Cosmo Gordon Lang

Explorer Tom Fyvie Castle has had five ruling families, five named towers and about eight centuries to perfect its entrance. That is enough history for one doorway to look a little smug. Come close and the grand exterior gives way to rooms full of art, furniture and the sort of family stories that refuse to stay politely in the past. The castle's early history reaches back to royal visits around the thirteenth century. The Prestons, Meldrums, Setons, Gordons and Forbes-Leiths each left marks on Fyvie, turning a defensive seat into an elaborate home. Alexander Forbes-Leith, who made a fortune in American steel, bought the estate in 1889 and gathered a huge collection of art and antiques. Among its portraits are works by Henry Raeburn. Walk through the rooms and compare the different towers rather than imagining it appeared fully formed in one royal afternoon. The estate has a garden and lochside walks too, giving the castle enough breathing space for a longer visit. Five families have each made their case in stone; you can decide whose work you like best. The National Trust for Scotland opens the castle at advertised times, with guided visits on some weekdays and a mix of guided and self-led visits at weekends. Grounds are generally open year-round, though severe weather has closed the property for Sunday 25 October 2026. Check that day's arrangements before setting out. Take the tour for the rooms, then walk outside to see how much larger the family's ambitions became.