This strategically located ruin is one of the most complete examples of a 13th century castle in eastern Scotland. The remains include a curtain wall, four round towers, hall and a chapel with three handsome lancets.

In its medieval heyday it was the seat of power for the earls of Mar. It came under the control of Edward I in 1296 but was held by Robert Bruce against him in the first of eight sieges ranging over four centuries, including prominent roles in the Wars of Independence and the Jacobite Rising of 1715, after which it fell into ruin.