Dunrobin Castle was built in the midst of a tribal society, with Norse and Gaelic in use during the 1400's. Robert the Bruce planted the Gordons, who supported his claim to the crown, at Huntly in Aberdeenshire, and they were created Earls of Huntly in 1445. Numerous violent family feuds ensued.
In 1518, in the absence of Adam Gordon, the castle was captured by Alexander Sutherland, the legitimate heir to the Earldom of Sutherland. The Gordons quickly retook the castle, captured Alexander and placed his head on a spear on top of the castle tower. Alexander's son John made an attempt on the castle in 1550, but was killed in the castle garden. During the more peaceful 17th century, the castle tower was extended with the addition of a large house, built around a courtyard to the south-west.

The current owners maintain a falconry garden and the principle trainer provides an entertaining falconry presentation with live birds for visitors to the castle.