The castle crowns a lonely hilltop with dramatic views over the surrounding hills. It was built about 1480 by Thomas Cochrane, Earl of Mar and favourite of James III. It still retains fine architectural details and is surrounded by the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort. Access on foot only, route is steep and can be wet at times. About the Castle The castle, which stands within the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort, was built for John, earl of Mar, in the 15th century but he was murdered by his own brother King James III. Auchindoun Castle then passed to Thomas Cochrane, one of the kingâ??s favourites, who came to an unpleasant end when he was hanged from Lauder Bridge in 1482 by jealous nobles led by Archibald â??Bell-the-Catâ?? Douglas, earl of Angus. The castle later became a stronghold of the Gordons. It was sacked and burned by the Mackintoshes in 1591 and, despite being repaired, was abandoned by the 18th century when its stone started being used for other local building projects. Location 2m South of Dufftown on the A941