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Drum Castle
Craigievar Castle
The sweep of 700 years of history is stamped into Drum’s stalwart battlements, medieval square tower and sprawling
extensions. The Royal Forest and Tower of Drum were given to the Irvine family by Robert the Bruce in 1323. Later
a Jacobean mansion house was added, and in the Victorian era the lower hall was converted to a library. The beautiful
Garden of Historic Roses is divided into quadrants that show how roses have been cultivated from the 17th to the 20th
century. The ancient oak forest adjoins the castle, providing a sense of continuity through the centuries and a home for
red kites, roe deer, red squirrels and badgers.
If Craigievar Castle seems familiar, it might be because it’s
said to be the inspiration for the famous Disney castle.
The pinkish hue is certainly fitting of a fairytale princess –
as are its conical turrets, gargoyles and exquisitely carved
chimneys. Strictly speaking what is known as a Scottish
tower house, Craigievar became the wonder it is today
when it was bought in 1610 by William Forbes of Menie,
brother of the Bishop of Aberdeen, a merchant who
made his fortune by importing wood. Notable inside
are the fabulous plasterwork ceilings, particularly in the
Great Hall. The Blue Bedroom is said to be haunted by
the ghost of a man thrown from the window by “Red” Sir
John – a descendant of William Forbes – as he climbed
up to woo Sir John’s daughter. Craigievar remained the
home of the Forbes family for 350 years, though it is now
in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. The castle,
which can be seen by guided tour only.
Craigievar Castle,
Scotland
Dunnottar Castle,
Aberdeenshire
Dunnottar Castle
Locations don’t come much more cinematic than the
spectacular ruins of Dunnottar Castle (pictured top).
Sitting atop a craggy headland on the outskirts on
Stonehaven in the south of the county, the castle’s
strategic location has given it a leading role in Scottish
history, withstanding sieges, hosting royalty and starring
on the silver screen. Yet the castle’s most remarkable
moment saw it sheltering the Honours of Scotland –
the Scottish crown jewels – from Oliver Cromwell’s
invading army.
Corgarff Castle
Standing alone like an island amid the rolling terrain of
remote Strathdon, Corgarff Castle, a striking pale cuboid
building, has a history as dramatic as its location. Built in
the mid-16th century by the Forbes clan, Corgarff was
burned down in 1571 by their enemy Adam Gordon of
Auchindoun, a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots.
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THE PRESTIGE | DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen Treetops
THE PRESTIGE | DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen Treetops
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