ABERDEENSHIRE CASTLES

Travel a little further afield and you’ll find the Deeside castles, including famous Balmoral...

Balmoral Castle, near Ballater, was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848 and remains the Royal Family’s Scottish residence. The castle is set in 50,000 acres with the river Dee running through the estate’s heart.

Crathes Castle, near Banchory, dates from the 16th century and has been occupied by a single family for more than 350 years. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland.

Drum Castle, overlooking the river Dee 10 miles west of Aberdeen, has the oldest intact tower in Scotland dating from the 13th century and is situated in beautiful grounds.
Also worth investigating are...

Craigievar Castle, near Alford, built in 1610 and with one of the best preserved tower houses in Scotland. Set in woodland, there are fine views towards Bennachie. Note: the castle is closed during 2009 but the grounds are open.

Duff House, near Banff, is a majestic Georgian mansion designed by William Adam for the Earl of Fife and housing an art collection that includes works by El Greco Gainsborough and François Boucher.

Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, dates in places back to the 12th century although the site was inhabited from Pictish times. Noted visitors include William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and the future King Charles II. The castle was home to the powerful Marischal family until the early 18th century.

Huntly Castle, near Huntly, is one of Scotland’s most impressive medieval buildings with origins in the 12th century and the present building dating from 1540.

Why not download the Visit Scotland Castle Trail map?