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Ashintully Castle

Ashintully was originally built by Andrew Spalding in 1583 as a fortified tower house or fortalice. Its early history was turbulent; it provided refuge for Rob Roy MacGregor and later for Jacobite insurgents whose cause the Spalding clan staunchly supported. Even today its location in Strathardle is remote from metalled roads and difficult of access. In the 18th century the property passed into the possession of Roger Aytoun, whose descendants remained there until 1947; shortly before the final sale, a member of the family took this historic photograph. Ashintully was remodelled a number of times, notably in 1830, gradually assuming the more genteel character of a country house as peace descended on the Highlands. For a more modern view see Link