Walking through history
One of the joys of this time of year is taking a walk in the crisp air and pottering round a local landmark. Luckily, there are over 80 castles spread throughout the North-east of Scotland, so we’re spoilt for choice. Here are a few of our favourites for a wander back in time…
For the energetic: Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar, sited on a rocky outcrop just south of Stonehaven has a starring role in Hamlet and is extremely photogenic, with its roofless buildings and ocean-defying perch.
Historic highlights include everything from Picts and Vikings to saints, royalty to lions and, inevitably, Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace.
There are several hundred steps to get down to, then up to the castle and several million on the return journey. It’s like a 1980’s step class with a bit of history thrown in. Fortunately, you can pause several times on the way back up by claiming you need to take in the panorama of the sea views and then revive your spirits at the snack bar near the car park.
For the family: Crathes Castle
One of the region’s prettiest castles, which comes fully furnished and hosts
a treasure house of interesting objects.
It’s free to wander in the huge grounds, though there are separate entrance fees for the castle itself and the gardens, which are rated amongst the top fifty in the world. Best to save the gardens for spring and summer though, when everything comes into bloom. There’s a café and gift shop on site as well as a playground for the kids.
For the drama lover: Findlater Castle
To reach Findlater, you need to head to Sandend then take a mile-long farm track down to the coast. The castle sits on a cliff overlooking the Moray Firth, so you might get lucky and spot a dolphin or two during your visit. Given the castle’s shady past, it’s a suitably dramatic location.
It was owned by the Ogilvy family, who would have fitted right in with any modern soap opera. One laird of Findlater lost his inheritance following sexual shenanigans with his mother-in-law and plotting to imprison his father in a cellar to deprive him of sleep and drive him insane to obtain his lands. After his father’s death, his mother married a son of the Earl of Huntly, who then took possession of the castle and lands, and promptly imprisoned her.
For the history lover: Huntly Castle
The ruins of Huntly Castle lie north of Huntly at the confluence of the rivers Deveron and Bogie. The ancestral seat of the Gordon clan is now in the care of Historic Scotland. It’s seen over 800 years of feuding, treachery, executions, fires, poisonings, fatal football matches and the odd battle, so no wonder it’s looking a tad worse for wear.
When James IV visited, he brought four Italian minstrels and an African drummer, while Mary Queen of Scots coveted the castle and sent her half brother to arrest the Earl, but was thwarted by the Countess of Huntly.
At the moment, you can’t access the top of the tower. Check the Historic Scotland Website for current opening times. Treat yourself to some of the Larder Huntly’s excellent cheesecake and a coffee before heading home.