Castles Fraser and Fyvie

Castle Fraser

There have been over two thousand castles in Scotland!  And by far the most per hectare are in Aberdeenshire.  So that is where we positioned ourselves to do our castle touring - Aberdeen.  Our friend, Moray, a fellow sailor is from Aberdeen.  He tried to talk us out of visiting there but we were having none of it - that was our planned staging ground.  For several days we would leave Aberdeen in the morning and head one direction or another with our list of castles to see for the day.  Usually two a day - that is about all you can do or its just no fun.

Castle Fraser

 Castle Fraser apparently is a superb example of a Z-plan castle.  That doesn't mean much to me but it would to castle afficionados.  It is a very impressive castle nonetheless.  

Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle was hosting a wedding the day we visited.  Complete with a Scottish bagpiper and antique cars.  Fyvie Castle is said to be haunted and according to our guide all the stories are true!  I must confess we did not encounter any ghosts but do not dispute their 
existence.  Visitors beware!
 

Bagpiper awaiting the wedding party

Armor at Fyvie Castle

 Fyvie Castle is impressive both inside and out.  Inside the castle is an amazing collection of armor and outside an amazing collection of gardens.

 In addition, to the armor this castle is well known for its collection of Raeburn portraits.  A Scottish painter of fame.

 

 You could easily while away the entire day just meandering through the magnificent gardens.  Which we were doing when the rain came!  It rained every day that we were in Scotland.  

More castles to come... I hope you are enjoying.