Dunbar Estates Region Summaries

Following are short summaries of the primary castles and estates associated with the Dunbars in Scotland. Descended from Gospatrick, Earl of Northumberland, his line spread to Haddingtonshire (now East Lothian) as the Earls of Dunbar and March, to Morayshire as the Earls of Moray, and throughout Scotland.

Properties will be listed alphabetically by region.

ABERDEENSHIRE

Aberdeen became an ecclesiastical and educational center for the Dunbars. Many of the Westfield sons attended the University of Aberdeen, either King’s College or Marischal College, thereafter becoming ministers, schoolteachers or landowners, and several served as Bishop of Aberdeen.

St. Machars Cathedral - Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire - NJ93920

Probably the most well-known of the Dunbar Bishops of Aberdeen was Gavin Dunbar, son of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield. Originally Dean of Moray, he served as Bishop of Aberdeen from 1518 until his death in 1532. He was responsible for building the cathedral’s magnificent twin spires and heraldic ceiling. Like most churches in Scotland, St. Machar’s transitioned from Catholic to Protestant during the Reformation. A stained-glass window in the cathedral commemorates the tenure of Bishop Gavin Dunbar.

Conzie Castle – Huntly, Aberdeenshire - NJ595450

Alexander Dunbar of Conzie and Kilbuiack (c 1455-1498), 3rd son of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield, owned Conzie Castle (also known as Bognie Castle). The Dunbars held Conzie for over 200 years, although it does not appear they ever lived there. Conzie is a ruin today.

AYRSHIRE

Patrick Dunbar, the 5th Earl of Dunbar and March (died 1232) married Ada, the natural daughter of William the Lion, King of Scots. At that time he likely obtained King’s Kyle, which later became the Barony of Cumnock. In addition to Cumnock Castle, the Earls of Dunbar controlled Knockshinnoch and other nearby castles and farm estates.

Cumnock Castle - New Cumnock, Ayrshire - NS617138

Cumnock was a strategically important royal castle during the wars of Scottish Independence fought between Robert the Bruce and King Edward I of England. In those years it was held by the Earls of Dunbar, specifically the Dunbars of Mochrum and Cumnock, and served as the backdrop for many battles and intrigue. In 1474 Sir James Dunbar of Westfield, first son of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield, obtained control of Cumnock and its surrounding land holdings through his marriage to Euphemia Dunbar, the daughter of Patrick Dunbar of Cumnock and Mochrum. Although once imposing, nothing remains of Cumnock Castle today.

BANFFSHIRE

Durn House - South of Portsoy, Banffshire - NJ588650

Per the stone lintel, Durn was likely built in 1605. It was purchased by Sir William Dunbar of Kintessack (Dyke), the youngest son of Ninian Dunbar of Grangehil of the Durris Dunbars, about the time that he became 1st Baronet of Durn in 1698. Durn, best described as a stately home with sweeping views, became a Bed & Breakfast before 2015. For the most part the interior continues to reflect the décor of a manor house.

CAITHNESS

Although the Hempriggs branch of the Kilbuiack Dunbars were originally situated at Hempriggs farm and castle in Alves, Moray, they sold Hempriggs in the late 1600’s and moved to Caithness. There they purchased the very impressive Ackergill Tower as well as multiple farm estates nearby, including the farm known today as Hempriggs House.

Ackergill Tower - Wick, Caithness - ND352547

Ackgergill, also known as Ackergill Tower, commands imposing views of the sea. Originally owned by the Keith and Sinclair families, it was purchased in 1699 by Sir William Dunbar of Hempriggs after he sold the original Hempriggs in Alves, Moray. The Hempriggs line was founded by Sir William Dunbar, 1st of Hempriggs, (died 1624), youngest son of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Conzie and Kilbuiack. The Ackergill that he purchased was an ancient square stone tower, which now serves as the great room. The castle was impressively and greatly expanded by the Dunbars over the years. A grand hotel for a number of years, it was sold to a private owner in the past ten years.

