Lickleyhead Castle

The estate originally belonged to Clan Leslie, but William Leith, who had twice been Provost of Aberdeen, acquired it from George Leslie in the 13th century. It remained in that family until, in 1625, Patrick Leith sold it to William Forbes of Leslie, who is thought to have restored the main element of the building, perhaps with the help of John Bell of Aberdeen. While residing in the house, William Forbes, illegitimate son of John Forbes, accidentally shot off his hand. This was believed to be a judgment on him for the murder of Alexander Irvine, who was thought to be a supporter of the Marquess of Montrose. After the Restoration, he was executed for the crime. The house was owned by the…

The main block of the castle lies east to west, with the wing providing cover over two faces by jutting out southward. In the main block, there are corbelled two-storey turrets on the north front, the upper floors having oval windows. A heavily corbelled semi-circular stair turret, corbelled out to square, rises in the west re-entrant; it provides access to a watch room in the wing. The castle has crow-stepped gables. It is harled, and has a slated roof. The tower rises to three storeys, with an attic and a garret. While it has no gun loops, it has twelve shot holes. There are decorated pediments. There is a vaulted basement, with a kitchen and cellar, lit by slit windows; this is accessed…