[1] The castle is located on a promontory on the southern side of the Berriedale Water.

It is surrounded by sea cliffs and the landward approach was separated by large ditch.

The castle was known to be held by Reginald le Chen of Inverugie and Duffus, in the early 14th century.

[1] It passed by marriage of his daughter Mary to Nicholas Sutherland.

[2] The castle later passed by the marriage of Christian, the daughter and heiress of Alexander Sutherland, Master of Duffus, to William Oliphant in the 15th century.