Hempriggs House - Wick, Caithness

This farm was originally owned by the Sinclair family, but was bought by Sir William Dunbar of Hempriggs about the same time he purchased Ackergill. William built the current mansion house and the Dunbars of Hempriggs owned the property until the 21st century. It was a nursing home for some years, then in a declining state until recently restored by a private owner.

EAST LOTHIAN (FORMERLY HADDINGTONSHIRE)

East Lothian, in the southeast of Scotland, became the initial domain of the Dunbars in Scotland when Cospatrick moved from Northumberland to become the 1st Earl of Dunbar (died 1072). The Earls of Dunbar controlled several castles in the area, the best known being Dunbar Castle. Their land holdings increased greatly through marriages to the daughters of Sir Thomas Randolph.

Dunbar Castle – Dunbar, East Lothian - NT678794

Once a formidable stone castle on a high rock promontory overlooking the harbor, Dunbar Castle was the official seat of the Earls of Dunbar and March, although not likely their primary residence. Best known for its defense in 1338 by Countess Black Agnes Randolph Dunbar, it was dismantled by Oliver Cromwell and has remained a lonely ruin ever since.

Luffness House – Aberlady, East Lothian

It is likely that Luffness Castle was first held by Cospatrick III. It is said that Luffness was the actual seat of the Earls of Dunba in the period 1025 to 1250 before Dunbar Castle was fully fortified. The existing structure bears a date of 1584 and the PH for Patrick Hepburn. Renovated by the Lindsay family, and in good condition today, Luffness is owned by the Hope family and a private residence.

Spott House – Spott, East Lothian - NT679752

The Earls of Dunbar owned a number of properties in Spott, but the one that survives today is Spott House, which can best be described as a fortified stone house built on the side of a rock wall. It is believed to have been where General David Leslie was headquartered prior to the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. Today Spott House is a private residence. From Wester Spott the Dunbar Earls of Moray originated.

Whittinghame Tower – Whittingham, East Lothian - NT602733

The remaining tower, now a Balfour residence, was used by the Earls of Dunbar for district council meetings. The ancient and enormous ‘Whittinghame Yew’ is reportedly where the plot to kill Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, was hatched.

FIFESHIRE

Kilconquhar Castle - Elie, Fifeshire - NO494027

Kilconquhar Castle was the last residence of the Earls of Dunbar. Having lost Dunbar Castle and other properties due to equivocating loyalties between the English and Scottish kings, Sir George Dunbar, the 11th and last Dunbar Earl, moved to England before returning to Scotland, living at Kilconquhar Castle until he died in 1455.

GALLOWAY

Dumfries and Galloway was the domain of the Dunbars of Mochrum. Like the Dunbars in Ayrshire, they descend from the Earls of Dunbar and March, but the properties passed to the Westfield Dunbar through marriages in 1474 to Sir John Dunbar of Mochrum, and then in 1564 to Alexander Dunbar of Mochrum and Kilbuiack. Our Chieftain of Name, Sir James Michael Dunbar of Mochrum, descends from this line.

Auld Place of Mochrum – Newton Stewart, Galloway - NX308541

This very large and beautiful farm estate, once known as Mochrum Park, was largely built by the Dunbars of Mochrum. On the adjacent lake sits the ruins of a very ancient dwelling known as Mochrum Loch. The very stately castle was in ruins when purchased by the Stuart family and carefully restored. It is currently a breeding farm for prized Belted Galloway cattle.

Baldoon Estates – Kirkinner, Galloway - NX426536

Baldoon was owned by Archibald Dunbar of Baldoon, a son of Sir John Dunbar of Mochrum. It is said that the Belted Galloway breed was developed at Baldoon. Today only a castle wall and walled garden remains of the original castle of Baldoon, but the extensive farm estate and RAF field remain.

Mochrum Park – Kirkowan, Galloway -

Sir William Dunbar 7th of Mochrum purchased Bladnoch Grange in the 1800’s, rebuilt the structure to provide size and grandeur, and renamed it Mochrum Park after the original home of the Dunbars of Mochrum. Today it is a private home overlooking the countryside.

