Located 8 miles west of Aberdeen, it is a pleasant place to visit with extensive grounds, woodland walks and historic rose garden. Inside there is lots to see too – portraits, furniture, vaulted ceilings decorated with shields, great hall, 16th century chapel, and much more. Well worth a visit. Small shop, tearoom and children’s playground also on site.

The Castle is open from Easter – 30 June and 1 – 31 October 12.30 – 5pm (closed Tuesdays and Fridays). Castle open 1 July – 31 August daily 11am – 5pm. Grounds open daily all year. Telephone 01330 811 204.
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
For wedding enquiries – please click here

A visit to Drum Castle can be included on your customised itinerary with ClansandCastles.com who offer personal guided trips from Aberdeen and Inverness. You can also visit places on the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail on the same day. Just contact ClansandCastles.com with your requirements.

Celia Ffitch-Stewart is a fully insured driver-guide with Mercedes limousine for private tailor-made guided tours. Half day, full day or extended tours. Themes to suit your interests can be arranged including The Castle Trail. Meet your clan chief, trace your roots, stay in a castle. Airport collection (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness). Services can include itinerary planning and accommodation reservations. Also available for weddings. Member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association).

The following article was kindly written by Dennis Ervin especially for this page:

Possibly the oldest occupied castle in Scotland, Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire, was home to the Irvine family for more than six and a half centuries, a full twenty-four generations of nearly unbroken succession. The original tower keep, standing seventy feet from base to battlement and fifty feet on a side with walls twelve feet thick at the base is thought to have been built during the reign of Alexander III in the mid-thirteenth century. While the architect of the Tower of Drum is unknown the work is generally attributed to Richard Cementarius, the first provost of Aberdeen. Several prominent interior features of the tower are identical to other structures that are known to be the work of Cementarius and so Drum Tower is credited to him as well. The rambling stone mansion and Jacobean house that now surround the original tower were built during the reign of Alexander, the 9th Laird of Drum and completed in 1619.

Most recently the home of the late Capt. Hay of Delgatie, Feudal Baron, the Castle has largely been in the Hay family for the last 650 years. It was taken from the Earl of Buchan after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when Robert the Bruce routed the invading English army. Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Delgatie for three days after the Battle of Cirrichie in 1562. Her bedchamber is on view to the visitor.

Like many Scottish castles, Delgatie was rebuilt in the 16th century. The invention of the siege gun necessitated greater fortifications, and the 1570 rebuilding provided 8-14 feet thick walls. The main tower dates from about 1100, while its final extension with the battlement walk above the string course was completed in 1579. Both wings were added in 1743 with the chapel and dovecote on the west and the kitchen and servants’ quarters on the east.

Some of the rooms still boast their original 16-century painted ceilings, which are considered some of the finest in Scotland. Strange animals are depicted — some with human heads thought to represent the actual inhabitants of the time.

The turnpike stair of 97 treads is reputed to be one of the widest in Scotland, measuring over five foot. It is unusual for this to be built within the thickness of the wall and for the stairs to go from bottom all the way to the top.

It is the intention to expand the collections and exhibits each year, and to continue to improve the facilities for visitors. It is our sincere hope that you will enjoy your visit to Delgatie and decide to return, as we are certain the castle offers more than a single visit can satisfy

www.watermill.net
We’ve moved….
…to Posara, Tuscany

We’ve moved from Castle of Park, which is now somebody else’s private home and no longer available for courses, weddings or getaway weekends.  But our fun-filled, inspirational creative writing courses and painting holidays have now moved to our lovely Tuscan home, The Watermill at Posara.  Click below to find out more.  Thank you for your support in the past.  We look forward to seeing you in La Bella Toscana.

Holidays at the Watermill at Pasara, Tuscany
Welcome to a true Italian holiday venue in Tuscany

Secluded millstream gardens, sun-drenched terraces, millstone tables under the vines for meals al fresco…… just some of the special charms of our historic watermill. The mill has been beautifully restored and furnished and all the bright, well decorated bedrooms enjoy lovely views over the river, the gardens or the mountains.

