Duffus Castle
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Duffus Castle served as a fortress residence for over 500 years, spanning from the 1100s to the 1700s. The stone structure that stands today was constructed in the 1300s, replacing an earlier timber fortress.
The Castle is a fine example of Motte fortification where by a mound is created after a low trench is dug allowing water to create an island defence.
Highlights
Once regarded as one of the strongest castles in Scotland, Duffus Castle fell into decay and was abandoned in 1705, leaving it as a ruin. Despite its dilapidated state, the castle remains an impressive sight, perched on a mound that rises from the flat Laich of Moray.
Practical information
The Castle is free to visit just outside of Duffus Elgin and near Lossiemouth Airbase.
Donations are of course welcomed for the general up keep
Tips for Visitors
A Coffee stand and a bike repair post are situated nearby.
Pets are allowed but must be cleaned up after.
Ferghas' Adventures
"A Castle" Ferghas said "how interesting" A nice walk into the Moray countryside Ferghas came across Duffus Castle nestled away from the road and perched upon a great mound. As he walked upon it he came across a stream, but this was not a normal stream this was dug out by humans, this was a Motte. Ferghas had read about these and new this was one of the ways they defended their castles. They dug streams all around and made bridges they could defend or take away when needed. He walked further round and felt the large smooth stone beneath his hoofs. Feeling a little unsteady he moved over to the grass and walked further up the mound, he smiled as he saw so much open field. He ran around the outer wall as fast as he could and felt a strange wind woosh passed his ears, suddenly he's walking through a very old village. "what just happened" he thought. He looked at the roofs of homes and saw they had straw all across the top. People walked around what looked like a bustling square taking goods back and forth. Ferghas walked up the steep mound to the main castle, no-one looked or paid any attention to him as he walked by. "goodness, this is like a memory" he went into the main hall and saw the grandeur of the whole room. As a flash of light passed through the main arch, suddenly Ferghas was stood in the ruins of the old castle. He looked around some more, not daring to run around again, what really stood out to him was the prison. "I don't fancy ever ending up in there" he thought to himself. As he left he looked back and the castle stood whole and bustling before returning back into the ruin again.
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