MORAYSHIRE

Morayshire, which once included parts of Nairnshire and Banff, was the Domain of the Earls of Moray. The first Earl of Moray was Sir Thomas Randolph, nephew to King Robert the Bruce. After his death and the deaths of both of his sons, the title passed to John Dunbar, son of Wester Spott of the Earls of Dunbar. Though denied the title of Earl, Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield, only son of the last Dunbar Earl of Moray, was given vast land holdings in the region which he passed on to his sons. Most of these properties are in the key areas of Alves, Dyke, Edinkillie, Elgin, Forres and Rafford.

Blervie Castle – Near Rafford, Moray - NJ071573

Blervie Castle, now a ruin on the grounds of Blervie Mains, was built by the Dunbars of Blervie. The first Blervie was Patrick, son of Alexander Dunbar of Conzie and Kilbuiack. It was a Z plan castle similar to that of Burgie. The 5 or 6 story tower, which sadly collapsed in recent memory, bore the Dunbar coat of arms and a date of 1598.

Burgie Castle – Near Rafford, Moray - NJ094591

Katherine Reid, niece of Walter Reid, the last Abbot of Kinloss, received West Grange and then Burgie as a wedding gift after her marriage in 1561 to Alexander Dunbar, Dean of Moray, son of Sir James Dunbar of Westfield. The current tower was built in 1602 by their son Robert Dunbar, 1st of Burgie. His initials ‘RD’, as well as those of his wife Isabel Sharp (IS) can still be seen above the stairs. Burgie today includes a very large farm estate.

Darnaway Castle - Near Forres, Moray - NH994550

Darnaway Castlewas and is the residence of the Earls of Moray. The original castle was built by Sir Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, who was gifted the title in the early 1300’s by Robert the Bruce. The huge wooden great room that he built is the only part of the structure that is original. Upon the deaths of Randolph and his sons, the title passed to John Dunbar, son of Wester Spott, through his wife, Isabella Randolph, heiress.

Duffus Castle - Duffus, Moray - NJ189672

The ancient castle at Duffus was long a Sutherland property until purchased by the Dunbar Baronets of Northfield, descendants of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Conzie & Kilbuiack, 3rd son of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield. The family eventually moved to Thunderton House in Elgin when the castle became uninhabitable. Today the Duffus estate consists of four productive working farms overseen by the Northfield Dunbars. The castle itself is a ruin, but it is open to the public.

Elgin Cathedral – Elgin, Moray - NJ211628

This once magnificent Cathedral was long the religious center for the Dunbars in Moray and the burial place for the Dunbars of Westfield. In 1555 it was the scene of ‘Bluidy Vespers’ when James Dunbar of Tarbat and his men attacked the Inneses during a church service. In 1390, Elgin Cathedral was burned and destroyed by Alexander Stewart, the ‘Wolf of Badenach’. Today visitors can see the remains of the Dunbar Aisle where the family of Westfield is buried, as well as the nearby ‘Colleges’ where the bishops and deans resided.

Forres Castle (aka Castlehill) - Forres, Moray - NJ035588

Since ancient times there has been a royal castle at Forres on the town green. When Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield became the Sheriff of Moray in the late 1400’s, Forres Castle became his residence. The Westfield Dunbars continued to live there for over 300 years until, in 1724, the last Dunbar Sheriff of Westfield sold the title and moved to Moy House in Dyke. Today nothing remains of the castle.

Grangehill (now Dalvey) - Dyke, Moray - NJ003585

Grangehill was in ancient times the grazing lands of Pluscarden Abbey. The property was purchased by Mark Dunbar of the Durris Dunbars and his son Ninian in 1608. Not much is known about the original residence, but it burned at least once. Alexander, the last of the Grangehill Dunbars, sold the property to the Grants, who changed the name to Dalvey. Today the property is available for limited tours.

Kilbuiack Castle - Alves, Moray - NJ095605

Kilbuiack was the residence of the Dunbars of Conzie and Kilbuiack, descended from Alexander, the 3rd son of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield. Nothing remains of the original castle today.

