| Step back in time through
the last millennium of our country's heritage and experience
Scottish castles at their best on Scotland's only Castle Trail.
A selection of thirteen of the world's most unique castles
ranging from the fairy tale magic of Craigievar, to the rugged
splendour of Kildrummy Castle ruins, to the elegant timelessness
of the country house grandeur of Leith Hall.
Aberdeenshire is matchless in the richness of its castle tradition
and Scotland's Castle Trail brings together some of the most
splendid examples of castellated architecture on a clearly
sign-posted tourist trail.
A superb cluster of 13 famous Scottish castles features...
Duff House
- (1735 - 1742), the magnificanet Baroque mansion built
by William Adam for William Duff M.P., Lord Braco and later
Earl of Fife, has undergone complete refurbishment as a Country
House Gallery operating as an outstation of the National Galleries
of Scotland.
Delgatie Castle -
The home of the late Captain Hay of Delgatie it has
painted ceilings dated 1592 and 1597. The turnpike stair of
97 treads measures over five feet in width.
Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed here for three days in 1562.
Displays of fine paintings, armoury, Victorian clothes combined
with the atmosphere of a lived in home makes Delgatie Castle
well worth a visit.
Fyvie Castle -
the five towers of Fyvie Castle enshrine five centuries
of Scottish history, each being named after the five families
who owned the castle. The oldest part dates from the 13th
century and is probably the grandest example of Scottish Baronial
architecture.
Haddo House
- This magnificent house stands on the grounds of an
ancient castle and is steeped in history of the great Gordon
family. Although grand and luxurious it still has a very 'homely'
feel and is surrounded by a beautiful rose garden, lawns and
country park, shop, plant sales, tearoom, play area and events.
Tolquhon Castle
- This castle, now a ruin, was started in the 15th
century when the Preston Tower was built. In 1420, the Tower
was passed to the Forbes family and after this date, William
Forbes, the seventh laird, built a large quadrangular mansion.
His stately tomb at the parish church of Tarves is known as
the Tolquhon Aisle and is situated in the church yard.
Huntly Castle - Known also
as Strathbogie Castle, this glorious ruin stands on the bank
of the River Deveron. It is in itself a history lesson in
the development of the Scottish castle from the earliest Norman
fortress to the palace of the 17th century.
Corgarff Castle
- This beautifully restored castle with its star shaped
ramparts is set amid spectacular scenery. It dates from 1537
and has seen very turbulent times. It played a prominent part
in the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 and was converted
into a barracks for Hanoverian troops in 1748. Its last military
use was to house the English Redcoats who had the unpopular
task of combating whisky smuggling.
Kildrummy Castle
- These are the ruins of a 13th century stone courtyard
castle which was dismantled after the first Jacobite rising
in 1715.
The complete layout of domestic buildings is still intact
- hall, kitchen and chapel. It has been described as the noblest
of Northern castles and a stronghold of the Earls of Mar.
Leith Hall
- This unusual and attractive mansion house was begun
in 1650, and subsequent additions have resulted in a house
built around a central courtyard. The House is a fine example
of a Scottish family home and is regarded by many as one of
the National Trust for Scotland’s hidden gems
Drum Castle - Not part of
the official Castle Trail but another NTS property well worth
a visit. The original 13th century keep has an adjoining Jacobean
mansion house and additions made by Victorian lairds. There
are woodland trails and a garden of historic roses in the
grounds.
Crathes Castle - not officially
part of the Castle Trail, Crathes Castle near Banchory is
justly famous not just for the building itself, but for its
spectacular gardens and unusual topiary. Crathes is in the
care of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Craigievar Castle - this fairytale
castle is an example of the best of Scottish Baronial architecture.
It was built by William Forbes in 1626. Rumour has it that
Disney's famous castle was modelled on it!
Castle Fraser - built between
1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser, this magnificent
building contains an array of historic furnishings, paintings
and embroidery. The castle is set in extensive parkland.
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