 King James VI was entertained at Tolquhon in July 1589.The new buildings were arranged around a courtyard, and included an elaborate gatehouse, and a first-floor gallery.An inscription on the gatehouse records that "AL THIS WARKE EXCEP THE AULD TOWR WAS BEGUN BE WILLIAM FORBES 15 APRIL 1584 AND ENDIT BE HIM 20 OCTOBER 1589".