Huntly Castle

Huntly Castle was the seat of Clan Gordon from the mid 1400s to the mid 1600s. The buildings have been reconstructed several times, as is usual with these places, but the main structure was put up in the 1560s to mark the then Earl's promotion to Marquee.

The Earl Marquee celebrated his promotion by building a new palace and inscribing name, title and year on the wall. Not vain at all, no sirree.


Iffin you can't be arsed to read the wikipedia article, here's a short version.


The building remains largely intact, and you can actually access the turret top right. However, be aware that possibly tens of thousands of millions of billions of swallows have made their nests here and will fly above your head and curse you out in swallow iffin you come too close.


One of the bloodthirsty little featherballs. I believe I have previously stated my fear of having my eyeballs torn out in a flurry of feathers, talons and cold, dark rage.


From the top turret.


Here stood the original wooden castle, which was a Norman 12th century construction. Motte and bailey they were called.


Later tonight is the final match of the FIFA 2014 tournament. Just sayin'.