Blairfindy Castle is a late‑1500s L‑plan tower house built for the Gordon family and later used as a hunting seat by the Earls of Huntly. Burned after the Jacobite rising of 1745 and left derelict for centuries, it has now been carefully conserved, allowing visitors to step inside its atmospheric stone shell. Set above the River Livet and surrounded by rolling hills, it’s a quiet, evocative stop full of history and Highland character

Drumin Castle stands on a steep ridge overlooking the Livet and Avon, built in the late 1300s for the powerful Stewart family and later held by the Gordons. Though now a ruin, its thick stone walls, vaulted cellar, fireplaces, and surviving parapet fragments give a vivid sense of medieval life. The site is peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a short wander with a strong sense of history

Lady Hill rises above the centre of Elgin as a small but striking landmark crowned by the Duke of Gordon’s Monument. Beneath the column lie the remains of a medieval motte and bailey castle dating back to the 11th–12th century, once occupied by King Edward I and later destroyed during the Wars of Independence. Today it’s an easy, rewarding climb offering panoramic views across Moray and a tangible sense of Elgin’s layered past.

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

Huntly Castle is a richly carved ruin in Aberdeenshire, once home to the powerful Gordon family. It offers layered history, dramatic architecture, and a peaceful riverside setting ideal for heritage lovers and photographers. Highlights Seat of the Earls of Huntly : The castle was a stronghold of the influential Gordon family from the 15th to 17th centuries. Heraldic Stonework : Intricate carvings of coats of arms, Latin inscriptions, and Renaissance friezes decorate the façad

Perched on the banks of Loch Ness , Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins, steeped in over a thousand years of history....

Braemar Castle is a striking 17th-century fortress nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Built in 1628 by John Erskine, Earl of Mar, it served as both a hunting lodge and a strategic stronghold during turbulent times. Over the centuries, it has been a garrison, a noble residence, and a symbol of resilience—surviving Jacobite uprisings, royal visits, and community-led restoration efforts. Today, the castle is run by local volunteers through Braemar Community Ltd, o

History of Balvenie Castle For over five centuries, Balvenie served as a formidable fortress, initially for the Comyn earls of Buchan, who governed this region of north-east Scotland. In 1306, Robert the Bruce defeated these influential lords, capturing Balvenie Castle in 1308. Highlights Construction Period: 1200s Original Purpose: Seat of the earls of Buchan Transformation: Became an elegant lodging in the 1500s Curtain Walls: Striking design that enhances the castle's defe

Auchindoun Castle has a rich and tumultuous history, marked by conflict and tragedy. In 1567, Auchindoun was sold to Sir Adam Gordon. His tenure is noted for his notorious actions during a feud. Sir Adam Gordon gained infamy for the murder of all the occupants of Corgarff Castle in 1571, a brutal act that highlighted the violent rivalries of the time. In retaliation for the massacre at Corgarff, William Mackintosh burned Auchindoun Castle, marking a significant event in th

The largest surviving medieval bishop’s house in Scotland, which served as the residence of the bishops of Moray for 500 years. This historic palace not only functioned as the home of the bishops but also served as a guesthouse for royalty traveling in the area. Highlights Medieval design elements as well as defensive structure points David's tower stands as a monument to medieval engineering Site was once next to a sea loch that can still be seen from the tower Residence of

Duffus Castle served as a fortress residence for over 500 years, spanning from the 1100s to the 1700s. The stone structure that stands today was constructed in the 1300s, replacing an earlier timber fortress. The Castle is a fine example of Motte fortification where by a mound is created after a low trench is dug allowing water to create an island defence. Highlights Once regarded as one of the strongest castles in Scotland, Duffus Castle fell into decay and was abandoned in