What is recorded here

Old Rayne is a small Aberdeenshire village where medieval bishopric stones still scatter through ordinary buildings. The bishops received the lands in 1137 and raised a moated maned residence there, but the palace was later abandoned and quarried after the 1587 annexation. Its name preserves the Gaelic idea of good ground, while Lourin Fair keeps the village loud each August with horses, music and competition.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Old Rayne as Bishops Palace (medieval), Building(s) (period Unassigned), Cistern (medieval), Moated Site (medieval), Oven(s) (post Medieval), Rig and Furrow (medieval), Unidentified Flint(s) (period Unassigned). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Old Rayne was likely a medieval bishops' palace, possibly associated with the Bishop of Brechin or a similar ecclesiastical authority, and dates to the 12th to 14th centuries. It is remembered for its well-preserved features, including a moated site and cistern, which illustrate the layout and domestic infrastructure of medieval episcopal residences in Scotland.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.