Dunphail Castle is a crumbling 14th century stronghold with a vaulted basement and traces of walling, with a later tower dating back to the 17th century. It is located high up on the edge of a ravine in stunningly beautiful private grounds far off the beaten track, albeit there is a footpath and a well-maintained forest track that will take you to the foot of the ridge upon which the castle stands.
The castle was in existence before 1314. The Comyns owned Dunphail Castle, and the Regent Moray besieged them there in 1330, after their flight from Darnaway Castle. Moray beheaded five of the garrison, whom he had captured when they had been foraging. He had the heads flung over the walls, supposedly saying, “Here’s beef for your bannocks”. (Five skull-less bodies were discovered buried near the castle, in the 18th century.) The remnant of the garrison were killed by the Regent’s troops when attempting to escape.
The Dunbars, came into ownership of Dunphail and may have occupied this castle afterwards. Dunphail House was, however, built for the Cummings.