TURRIFF Aberdeenshire
Turriff was created a burgh of barony in 1511 it has a ancient ruined church on a site occupied by a religious foundation since the 12th century has a
belfry and a fine toned bell dated 1559, the present church was built in 1794, it is remembered in history for the ‘ TROT OF TURRIFF,.
In May 1639 the first serious clash of arms in the civil war happened when a band of covenanters was routed by the Royalist force, Turriff which stands on a
plateau overlooking the confluence of the Deveron and the water of Idoch, this area being richly populated in castles and tower-houses.
Delgatie castle and Towie Barclay castle were built by the same person in the 16th century, but no name has been recorded, they belong to a group of
four Aberdeenshire castles built for families closely related and united in loyalty to Mary queen of Scots and the catholic religion. In1948 Delgatie castle passed into the hands of
the Countess of Erroll, thus returning to the Hay family, in 1951 it was made over as a Clan Hay centre with captain John Hay of Hayfield as the countesss commissioner in residence,
Clan Hay gatherings are held annually, and the castle is open to the public on stated days through out the summer.
Towie castle was built shortly after 1587 the hall has been described as one of the most imaginative of all the tower houses interiors.
Graigston castle was built in 1607 by John Urquhart it had a main block and two wings joined by an arch, supporting a sculptured balcony, with 18th
century doors and, carved oak panels dating from the 17th century.
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