Castle Fraser, Inverurie, AB51 7JT

Castle Fraser, situated near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, is renowned as the most elaborate Z‑plan castle in Scotland and one of the grandest of the Castles of Mar. The estate occupies over 300 acres (1.2 km²) of landscaped grounds, woodland and farmland, including a 19th‑century walled kitchen garden. Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of an older square tower dating from around 1400 or 1500 within the current structure. The castle itself is a Category A listed building, and its grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. The surrounding area is characterised by the rural setting of Inverurie, a town in Aberdeenshire at the confluence of the River Ury, providing a peaceful yet accessible environment for residents.