Inverugie, Castle

NK14NW 9 1230 4745 and 1240 4743.

"There are still to be seen, on a rising ground, near the mouth of the Ugie, the remains of another castle, of greater antiquity than any of the former, which is supposed, not without a great degree of probability, to be the original site of the Castle of Inverugie, as its name is evidently derived from its being situated at the mouth of the river Ugie". (By "former" the authority means Inverugie Castle, NK14NW 1; St Peter's Church, NK14NW 2; Castle at Longate, NK14NW 13; and Castle on Keith Inch, NK14NW 15. None of which he dates but the earliest of which may be 13th century.)

J Arbuthnot 1815.

The original Castle of Inverugie was on the north bank and at the mouth of the river Ugie. At its base there may have been a harbour.

J T Findlay 1933.

(Castle: NK 1230 4745; Harbour:NK 1240 4743 sited from sketch plan) ".... the motte and bailey or fortalice (sic) was immediately to seaward of Peterhead Golf pavilion; the harbour was constructed in front of where the Fish House now stands and both were to facilitate the building of Ravenscraig Castle...... As recently as 1895 traces of the moat and massive rubble foundations were visible.... As recently as 1796 the old harbour was kept clear of sand by James Ferguson of Pitfour; 1977 he lost the stuggle."

R Neish 1950.

There is no trace of the castle or harbour at the mouth of the River Ugie. No further information.

Visited by OS (EGC) 28 November 1962.

No change.

Visited by OS (RL) 17 December 1968.