We specialise in relaxing, inspiring, fun-filled painting holidays and creative writing courses. We also offer unique self-catering holiday accommodation in five self-contained apartments.

For more information, please select from the picture menu below.
We would love you to join us.

Lois and Bill Breckon

Painting holidays in rural Tuscany

Our beautiful and historic watermill stands beside the River Rosaro in the small village of Posara. Peaceful and secluded, yet part of the village, the mill is just a mile or so from the walled medieval town of Fivizzano with its cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Lunigiana, in the North-west of Tuscany.

Lunigiana feels very different from the rest of Tuscany: it is bordered by high mountains and the sea. The scenery, with steep-sided valleys wooded with chestnut and European oak and overlooked by mountain crags and ruined fortresses, is unexpected and breath-taking, yet the unspoilt villages and towns of Lunigiana are close to the sea and the resorts of the Golf of the Poets (where Byron and Shelley stayed) and less than an hour from the marvellous walled city of Lucca and from Pisa airport.

Set in a gentle valley with mountain peaks in the background, the mill is a peaceful spot, yet is within easy reach of the sea and the tourist attractions of Tuscany.

We have lovingly restored the historic buildings and created five self-contained apartments around a courtyard. These apartments come together for our painting and creative writing courses. The bright and airy rooms are well decorated and tastefully furnished. All enjoy lovely views of the the river, the gardens or the mountains.

Around the mill there’s a walled garden, a vine verandah, a lavender garden and riverside gardens, all with tables and chairs and providing delightful spots for sun-kissed or shady relaxation and contemplation. Then there are further secluded private gardens where you can stroll beside the millstream for about a quarter of a mile.

Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen

The Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen, Aberdeen’s premier hotel, is located in the city centre within easy walking distance of the main shopping area. Behind the granite facade of this historic building you will find traditional charm combined with modern amenities and impeccable service.
The tranquillity of the Braemar Countryside and an array of the finest Whisky distilleries and castles are just some of the superb local attractions. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, a warm welcome awaits you.

Stay longer and save more. With our amazing Leisure for Longer offer you’ll save 20% on our best available rate when you stay 3 nights or more!

Features

* The largest and most elaborate of Scottish castles built on the Z plan design
* Mature woodlands with lovely walks around a tranquil flight pond
* Enchanting walled gardens with secret woodland area

About the property
Castle Fraser is a grand baronial castle dating from the 16th century.

Every year over 3000 enthusiastic volunteers donate their time to projects, properties and events with the National Trust for Scotland. Volunteers provide enormous help to the Trust and there are many openings for volunteers at our historic buildings, gardens and battlefields to undertake all kinds of tasks. Volunteering can suit people of all ages who are interested in trying new experiences, meeting new people, learning new skills and seeing new places.

If you are interested in finding out more please visit our volunteering pages

Or contact us

Volunteering Office
Wemyss House
28 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh
EH2 4ET

Email: volunteering@nts.org.uk
Tel: 0844 493 2407

Weather forecast for Monday 22nd June: Patchy rain with poor visibility during showers.
Temperature @900m: 8C raising to 12C.
Wind: W 10-20mph

We open at 10am, first funicular up at 10.20am. Last funicular up is at 3.40pm, and the last one down at 4.20pm.

You may walk up to the Ptarmigan building and travel down on the funicular. Tickets may be purchased in the Shop at the Top.

In the interest of red squirrel safety would drivers please observe the speed limit whilst driving through Glenmore and leave the wildlife in one piece.

Enjoy your visit.
Quick answers about snow sports at CairnGorm.

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1. When does the skiing season start and what time do you open?
Snowsports can take place any time between December and April depending on weather conditions. It is sometimes possible to ski before December and into May. Winter operating hours are normally between 9am and 4pm depending on the daylight hours. Click here to visit the weather update for the latest conditions. Or subscribe to our weekly email update here This Week at CairnGorm RSS Feed.

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