Return to Eden

by Paul Kelbie

There is very little documented about the once imposing Z-plan tower house that lies amid farmland on the back road between Banff and Turriff in Aberdeenshire. But, if walls could talk there is little doubt this crumbling ruin would have tales to tell that could inspire not just one book but a whole library.

Bearing the name Eden Castle, conjuring up Biblical images of being surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, this historic 16th century building was originally constructed sometime around the latter half of the 1500s, probably as the centrepiece of a country estate rather than as a purely defensive structure.

Eden Castle

Photo by Paul Kelbie

Over the years it is known to have changed hands several times, having been home to members of three of the region’s most powerful families - the Meldrums, Leslies and Duffs.

Situated close to the junction of where the Burn of Kingedward meets the River Deveron the castle overlooks lands that have featured in the history books going back more than 600 years.

The first known mention of Eden appears in a document dating from 1411 which identifies the land as part of the Barony of Kingedward, which had been granted to the Earl of Ross by Robert the Bruce as a reward for his support.

Photo by Paul Kelbie

Various rows, political shenanigans and back-handed bargains over the following years meant the land changed hands quite a few times until eventually being acquired by Thomas Meldrum, son of the Laird of Fyvie.

Sometime after about 1542 Eden Castle is believed to have been built by the Meldrums, but exactly how long it remained in the family is unclear.

What is known is that the lands and the castle were passed to the Leslie family soon after the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1639-1651).

Photo by Paul Kelbie

This area of Scotland played a significant part in the struggle which spread throughout the United Kingdom, leading to the English Civil War and eventually the trial and execution of King Charles I. In February 1639 the first shots of the conflict were fired from the walls of St Congan’s Church, Turriff - just seven miles from Eden Castle.

It was the Leslie family who built up Eden Castle into the structure recognisable today. Marks on the stones built into the walls reveal that renovations and additions were added to the property around 1676 by George Leslie. It was he who extended the castle into its Z-shaped formation, increased the defences by including gun loops in the walls, and created an elaborate banqueting room and family apartments.

However, within 40 years the castle again changed hands when it was sold to William Duff, the Earl of Fife in 1712. By this time the castle would have had a cellar, kitchen, great hall on the first floor and at least two storeys of bedrooms above.

View from ground level around Eden Castle

Photo by Paul Kelbie

Although quite a prestigious home for its time it is believed the Duffs were rarely in residence. They appeared to have only used Eden Castle as a country retreat. The Earl spent much of his time in London as the member of parliament for Banff.

The Earl went on to commission the elaborate Duff House, about four miles away at Banff, which he never lived in due to a row over the spiralling costs of construction between 1735 and 1740. However, it is quite likely that some of the stone from Eden Castle was transported to Banff and used in the building of the Duff House estate.

Photo by Paul Kelbie

Although now a registered scheduled monument Eden Castle is in a ruinous state and unsafe for visitors, although it can still be viewed closely from the roadside.

Despite its sorry appearance there is enough of the castle to easily imagine how it might have looked in its heyday some 300 years ago. It would certainly have been an impressive sight as it towered over the undulating, secluded and beautiful countryside that still surrounds it.