The ruins of Tolquhon Castle are what remains of a courtyard castle with a large tower house dating from the 15th century. It was essentially a fortified residence that passed to the Forbes family who extensively modified it in the late 16th century.

They added an impressive gatehouse bearing their coat of arms alongside those of King James VI. It remained occupied until 1718 when the then owner was evicted following his support for the Jacobite rebellions.