[3] The location of Aboyne Castle was selected for its strategic position near the River Dee and controlling the northern end of one of the Mounth crossings.

In 1671, Charles Gordon, 1st Earl of Aboyne rebuilt the west wing as a tower house, parts of which are still visible.

The oldest section of the castle is the north-west which incorporates a balustrade atop a five-storey circular tower that is corbelled to square.

A doorway to the principal floor is reached by stone steps, and a small-pane glazed timber door is located to the right of the basement.

[8] In 1242, after the expulsion from Scotland of John and Walter Byset of Clan Bissett, who had been accused of the murder of Patrick, Earl of Atholl, at Haddington, East Lothian,[4] Aboyne Castle passed to the Knights Templar in that year.

[6] There is a large extent of planted policies on both sides of the River Dee, including ornamental plantations and the Loch of Aboyne.

[1] Aboyne Castle, including its gateway, courtyard, and northern boundary walls became a category B listed building on 24 November 1972.