Rothes castle

"Built to protect the vital trade routes to Elgin the site of Rothes Castle is recognised as one of the most ancient strongholds in Moray. It is estimated that the castle was four storeys high and was protected by a portcullis and drawbridge. The castle has strong links with the Earls of Rothes and accommodated many distinguished guests including King Edward I of England in 1296 and Alexander Stewart "The Wolf of Badenoch" notorious for burning Elgin Cathedral. The Castle was abandoned and eventually set on fire by local villagers in 1662, their excuse being that the castle was the haunt of thieves. The Earl of Rothes was reported as being "Highly Irritated"! A brooding wall is all that is left of the castle today but it is an important landmark within the village. On climbing the rise to the wall you can see why it was such a good defensive location with the view it would have commanded over the area. "