Visitor Attractions in Aberdeenshire
The historical significance of the contribution made by the north east region is reflected in the legacy of galleries, museums, castles and gardens that are open to visitors. The following are a selection of varied attractions that this corner of Scotland has to offer:
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh
The new museum boasts the largest and finest collection of lighthouse lenses and equipment in the UK. Decommissioned in 1991, the original lighthouse and engine room are now preserved exactly as they were when the last lighthouse keeper left.
Fraserburgh Heritage Centre in Fraserburgh
A community museum, illustrating the rich history of this north east Scottish fishing town. Exhibits commemorate famous sons of the town - for example, Thomas Blake Glover [Japanese industrialist] and Bill Gibb [fashion designer] alongside past and present industries in the locality.
Aberdeenshire Farming Museum and Aden Country Park at Mintlaw
Located in a unique, semi-circular Home Farm Steading, the museum has varying exhibitions and permanent displays on an agricultural theme, set in a delightful country park with a large children's play area, a nature trail and a working replica of a 1950s farm with seasonal demonstrations.
Duff House was designed by William Adam and built between 1735 and 1740 as the seat of the Earls of Fife. It is now a cultural arts centre operated by a unique partnership consisting of Historic Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. Duff House organises a regular artistic programme of exhibitions, music and lectures.
Once a royal stronghold, in a chain of fortresses throughout medieval Scotland, Fyvie is one of the grandest examples of Scottish baronial architecture. The oldest part dates from the 13th century, and within its ancient walls is a great wheel stair, the finest in Scotland. Contemporary panelling and plaster ceilings survive in the 17th century Morning Room and the opulence of the Edwardian era is reflected in the interiors created by the first Lord Leith of Fyvie.
Cairness House is considered to be one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Britain. It is the largest and finest country house in Buchan and one of the great houses of Scotland. Cairness was built between 1791 and 1797 to designs by architect James Playfair and replaced an earlier house of 1781 by Robert Burn. Sir John Soane assisted in the final stages of the construction. The park was laid out by Thomas White, a follower of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Cairness House now contains a very fine collection of furniture and works of art and is open to the public.
Peterhead Maritime Heritage in Peterhead
For generations jobs and income in Peterhead have been provided by the sea. Peterhead Maritime Heritage tells the story of the old fishermen and whalers and the modern fish and oil industry, with details of the developments that make Peterhead one of the main fishing ports in Europe.
This is one of the oldest museums in Aberdeenshire. In addition to exhibits illustrating Peterhead's maritime history the museum hosts a collection of Inuit artefacts, items on arctic animals and whaling, together with one of the largest coin collections in Scotland.
Rebuilt in the 16th century the main tower dates from about 1100, while its final extension with the battlement walk above the string course was completed in 1579. Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Delgatie for three days after the Battle of Cirrichie in 1562. Her bedchamber is on view to visitors.
Designed by William Adam for the 2nd Earl of Aberdeen in 1732, then refurbished in the 1880s, the house elegantly blends crisp Georgian architecture with sumptuous late Victorian interiors by Wright and Mansfield. Noted for its fine furniture, paintings and objets d'art, Haddo House also boasts a delightful terrace garden with geometric rose beds and fountain, commemorative trees, a lavish herbaceous border, and secluded glades and knolls. A magnificent avenue of lime trees leads to Haddo Country Park with its lakes, monuments, walks and wildlife.
The most northerly of Scotland's aquaria with the deepest tank in Scotland holding some 40,000 litres of sea water.