Findlater, Banffshire, Scotland
Written and Researched by Margaret Odrowaz-Sypniewska, B.F.A.
Findlater in the 1800's (nineteenth century)
Findlater is a district on the coast of the parish of Fordyce in Banffshire. It gave the title of Earl to the family of Ogilvie of Deskford from 1683 to 1811. The earldom became extinct in the later year by the death of James the 7th Earl, and is now claimed by Sir W. Ogilvie of Carnoustie, Bart,, and by John Farquharson, Esquire of Haughton. The estates now belongs to the earl of Seafield. The old castle of Findlater stands on a peninsulated rock, overhanging the sea, and it is a picturesque, carious ruin. It was formerly a place of considerable strength, and made some figure in the history of the feudal wars. It was one place which refused to received Queen Mary on her visit to the north.
Findlater Castle was founded by the Ogilvies and strengthened on the orders of King James II in 1455. The castle was a draughty place and was abandoned in favor of Cullen House in Cullen. The Findlater Doocot, where they raised doves (pigeons) since the 16th century, provided food for the estate.
Source: Wilson, Rev. John Marius (editor). The Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland. London: A Fullarton & Co., 656.
This page was last updated on May 19, 2007
