01/10/2024
Spynie is unusual because the naming says Spynie Palace but it is indeed a castle built for high ranking leaders of a massive wealthy religious organisation. The Wolf of Badenoch attacked churches locally ...Bishop Innes created the first ranges of the palace buildings just after these attacks, wisely not trusting that the Wolf had truly reformed. Inside a tall defensive wall remain two ranges with first floor halls, possibly a chapel building, and the basement foundations of a substantial circular tower which could have been the first main accommodation block. These are all overshadowed by the massive tower house known as David's Tower - six storeys with a first floor entrance. It is named after Bishop David Stewart who had started its creation around 1465. The high and mighty liked to call on the bishop and enjoy the feasting with a choice of wines from the cellar. These included James IV, Mary Queen of Scots and James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell.
In 1589, General Munro terrified Bishop Guthrie into surrender after threatening siege and had him thrown in jail. Later in 1645, the Innes and Grants clans held out for the covenanters at the castle against a siege by Gordon, the Earl of Huntly. By 1686, the last bishop to reside at the castle died there. In 1688, Bishop Hay was removed from his position and the castle fell into ruin. The state took over Spynie Palace in 1973 which has enabled the ruin to be made safe. But they have not stopped the sightings of a ghostly piper, strange music and unexpected lights.
