Turriff and District, North East Scotland

Set in the heart of North East Scotland, with easy access to castles, distilleries, museums, a range of historical sites and the coast, the Turriff area offers an ideal base from which to discover this lesser-known jewel in Scotland's crown. Excellent fishing, shooting, riding, and a host of other activities are available and there are beautiful areas for walking throughout the year. Reasonably priced, quality accommodation and a range of eating places offering traditional Scottish fare as well as international cuisine make this an area well worth visiting, be it for a weekend break or longer stay.

Turriff is a thriving town and is the main shopping centre for the surrounding area. The town centre has many specialist independent shops as well as national stores and banks. Whatever your requirements, you are sure to find them in Turriff where you will receive a warm welcome and great country courtesy. Parking is plentiful and there are some super cafes and restaurants to take a break in. So spend a day shopping in Turriff and you are sure to find what you are looking for.

Turriff and the surrounding villages of Fyvie, Cuminestown, Auchterless and Rothienorman have their own characteristics, histories and amenities. Some of the main sites worth a visit are Auchterless Church, an imposing Gothic church dating from 1879. A bell weighing 1126 kilos hangs in the steeple and the churchyard houses some interesting graves of the 17th and 18th centuries. The planned village of Cuminestown is also worth a visit; created by Joseph Cumine of Auchry as a market place for the surrounding farmlands, it also has a graveyard which is worth a visit.

Delgatie Castle - just east of Turriff, is the interesting, 11th century 'Tower House' built by the Earls of Buchan. It is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. It was taken from the Buchans by the Hays of Delgatie after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Much of the castle was re-built in 1570. The turnpike stair has the widest span of its kind in Scotland. Colourful painted ceilings date back to 1592-95. There are also countless artefacts and works of art to view. Rothienorman House - was first mentioned in 1362, but is now a ruin, but the area is full of country roads that pass through rich farming land and rolling countryside to give extensive views of the area.
Delgatie Castle - Tel. 01888 563479

Fyvie Castle - An ancient Royal castle, now held by the National Trust for Scotland. William the Lion (1165-1214) held court here as did Robert the Bruce (1306-1329). In 1296 Edward 1 of England also stayed here briefly during one of his forays into Scotland. Perhaps the best example of Scottish Baronial architecture, with five great towers, each erected by the Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Leith families, lochside woodland walks, walled garden, tearoom and picnic facilities are all available within the castle grounds.
Fyvie Castle - Tel. 01651 891266

Towie Barclay Castle - visible from the main A947 Turriff to Fyvie Road. The present part of the castle dates from the 16th century and was designed by the same architect as Delgatie Castle, (not open to visitors).

Hatton Castle - near Turriff - is open by appointment only, mainly for shooting parties and garden design seminars. Hatton was rebuilt in 1820 by the Duff family who still retain it as a family home. The rebuilding retained the four large circular flanking towers of the original courtyard but altered all other aspects of the castle. Hatton is set in a large wooded estate.
Hatton Castle - Tel. 01888 563624 (by appointment only)