Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house – and a fantastic day out for all the family. The Burnett family, who lived in the castle for over 350 years, had roots in the area dating back to 1323 when Robert the Bruce granted them nearby land. Alexander Burnett built the castle in the 16th century, an intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings, many of which survive beautifully to this day. Inside you’ll find a labyrinth of cultural history, from family portraits to fine antique furniture. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable a sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702. Crathes Castle Estate was once part of the Royal Forest of Drum. Today there are a range of waymarked and clearly signposted trails. Look out for wildlife along the way – you may see red squirrels, woodpeckers and herons. #Scottish heraldry

The Battle of Harlaw – 1411 The Battle of Harlaw was a Scottish clan battle fought on 24 July 1411 north of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. It is often seen as a key confrontation between Lowland and Scotland, Scots and Gaelic, East and West, but in reality it was an internecine battle for dominance fought between cousins. I’ll explore the history leading to the battle, the skirmish itself, and its aftermath in legend, ballad, and story. Presented By: Dr. Thomas McKean, University of Aberdeen, Elphinstone Institute

From Ancient Calendar, to Crannog, to Castle, to Conservation – a brief 9,000-year history of Crathes Estate - Nestled in the historical Royal Deeside of Aberdeenshire, lies the imposing and beautiful Crathes Estate. It is the 700+ year seat of the House of Burnett, but the history of the land dates way beyond them. Before modern technology, electricity, NTS and the wheel, Crathes has a vivid and dynamic history full of wonder, nature, conservation and, of course, us! Sit back, and enjoy as Crathes’s Visitor Service Manager takes you on a very BRIEF journey of 9000 years of Crathes. Presented By: Douglas Kyle, Visitor Services Manager, Crathes Castle