Skip to main content
Balquhain Castle 1

Castles & Battles

Crown
Photo Credit - Allan Will

Castles and Battles

The Battle of Mons Graupius, fought in 83 A.D. between Roman forces and the Caledonians, is believed to have occurred near Bennachie, though no definitive battlefield has been found.

The Battle of Harlaw, fought in 1411 between Donald, Lord of the Isles, and Alexander, Earl of Mar, is another key historical event.

The battle ended with the Highlanders slipping away during the night after heavy fighting. During the Middle Ages, many castles were built in the region, such as Harthill, Pitfichie, and Balquhain. These castles were initially military fortifications but later became stately homes. They witnessed numerous feuds, power struggles, and political unrest, including the Jacobite Rebellions.