National Galleries of Scotland
Visited Duff House at Banff. The Georgian house is impressive and was designed by William Adam. It contains some interesting art from the National Galleries of Scotland, and other contents from Dunimarle.
The house formerly contained the art collection of one of its owners. Later it suffered use as a hotel, a nursing home, and a prisoner of war camp.
Visit date: May 2014
Day: 23 August 2014
Drum Castle and Garden
National Trust for Scotland
Drum Castle has a 13th century tower, almost windowless, with rounded corners, and attached to it is a Jacobean mansion. The tower was closed for repairs, but we looked around the mansion which has interesting paintings and furniture. We also visited the walled gardens, which feature roses, and had a walk in one of the woods.
Visit date: May 2014
Crathes Castle and Garden
National Trust for Scotland
Visited Crathes Castle, a tower-like castle. From the upper floor one can get a fine view of the extensive walled gardens. The castle has an attached wing in a Victorian style. This wing was formerly bigger, but was burnt out in the 1960’s and was rebuilt to a lesser height and ground plan. We walked around the walled gardens which are arranged in multiple sections and are very fine.
Visit date: May 2014
Castle Fraser
National Trust for Scotland
Castle Fraser is a substantial tall castle built with three wings, and a long courtyard enclosed by a pair of service wings. We were able to visit the entire interior on a self-guided tour, and were able to get onto the roof of one of the wings, which gave a great view of the grounds. We visited a walled garden.
Visit date: May 2014
Pitmedden Garden
National Trust for Scotland
Pitmedden Garden is a fine walled garden, originally created in the 17th century. When visited there were a few modern sculptures in the grounds, and displays of farm life in outbuildings. The attached house is not open to the public and of no particular interest.
The gardens are well worth a visit.
Visit date: May 2014
Tolquhon Castle
Historic Scotland
A ruin with interesting carvings on the gatehouse.
We also visited Tarves Churchyard, where there is a tomb for William Forbes, featuring an arch with carvings.
Visited May 2014
