Scheduled MonumentsScotlandAberdour Castle

Aberdour Castle

Scotland
HES SM90002
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Aberdour Castle is a medieval fortified residence located in Fife, Scotland, with origins in the 14th century and significant expansion during the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle comprises a substantial stone tower house, later additions including a range of domestic buildings arranged around a courtyard, and defensive works such as a surrounding wall. The site demonstrates the evolution of Scottish aristocratic architecture from medieval military necessity to early modern comfort, with later phases reflecting Renaissance influences. Aberdour remained an important seat of the Douglas family and their successors until the 18th century, and its substantial ruins preserve evidence of this long occupation and gradual development.

Aberdour Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90002. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Aberdour Castle?

Aberdour Castle is a medieval fortified residence located in Fife, Scotland, with origins in the 14th century and significant expansion during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90002.

Who is responsible for protecting Aberdour Castle?

Aberdour Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90002.

What other scheduled monuments are near Aberdour Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Braefoot Point, battery (2.6 km), Inchcolm, Abbey, hermit's cell, First World War and Second World War defences (2.9 km), Downing Point, battery and camp 100m S of 22 The Inches (4.5 km).

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