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

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 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

Culloden Battlefield is a powerful, historically rich site near Inverness where the final Jacobite Rising ended in 1746. Visitors can explore the battlefield, museum, and memorials year-round, with immersive exhibits and walking trails that bring Scotland’s past to life. Highlights Historic battlefield : Site of the last pitched battle on British soil, where the Jacobite forces were defeated in under an hour. Visitor Centre : Features a 360° battle immersion theatre, interact

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....

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

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

Elgin Cathedral serves as a prominent landmark and towering beacon within the urban landscape of Elgin. This once magnificent hall was the pride of Moray's bishops until it was attacked by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390, followed by years of deterioration that led to the crumbling of several parts. Since the 1800s, the cathedral has attracted numerous tourists, and efforts to preserve the main towers and chapel have transformed it from a mere ruin into a museum dedicated to Mor

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

Inveravon Parish Church, located near Ballindalloch, Scotland, is known for its historical significance and the presence of Pictish...

Burghead is a peaceful coastal village located on the shores of the Moray Firth in northeast Scotland. This charming destination offers a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty. Highlights Go to the visitor centre to discover the history of the area from around 400 AD to the present day. Explore the ancient fort that showcases the heritage of the Pictish people. Visit the historical well providing insight into the life of early inhabitants. Practical Information In addit

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

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

Craigellachie Bridge is a cast iron arch bridge located across the River Spey at Craigellachie, near the village of Aberlour in Moray, Scotland. The bridge was designed by the renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford and constructed between 1812 and 1814. Highlights Craigellachie Bridge is not only an important engineering feat of its time but also a significant historical landmark, showcasing the advancements in bridge construction during the early 19th century. It is consider