Building record MAB16633 - FRENDRAUGHT HOUSE

House, built on the site of an earlier castle.

House, built on the site of an earlier castle. The original tower house/ha' hoose was first recorded in 1202, and again in 1257. It was subsequently burnt in 1630 and partially rebuilt in 1656. The tower house was recast circa 1753, and an east wing was added between circa 1790-1800. Two small, chamfered windows in the west gable appear to be the oldest features, possibly dating to the 14th Century, although cellars of this wing probably belong to the original 'ha' hoose', burnt in 1630. The offices to the north were added in the late-17th or early-18th Century. Fragments of the adjacent tower, which was demolished in 1947, adhere to the east elevation.

The 17th Century rebuild consists of an imposing seven window harled front with an ashlar-faced, three-window, slightly advanced centre topped by a strong semi-circular pediment. The porch, which features a datestone inscribed '1688', was added when the angle tower was topped with battlements and bartizans in circa 1832. The lands of Frendraught were owned by the Crichton family, and on 13 November 1535 James V visited the castle and granted a charter to Sir James Crichton.

Much of the original castle was destroyed by fire in 1630 during a feud with the Gordon family. The story goes that in 1630, Crichton's grandson killed Gordon of Rothiemay and mortally wounded Gordon of Leslie. The Marquess of Huntly, as a friend of both parties, intervened and arranged for him to pay a large sum to the relatives. Subsequently, one of Crichton's party seriously wounded a son of Leslie of Pitcaple in continuation of the feud. Leslie declined to accept any compensation and threatened to intercept Crichton's return from Gordon Castle (Fochabers). The Marquess sent his own son, Viscount Melgund, Gordon of Rothiemay, and six followers as an escort home in October 1630. The party reached Frendraught safely and the Gordons were invited to stay for the night. Viscount Melgund, Gordon of Rothiemay, and four followers died in the fire that took hold during the night but Crichton and his family escaped. Crichton was tried and acquitted of their murders, and John Meldrum, an old servant of Crichton's was executed in Edinburgh for the murders in August 1631. The 'ashes and brynt bones' of the victims were gathered by the Gordons and buried in the Kirk at Gartly. Lady Rothiemay believed in Crichton's involvement and employed Highlanders to attack and plunder his lands and family.

The property was passed to the Morrison family in circa 1690. The house was mostly demolished in 1947, before being restored in 1984. It is still occupied.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 14/11/64 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

Author unknown, , SCOTTISH NOTES AND QUERIES, VOL IX(1931) 173-6 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1839.

ORDNANCE SURVEY, 1871, Ordnance Name Book, No31(1870) 54 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1360.

GROOME, FH, 1884, ORDNANCE GAZETEER OF SCOTLAND, VOL 2, PLATE 13 (Bibliographic reference). SAB603.

MACGIBBON, D, 1892, THE CASTELLATED AND DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTLAND, 1-5, No4,392 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1140.

SHEPHERD, I.A.G.S., 2006, DONSIDE & STRATHBOGIE: ARCHITECTURAL GUIDE, pp.34-35 (Bibliographic reference). SAB3366.

Feb 28 1990 , JX 1-2,4,6-15, JX 1-2,4,6-15 (Ground Photograph). SAB33771.

Feb 28 1990 , SC 990289, SC 990289 (Ground Photograph). SAB20360.

Jan 1 1990 , AAS/GR/90/CT292-294, AAS/GR/90/CT292-294 (Ground Photograph). SAB32785.

SDD, n.d., BLDS OF ARCH & HIST INTEREST, FORGUE 21 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1827.

Author unknown, n.d., NSA, VOL 12, 601 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1269.

Record last edited

Sep 14 2026 9:04AM