Scotlands Castle Country

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Discover
Discover what this fascinating part of Scotland
has to offer...
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What Is
?
Known by many as the Scottish Castle Trail,
Scotlands Castle Country is situated in North
East Scotland in the county of Aberdeenshire.
The area is rich with history and beauty, which
ranges from sublime tower houses and ancient
ruins to unspoiled countryside and coastal views.

Castle Country is named such because of the
remarkably large number of Castles found in the
immediate area.
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North East Aberdeenshire
The North East area of Aberdeenshire is home to
historic castles like Slains Castle (pictured)
which is found sitting atop a cliff edge in
Cruden Bay. Locals claim this impressive
structure was the inspiration for Dracula.
Nearby towns and villages include Crovie, Ellon,
Macduff and Huntly.
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North West Aberdeenshire
Home to not one but two historic castles, North
West Aberdeenshire is a must for history buffs.
Whats more, couples and families holidaying in
the area can also enjoy being in close proximity
to the stunning Cairngorms National Park.
Huntly Castle
This intriguing structure is largely in ruins
but is nonetheless A historically significant
and fascinating landmark.
Found near the River Deveron, Huntly Castle was
at one time a
Kildrummy Castle
majestic place. Much of the castles outer
walls and tower remain intact.
The ruins of Kildrummy Castle once stood proudly
over the area. Made for the Earl of Mar,
Kildrummy Castle was symbolic o f prestige and
power. The ruins are full of history and are an
impressive sight. Mant outer walls are partially
intact, giving a real feel for the scale of the
castle, and the grounds are surrounded by
unspoiled countryside.
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South East Aberdeenshire
Located within Cairngorms National Park, Braemar
Castle dates back to the 17th Century and remains
a striking and unforgettable sight. The castle
was the second commissioned by the Earl of Mar,
and was constructed to showcase wealth and to act
as a hunting lodge.
Braemar Castle
Designed by the architect William Smith, with
Prince Albert himself overseeing aspects of the
construction, this historic castle is a stunning
structure. A holiday home for the Queen,
Balmoral has been used by monarchs including
Victoria and Elizabeth II.
Corgarff Castle
Balmoral Castle
Despite its unconventional appearance, Corgarff
Castle remains an intriguing place, if not more
so because of its uniqueness. The castle, as it
currently stands, was re-built for defensive
purposes in the 1700s and is enveloped by a
star shaped outer wall.
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South West Aberdeenshire
Castle Fraser
Crathes Castle
Set on four acres of land, this 16th century
castle was built for Burnetts of Leys and was
owned by the family for hundreds of years. The
castle is one of areas most popular attractions
and is extremely well preserved. The painted
ceiling of Crathes is a sight to behold, as is
the Horn of Leys which is lies within the castle.
Crathes is also believed to be the home of two
ghosts!
This elaborate Z plan castle was created in the
late 16th/early 17th century by Michael Fraser.
The castles great hall is an astonishing room
that is sure to impress, as are the numerous
family portraits throughout the castle.
The castle is set on gorgeous grounds which are
made up of a combination of woodland and
farmland.
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South West Aberdeenshire
Craigievar Castle
Like most castles in the Aberdeenshire area, Drum
Castle has a rich and exciting history waiting to
be uncovered. Drum has a story that stretches
Another excellently preserved castle, Craigievar
has a unique and distinctive appearance. From
intricate ceilings to huge countryside grounds
and family portraits of the Forbes family, this
is a special place to visit. The castle is not
only said to house the ghost of a
back for hundreds of years to the 14th century.
The castle, which was restored in 2013, was
constructed for the Irvine family and acted as
the seat of the chief of Clan Irvine. The
original 13th century tower house was said to be
one of the three oldest in Scotland.
young man killed by Sir John Forbes, but is
also said to be the castle that was the
inspiration for the famous Disney logo! Queen
Victoria is also believed to have made an
impromptu visit to Craigievar in 1879.
Drum Castle
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Things to do In
Walking Enjoy your surroundings. There are a
range of great walking paths around this area of
wonderful Scottish countryside.
Museums Great range of Museums to choose from,
including Maritime Museum, Grampian Transport
Museum and Banchory Museum.
Find out more at http//www.scotlands-castle-coun
try.org/
Beaches a selection of gorgeous beaches. Enjoy
watersports at Stonehaven, or take a walk down
the long coastal stretch at Balmedie.
Alternatively, visit any number of the great
beaches found here, like Newburgh Beach and City
Beach.