Scottish Castles Association

Knockhall Castle is a four-storey L-plan tower dating from 1565 situated at the mouth of the River Ythan near Newburgh in Aberdeenshire. It was built by the Sinclairs of Newburgh, but sold in 1633 to the Udnys and was extended and altered in the 17th century. The Udny family survived an accidental fire in 1734 but the castle was abandoned and never restored.

Knockhall is for sale

Knockhall Castle is on the market at offers over £130,000 having previously been on sale in 2017 for offers over £150,000. CLICK HERE to view its particulars on Savills' website and view more photographs of Knockhall, including an aerial shot showing its interior.

Knockhall Castle as seen on a Scottish Castles Association visit in 2013 - note empty panel space and corbelled projection at roof level

Knockhall was enclosed by a courtyard together with a round tower which incorporated a dovecote in its upper storey. This is shown in the old photograph below but no longer exists.

Knockhall Castle photographed circa. 1900 with round tower to the left (lacking dovecote)

Knockhall Castle photographed circa. 1900 showing round tower roofed with dovecote

The castle is a roofless shell and the windows and doors are blocked up but, in spite of it all, it appears to be in good condition and capable of transformation into a unique modern dwelling if someone has the foresight and energy to undertake the task.

Knockhall Castle - regular fenestration and lack of turrets suggests a 17th century alteration

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Article by SCA member Brian McGarrigle.