Jacobites, ghosts and seat of Clan Farquharson, enjoy a guided tour of 12 furnished rooms in this compact 17th century Tower House. Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as his Highland hunting lodge, associated with all 3 Jacobite uprisings, the castle was burned in 1689 by the infamous Black Colonel and was base for the Earl of Mar as he planned the 1715 uprising. After the 1745 rebellion, Hanoverian soldiers were stationed here to make sure that no-one break the law by wearing tartan. In the 20th century, influenced by the Clan Chief’s wife, American fashion journalist and former Editor of Harper’s Bazaar, rooms were decorated in Schiaparelli pink!
Enjoy the exhibition of Cairngorm gemstones, dating from 1791, collected over the centuries by generations of Farquharson Chiefs, test your strength with the weights used by athletes at the Braemar Highland Gathering and visit the display telling the story of the deserted “ferm toun” of Auchtavan.
Now operated by the local community, you’ll be shown round by friendly local guides who enjoy sharing their knowledge and stories of the area. There are hidden teddy bears for the children to count as well as a shop with gifts, teas and coffees