The barony of Rescobie was an early barony in Angus and Rescobie Castle was said to date back to the 11th century although nothing of it now remains.

The castle was built on a possibly artificially-constructed island on the west edge of Rescobie Loch, although little is known about it. It was also known as Barnsdale Castle.

Duncan III, also known as Donald Bane, was said to have been imprisoned in the castle in 1097 by his nephew, Edgar, who would later succeed him as King of Scotland.

When the castle was destroyed is not clear, but by the early 19th century only “a great quantity of stone” could be seen on the island which was now connected to the shore by either a causeway or a natural ridge.