Crathes Castle
Some 3 miles east of Banchory and 14 miles south-west of Aberdeen, this is a real fairytale castle With its portraits, oak ceilings, heraldic shields, Elizabethan fireplace and more, Crathes is uniquely preserved. The castle is particularly famous for its Jacobean painted ceilings, only uncovered in 1877. These can be seen in the Chamber of the Muses, the Chamber of Nine Worthies and the Green Lady's Room - which is said to be haunted. One of the most historic objects is the Horn of Leys, a jewelled ivory horn on display in the hall. It is thought to have been given by Robert the Bruce to the Burnetts in 1323 when he granted them the Lands of Leys. Only later, in 1553, did they begin to build the castle. It wasn't completed until at least 1596 and the east-wing was added in the 18th century. The castle stayed in the hands of the same family until 1951 when Sir James Burnett presented Crathes to the National Trust for Scotland. The current visitor centre stands in place of the Queen Anne wing which was destroyed by fire in 1966. In summer the colourful formal gardens are particularly beautiful and much praised. They are divided into 8 themed areas by Irish yew hedges which date from 1702. The avenues of lime trees may be even older. Certainly worth a visit. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, it is open daily 1 April - 30 September 10am - , also daily in October 10am - Then from 1 November to 31 March, there are reduced openings: Thursday to Sunday - 4pm. The gardens and grounds are open daily all year round 9am til sunset. The restaurant is open daily from 1 April - mid December.
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Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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