[1] The castle occupies an important and commanding position along the northern approach to Aboyne.

Built by the Durwards in the 13th century and was the main stronghold of the barony of O’Neill.

The last mention of the intact castle was in a charter dated 17 February 1554 from the Queen Regent, Mary I, which grants "the lands of Cowle with their castle and mill, in the sheriffdom of Aberdeen."

The castle was ruined by the first half of the 17th century according to the collections of Sir James Balfour.

[2] The castle consisted of a pentagonal courtyard with at least three flanking towers.