Udny Castle

Additional storeys were added and a later extension, described as a "modern mansion", was incorporated but subsequently demolished.

[2] The property is first recorded when it is shown on a charter for David II instigated by Ronald of Uldney.

[3] The main construction work of the keep is believed to have spanned over 100 years and been undertaken by three consecutive lairds; it is reported to have "ruined them all".

Jamie Fleeman, the Laird's fool, was responsible for saving the family papers from being destroyed in the fire.

A legal case was heard by the House of Lords as to whether John Henry was entitled to inherit the estate as his parents had been unmarried when he was born.

The legal arguments describe how the Colonel had wished to do restoration work on the castle but could not afford to do so "owing chiefly to his connection with the turf".

[8] The House of Lords had decided in favour of John Henry and he inherited the estate as "though illegitimate at his birth, [he] was legitimated by the subsequent marriage of his parents".

The hall extends the full width of the castle[12] and is sited on the first floor accessed by a turnpike stairway.