast forward a bit less than 100 years and another Duncan Forbes, the 5th Laird of Culloden, was facing the same threats from the Jacobite rebels. Prior to the infamous Battle of Culloden, the house was pillaged and Forbes lost much of his wealth as a result. The good news is that the sons of the 5th Laird of Culloden aided in the restoration of the estate’s wealth and grandeur. Today, you can stay at the house hotel or visit the restaurant -- two things that are definitely on the top of my list the next time I visit Inverness.

Earlier I mentioned a former seat of Clan Forbes, and here it is! Druminnor was the seat of Clan Forbes for over 500 years. In the latter part of the 18th century, the 16th Lord Forbes sold what was then called Castle Forbes. The only part of the castle that remains today is a hall that was built In the 15th century by Alexander de Forbes. Since that time, Druminnor has experienced so many changes brought on by attacks and rebellion. Clan Forbes defended their castle against attacks from Clan Gordon and Clan Douglas in the late medieval period, though the castle still took a few hits. Both the 17th and 18th century Jacobite Uprisings were particularly important in the evolution of the castle. Druminnor was both raided and damaged by Jacobites in the 18th century and shortly after, caught fire. By the end of the 18th century, Druminnor had been sold out of the family and it was at this time that the clan seat relocated to the Castle Forbes of today.

Corgarff is another 16th century castle connected to Clan Forbes, though it is primarily associated with the Forbes of Towie. An important aspect of the Towie branch of the Forbes Clan was their support of the infant James VI after his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in England. This began their feud with Clan Gordon, who held out hope for Mary as their Queen despite her imprisonment. Corgarff was burned by both the Gordons and later by government forces. What I love about this particular castle is that despite it facing constant destruction and subsequent rebuilding is that it actually still resembles its original form. This isn’t always the case with old Scottish castles, but the enclosed tower format is indeed what the original castle was described as. You can actually visit this castle today as it is open to the public - we can’t wait to go!

Another incredible castle that is open for a visit is the medieval Tolquhon Castle. Originally the site of Preston’s Tower, William Forbes expanded the tower house to create the grand castle. On your visit you’ll find beautiful stone and illustrious decorations that pay homage to Clan Forbes. Over the gate is the Forbes coat of arms and in addition to this, a visit from James VI in 1589 is evident from the inclusion of the Royal Coat of Arms of the monarch. To me, Tolquhon is the absolute epitome of a Scottish castle and shouldn’t be missed!