Braemar Castle

Braemar Castle stands proudly on the edge of the Cairngorms, its star‑shaped curtain wall and distinctive L‑plan tower making it one of Scotland’s most recognisable fortresses. Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar, it was designed as both a hunting lodge and a defensive stronghold, complete with gun loops and battlements to deter rival clans. Over the centuries it served as a garrison for Hanoverian troops after the Jacobite Rising, later becoming a family home filled with Victorian comforts. Inside, visitors can explore more than a dozen atmospheric rooms. The grand Dining Room displays portraits, regimental memorabilia and stories of lavish gatherings held during the castle’s social heyday. The Laird’s Bedroom, with its four‑poster bed and personal artefacts, offers a glimpse into aristocratic life in the Highlands. The 19th‑century drawing room, decorated in warm colours and filled with curiosities, reflects the tastes of the Farquharson family, who lived here for generations. Braemar Castle is also notable for its community‑led restoration: the local village took over its care in 2007, preserving its heritage through volunteer effort. With its mix of military history, clan stories and domestic charm, the castle offers a rich and memorable journey into Aberdeenshire’s past.