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Lower Castleton, BALLINDALLOCH, AB37 9DE

A stronghold of the Gordons, built in 1564. It has been unsafe and fenced off for a long time. Compare this view with Image], taken three years earlier. The right-hand part of the building seems to be leaning further away from the left-hand part than in that view, and metal bands have been added, presumably to prevent it falling down altogether.

From this angle, you could almost overlook the unsafe condition of the castle. Compare with Image

Historic hunting seat in dire need of stabilising work

This fortified tower house was completed in 1564 by John Gordon of the Huntly family. An L-plan castle, it was designed to cover all four walls with defensive fire should the need arise. In 1589 Blairfindy passed into the hands of the Earls of Huntly who appropriately used it as a hunting seat. In 1647 during the Civil War the second Marquis of Huntly, a Royalist, was captured near Tomintoul by Parliamentary forces, and was imprisoned in Blairfindy before being tried and executed in Edinburgh. The castle is in a dangerous condition and access beyond the fence is not permitted.

This small castle was built by the Earl of Huntly in 1564. It is an impressive stronghold which is thought to have been built as a hunting lodge, but possibly with the purpose of controlling the main access to Gordon country from across the Ladder Hills. Unfortunately it is now in a dangerous condition and no access within the surrounding fence is possible. Taken from http://www.glenlivetestate.co.uk/balirfindy_castle.html

Surrounded by a high-security fence due to the perilous condition of the building, Blarfindy Castle dates from 1564

The large buildings are The Glenlivet Distillery, and the ruins of Blairfindy Castle stand behind the modern houses below.

Founded in 1823 by George Smith, this was the first distillery to obtain a licence after the Act of Parliament in 1822 which legalised distilling. It alone has the right to use the name Glenlivet without a modifying prefix.