Grampian Region - Castle Trail

En route to the next castle from Craigievar, it is worth calling in at Alford (pop. 1,400) on the A980. The Grampian Transport Museum houses a collection of historic cars, cycles and carriages.

A narrow gauge railroad runs from the restored Alford Station to Haughton Country Park, an ideal place for relaxing walks.

Near Daviot about 8mi/12.8km to the southwest stand the prehistoric Loanhead Stone Circles and at the northwestern end of Inverurie is Brandsbutt Stone, a Pictish stone retaining symbols and inscriptions.

As indicated by an inscription near the Tolquhon Castle gatehouse, William Forbes extended the 14th C medieval tower house (3mi/5km south of Haddo House) into a mansion between 1584 and 1589. Two huge round towers flank the tower house with its portal and heraldic panels. The inner courtyard and living accommodation lie ahead beyond the entrance hall.