Kintessack - Dyke, Moray - NJ0025 6044

The original stone residence at Kintessack was the Monk’s Cottage used by the caretakers for Pluscarden Abbey’s grazing lands. It was likely the primary residence of the Durris Dunbars before Grangehill. Today Kintessack is a tiny hamlet with a few small cottages, some built from the stones of the monk’s cottage.

Pitgaveny House – Near Elgin, Moray - NJ240653

Pitgaveny is a large productive farm estate located near Loch Spynie. It is reportedly where MacBeth killed King Duncan I of Scotland in 1040. Pitgaveny House, built by James Brander in 1776, later became the property of a branch of the Dunbars of Northfield, descended from Sir Alexander Dunbar of Conzie & Kilbuiack, through marriage.

Pluscarden Abbey - Pluscarden, Moray - NJ142576

Pluscarden was founded in 1230 by King Alexander II as a priory of the Valiscaulian order. The Durris Dunbars were justiciaries and they eventually owned the abbey’s grazing lands, which included Grangehill. Alexander Dunbar, son of Patrick Dunbar Chancellor of Aberdeen (youngest son of Sir Alexander of Westfield), was the last Prior of Pluscarden at the time of the Reformation.

Windiehills (now Milton Brodie) – Alves, Moray

In medieval times Windiehills was owned by Pluscarden Abbey. The estate provided fruit and vegetables for the monks, and included a huge walled garden that remains today. After the Reformation it was owned by the Dundas family, and was given to Gavin Dunbar, Archdean of Moray, of the Kilbuiack Dunbars, upon his marriage to Mary Dundas in 1618. Gavin then became Laird of Windiehills as well as Minister of Alves.

NAIRNSHIRE

In ancient times, what is now Nairnshire was included in the lands held by the Earls of Moray. As the site of a Royal Castle, Auldearn was the central focus of this region. Over time, however, Nairn, with its large harbor, became the center of activity and commerce, while Auldearn changed little.

Boath House - Auldearn, Nairn - NH919558

Although originally a castle, the current Boath House was built in 1830 by the Baronets of Boath, a branch of the Dunbars of Durris. It is a lovely stately mansion, now a bed and breakfast. On this property once stood the royal castle of Auldearn. The first Dunbar of Boath was Alexander Dunbar, son of David Dunbar, Dean of Moray, who inherited ‘Boathill’ in 1555.

Penick - Auldearn, Nairn - NH933553

Penick was the seat of the Deans of Moray, including several Dunbars: David (Boath), Alexander (Burgie) and Thomas (Grange and Burgie). It is now a farm located along the road behind Boath House.

ROSS AND CROMARTY

The Black Isle was largely the domain of the Munro, Mackenzie and Ross clans. However, two sons of Sir Alexander of Westfield held estates there for about 100 years. By the mid-1600’s both of these families had relocated to Moray.

Ballone or Tarbat - Portmahomack, Ross & Cromarty

Ballone Castle, also known as Tarbat Castle, was a Z-plan structure, with a unique set of towers, one square and one circular. In 1520 James Dunbar of Tarbat, second son of David Dunbar of Durris, and ancestor of the Dunbars of Tarbat and Dunphail, purchased Ballone from Ross of nearby Balnagown. By the early 1600’s the Tarbat Dunbars had moved to Dunphail Castle, and Ballone was owned by the Mackenzie family. In ruins for years, Ballone was recently purchased by an architect, who has restored the castle as a private home.

Bennetsfield - Near Avoch, Ross & Cromarty (Black Isle) - NX3466

The lands in Ross & Cromarty were given to Patrick Dunbar, Chancellor of Aberdeen, who was the youngest son of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield. He owned several estates in Avoch, the best known being Bennetsfield. The Bennetsfield Dunbars eventually moved to the vicinity of Elgin and became the Dunbars of Dykeside.

Change Log:

  • Initial revision - Christine Dunbar Kuhn, Clan Genealogist - August 21, 2021

  • Grid Locations added - Debra Dunbar Nowell - 26 Feb 2023

  • Updated - Christine Dunbar Kuhn, 7 March 2023