Free to Visit

Findlater Castle is a dramatic cliffside ruin on the Moray Firth coast, offering stunning views, rich medieval history, and a rugged walking experience ideal for adventurous visitors. Highlights Clifftop Fortress : Perched on a 50-foot-high outcrop, Findlater Castle was once a formidable stronghold with sheer drops on three sides and a drawbridge for defense. Historic Drama : Linked to Alexander III, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Ogilvie and Gordon families, the castle played

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is one of Scotland’s best-preserved recumbent stone circles, offering mystical ambience, panoramic views, and easy access near Inverurie. Highlights Complete Recumbent Stone Circle : Unlike many sites, East Aquhorthies retains its full ring of stones, including the massive recumbent stone  flanked by upright grey granite pillars. Unique Stone Selection : Most stones are pinkish porphyry, but the recumbent is red granite from Bennachie, and one is

The Dyce Symbol Stones are a pair of enigmatic Pictish carvings housed in a quiet chapel ruin near Aberdeen, offering a blend of myth, mystery, and medieval artistry. Highlights Two Main Stones : Dyce I  (c. AD 600): Features classic Pictish symbols like the “swimming beast” and the double disc with Z-rod. Dyce II  (c. AD 700–800): A cross-slab with intricate interlace carvings and a rare Ogham inscription , possibly introduced by Irish missionaries. Setting : Displayed insid

The Maiden Stone near Inverurie is a striking Pictish monument with mythic allure, intricate carvings, and easy access best viewed April to October. Highlights Class II Pictish Cross-Slab : Carved from red granite, this 3-meter-high stone features a ring-headed cross, mythical beasts, and iconic Pictish symbols like the mirror and comb, Z-rod, and centaur-like figures. Legend of the Maiden : Local lore tells of a laird’s daughter who lost a bet with the devil and was turned t

The Brandsbutt Stone in Inverurie is a striking Class I Pictish monument featuring mysterious symbols and rare ogham script—perfect for a quick, lore-rich stop on a heritage trail. Highlights Class I Pictish Stone : Carved around AD 600, this dark whinstone slab features classic Pictish symbols— a crescent and V-rod above a serpent and Z-rod —etched with bold precision. Ogham Inscription : Along the left edge runs an ogham script reading IRATADDOARENS , possibly referencing E

The Wellington Bomber Viewpoint near Loch Ness commemorates the dramatic 1985 recovery of a WWII aircraft from the loch’s depths. It offers historical insight, scenic views, and a peaceful stop for reflection Highlights Historic Aircraft : The viewpoint honours Wellington Bomber N2980 , which ditched into Loch Ness during a training flight on 31 December 1940. It was recovered intact in 1985 and is now housed at Brooklands Museum. Interpretive Signage : On-site panels share t

The Falls of Bruar offer a scenic woodland walk with dramatic waterfalls, historic stone bridges, and easy access from the House of Bruar. It’s free to visit, open year-round, and ideal for a short nature escape in Perthshire. Highlights Series of waterfalls : Set in a forested gorge, the falls cascade through dramatic rock formations. Historic bridges : Two picturesque stone bridges offer stunning views and photo opportunities. Circular walking trail : A 1.5-mile loop takes

Standing proudly at the junction of High Street and Station Road, this polished granite Celtic Cross honours the 83 local souls lost in the World Wars. Dedicated in 1921, it bears the badge of the Cameron Highlanders and a Gaelic inscription: Air Chuimhne Nan Sonn Nach Maireann —“In memory of the heroes who are no more.” Surrounded by gardens, it remains a place of quiet reflection and enduring gratitude Highlights Striking Celtic Cross  in polished grey granite, featuring th

Queen’s View offers one of Scotland’s most iconic panoramas, gazing westward over Loch Tummel toward the distant peaks of Glencoe. Though Queen Victoria visited in 1866 and assumed it was named for her, the viewpoint is more likely a tribute to Queen Isabella, wife of Robert the Bruce Highlights Breathtaking Vista : Overlooks Loch Tummel with views stretching to Schiehallion and the distant Glencoe mountains—often called Scotland’s finest view . Royal Connection : Named for Q

Tucked within the dramatic Pass of Killiecrankie near Pitlochry lies Soldier’s Leap, a legendary spot steeped in history and Highland folklore. During the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, government soldier Donald McBane is said to have made a desperate 18-foot leap across the River Garry to escape pursuing Jacobite forces. Highlights Soldier’s Leap : The legendary 18-foot jump by Redcoat Donald McBane during the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie. Killiecrankie Gorge : A stunning

Nestled in the heart of Moray, the Fochabers Folk Museum offers a captivating glimpse into everyday life in northeast Scotland during the 18th to 20th centuries. Opened in 1984, this charming museum showcases an eclectic collection of carriages, agricultural tools, vintage clothing, and domestic artifacts. Visitors can step back in time with a recreated 19th-century schoolroom honouring Alexander Milne, founder of Milne’s Free School, and explore the wartime legacy of RAF Dal

Nestled in the quiet village of Rhynie in Aberdeenshire, a remarkable collection of carved stones tells tales from over 1,000 years ago....

The Watchers is a striking art installation located on the A939 Lecht Road in the Cairngorms National Park, near Corgarff Castle in Aberdeenshire. Created by artist John Kennedy, this installation features four sculptural cowls made from folded steel, each sheltering a larch wood seat. Highlights The cowls resemble origami-like forms and are designed to offer protection from the wind and snow, evoking imagery such as: Helmets or armoured figures A henge or standing stones A h

Nestled near the peaceful shores of Loch Kinord in Aberdeenshire, the Kinord Cross is a beautifully carved stone from the 9th century. It...

Tomnaverie Stone Circle, built around 2500 BC in Aberdeenshire, is a Bronze Age recumbent stone circle featuring a 6.5-ton horizontal stone flanked by uprights, surrounding a burial cairn used for cremations and aligned with lunar events and the distant peak of Lochnagar Highlights Large stone table 360 degree over watch of valley Also features reconnaissance shelter from cold war era Practical Information Car park enough for 8 cars Picnic benches available Seating points ava

Perched on the Moray Firth coast near Lossiemouth, Covesea Viewpoint offers breath-taking panoramic views of rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches, and the iconic Covesea Skerries Lighthouse. This scenic spot is perfect for wildlife watchers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. From here, you can glimpse RAF aircraft overhead or simply soak in the dramatic coastal beauty that has inspired generations. Highlights High viewpoint Good for wildlife watching Practical I

Roseisle Beach and Forest Walk is a scenic coastal spot on the Moray Coast, nestled between Burghead and Findhorn. Offering sandy shores, pine-scented woodland trails and wildlife-rich paths perfect for walking, cycling, and family picnics. Highlights Picnic areas Barista Coffee Wildlife Kids play area Practical Information Large Parking area Disabled access to beach Coffee Vender onsite Tips for visitors The area is known for bug activity (it is a forest) There is BBQ desig

Elgin Museum, located at 1 High Street, Elgin, is Scotland's oldest independent museum, established in 1843. It is owned and managed by The Moray Society and focuses on the history and heritage of Moray, with a broader collection of objects from around the world. Highlights The museum showcases artifacts from around the globe, with a particular emphasis on Moray, spanning all historical and prehistoric periods from before the age of dinosaurs to the modern era. The permanent

Portknockie Harbour is a historic natural harbour with two basins, primarily used by leisure craft but also accommodating some small...

The Findochty War Memorial is comprised of two distinct monuments commemorating those lost in the World Wars: a statue of a fisherman and...