Clan History

Huntly Castle was the Chief of Gordon’s seat from the fourteenth to the late seventeenth century and was originally known as Strathbogie Castle. The lands and castle being taken from the Strathbogie's (who had changed their allegiance just before Bannockburn ) and gifted to the Gordons by Robert the Bruce for services rendered.

It is now a beautiful ruin after being rebuilt many times during its history with the Clan Gordon. The castle remained the property of Clan Gordon until 1923 where it was handed over to the group called Historic Scotland, to which it still belongs today.

Gordon Castle, Gight near Fochabers, Moray, was built in 1789 for Alexander 4th Duke of Gordon and soon became the seat for the Chief of the Gordon Clan. Gordon Castle is famous for being the largest of all country houses ever to have been built in the whole of Scotland and even though most of the initial castle has been destroyed, there are still remains there now which can be visited. A detached country house rose from some of the ruins on the estate, and this still stands today. Rabbie Burns, who visited Alexander a few times wrote in his journal "the duke makes me happier than ever great man did — noble, princely, yet mild, condescending and affable, gay and kind — the Duchess charming, witty and sensible — God bless them."

Fyvie Castle is another castle that has been closely linked to Clan Gordon and was occupied by many members of the Clan Gordon between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Some parts of the castle were reported to have been built in the early thirteenth century, making it rich in history. According to some legends, it may have been built by William the Lion in about 1211. Although not featuring massively in the history of Clan Gordon, many people still visit the site today, not only because of the claims that it is haunted, but also because of the link between the estate and the Gordon Clan. It was a stronghold for the Royal family until 1390 after which it passed between various Scottish Clans, each of whom added a new tower to the original castle.

Balmoral Castle was bought in the 15th century by Alexander Gordon the 3rd Earl of Huntly and remained in the family's hands until it was sold in 1662.

The Gordon Clan had split allegiances over the Jacobite uprisings with clan members fighting on both sides.

Castles feature hugely in the history of Clan Gordon and many of the castles are still to be seen today, both renovated and restored or as ruins. Clan Gordon was reported to have been one of the most powerful of all Scottish Clans and indeed still is and the fact that they have been linked to a great many castles seems to support this suggestion.  

In 1794, the 4th Duke and Duchess of Gordon raised and recruited the 92nd (Gordon) Highlanders, renowned for their famous charge at Waterloo and went on to earn many battle honours until they were amalgamated with The Queens Own Highlanders in 1994.