There isn’t much left to see on the site, which is now occupied by boarding kennels and named Ashbank. During the second half of the 17th century Ardestie Castle was the main residence of the Earls of Panmure until the completion of Panmure House, and James Maule, the 4th and last Earl of Panmure, was born at the castle in 1658. The third stone carries the initials “M A R” (possibly representing Lady Margaret Hamilton, Countess of Panmure) within a rope-style moulding, and below the letters is another heart pierced with three nails and a sword. Two of the stones feature the initials “I H S” and the symbol of a heart pierced by three nails. Three further sculptured stones from a chapel within the castle were found on the site. One is inscribed “C I C P 1688” (believed to be Countess Jean Campbell of Panmure), while the other carries “D I A : 1625”, above which is a fleur-de-lis. Much of the stone from the castle was evidently used to build farm buildings, and two cottages feature door lintels with 17th century dates. Although the foundations were apparently still visible in 1853, not much now remains.

It is unclear when Ardestie Castle was built, however it is believed to have shared similar features, albeit on a larger scale, with Affleck Castle and Hynd Castle which may suggest a date in the late 15th century.

Not Your Child by Lis Angus