Aberdeen Castle Trial - Fyvie

Fyvie Castle

Essentially following the A947 south from Banff, we first passed Turriff - where that fabulous Delgatie Castle is situated near.  I also should have said this is a privately run charity that supports the upkeep of this castle and I loved being able to help in the little bit that I did, still wish they had a book about this castle though.

Lovely drive into the castle area, and plenty of parking
space, even for our motorhome!

When we left, we continued on the A947 to Fyvie and the aptly named Fyvie Castle. This castle has a much different feel since it is still beautifully maintained and owned by the National Trust.  (I always suggest becoming members of the National Trust, or Historic Scotland or even both!  That way you don't ever have to think - should I pay that amount of money for the little time I have to visit?  It is a great way to see things you might have missed if you had to think about this.)

Unfortunately, for me, this castle operates on guided tours only and one had just left.  Two problems with that....I hate catching up with something like that and I had already made Alan and Kenzie wait for me at one castle.  So we were only able to visit the gift shop, where I purchased a darling Heathergems Highland coo brooch, and wander around the outside. This was impressive enough though!

According to all I have read, this castle was owned by 5 successive families after it ceased to be a royal residence. Each family added their own tower!  So it is a huge and very impressive castle!  Maybe one day, if we are ever near it again, I will try to see the inside.

Fyvie Castle also has a wonderful walled garden and it was nice to walk around it too.  I had not really thought about the purposes of walled gardens, they are always just "there".  But suddenly, I realised that one thing they do is keep rabbits from entering.  Genius!

Just a short but very pleasant visit and we just beat the tour buses arriving, always nice to do!  So no inside tour and, again, no coffee and scones.  I must be losing my touch!

We also did not see any red squirrels, but glad to know they are here and that folks are looking out for these darling creatures.

Now on to our next castle!