A former stronghold of the Ogilvies on the western boundary of Angus, Airlie Castle lies at the junction of the Melgam Water with the River Isla, 4 miles (6 km) east of Alyth.
The original castle was built by Walter Ogilvy of Lintrathen following a grant made to him in 1432 by James I, but it was destroyed in 1640 by Archibald Campbell, the 8th Earl of Argyll (1598 - 1661), when James Ogilvie, the 1st Earl of Airlie (1593 - 1666), refused to sign the National Covenant. Although it was never rebuilt, a country house was constructed over the ruins in 1793. This was restored during the 20th century and remains occupied.
