Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle stands above the River Ythan in rural Aberdeenshire, about 25 miles north of Aberdeen near the village of Fyvie. Originally a royal stronghold dating back to the 13th century, the castle was held in turn by five great families: the Prestons, Meldrums, Setons, Gordons and Leiths. Each added a tower, giving the building its distinctive sweeping front of five turreted towers and one of the finest examples of Scottish baronial architecture.

Inside, the grand wheel staircase and panelled rooms display a rich collection of arms and armour, tapestries and one of Scotland's most important country house collections of portraits, including works by Raeburn, Gainsborough, Romney and Batoni. The castle is also celebrated for its ghost stories, including the legendary Green Lady and the mysterious weeping stones associated with the Curse of Fyvie.

The surrounding parkland, laid out around an ornamental loch, includes a restored racquets court, walled garden of Scottish fruits, woodland walks and an ice house. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, Fyvie makes an absorbing half-day visit for anyone interested in architecture, art and Scottish history.