Huntingtower Castle, or the House of Ruthven as it was known before 1600, was a lordly residence for about 300 years and in its time saw much coming and going. Mary Queen of Scots stayed there twice in 1565, the second time on her honeymoon with Lord Darnley. Her son James VI was held here against his will in 1582 in an episode known as the Ruthven raid. The splendid painted ceiling of the hall, which dates from around 1540, is especially noteworthy.