It was built in the early to mid-16th century, probably under contract from John Forbes. It has been set fire to many times in its long history - in 1571 by Adam Gordon of Auchindoun, in 1689 by vengeful Jacobites, in 1716 by vengeful Hanoverians, and once more in 1746. It was transformed into a government outpost in 1748, purportedly to check the smuggling of illicit distilled whisky. The current star-shaped outer fortifications were added at this time.
Since 1961, the castle has been cared for by Historic Scotland. It is open to the public at weekends during the summer months. It can be booked for weddings or other celebrations and small corporate events.
And although it would not have happened at an outpost like Corgarff, in a larger base like Fort George up to one in a hundred soldiers was allowed to marry, and his wife and any family would also live in the barrack room.
From 1802 the Castle was used as a farmhouse, but the Government repurchased it in 1827, this time as a base designed specifically to tackle whisky smuggling and illegal distillation in the area.
CorgarffCastle passed into State care in 1961 and has in recent years been wonderfully restored by Historic Scotland as it would have been in the years following the 1748 conversion.
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