Ardblair Castle

It is thought that the original castle was built by the Blairs during the Norman period, on the site of a fort, with the tower at the north west being built on the foundation of part of the earlier castle.^[3]

Ardblair Castle is one of the few castles which still has its courtyard.^[2] The original L-plan tower house had three storeys and an attic. There is a stair-turret, which is corbelled out to above the first storey, in the re-entrant angle. It is capped by a conical roof.^[1]

The later additions form a courtyard,^[1] the north side being a wall with a central arched gateway, dated from 1668.^[2] In the centre of the courtyard there is a sundial bearing the date 1623 and with 25 dials.^[3]

The entrance has an ornate panel space above it, though this has no inscription.^[2]

The basement, which probably housed the kitchen, is vaulted. It has a wide fireplace; its massive chimney-stack it a notable feature of the main building's south side.^[2] The tower had a Hall on the first floor,^[1] which is now the panelled dining-room, dating from the 18th century.^[2] The interior mainly dates from the 18th century.^[4]

The castle was once almost surrounded by a loch, which is now largely drained.^[3]

It is a category A listed building.^[4]

The castle, like many others, is said to be haunted by a 'green lady', who is dressed in green silk, and who searches the chambers of the castle. It is supposed that this is Lady Jean Drummond of Newton, who died of a broken heart having fallen in love with one of the Blairs, despite the feuds between the families. She drowned in a local marsh.^[1]

56°35′06″N 3°21′49″W / 56.5851°N 3.3635°W / 56.5851; -3.3635