Braemar Castle

When Braemar Castle faced closure in 2007, the local community of Braemar stepped in. Twelve years later in 2019, the castle underwent the beginnings of a £1.6m conservation and development project and finally reopened its doors once again in May 2024. This is a castle which owes its very survival to the tireless efforts of its local community.

The present castle was constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, Earl of Mar, who sought to elevate his political and military influence over Deeside whilst undermining the growing power of his local rivals, the Farquharsons. However, the site has been occupied since long before this and was a key residence within the ancient earldom of Mar. Perched upon a rise by the River Dee in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this was a strategic location for a fortification as it commanded authority over significant routes through the Cairngorms.