The captivating north-eastern corner of Scotland is known as castle and whisky country. It is a fine mix of architectural excellence demonstrated well in Old Aberdeen, Elgin and in many of the country houses and castles and in fine fertile farms set in rolling hills and fed by the many fine salmon rivers whose sources lie in the Grampians and Cairngorms to the west. This captivating countryside fully complements Aberdeen’s pedigree of “Britain in Bloom” awards and it also has the “Royal” seal of approval with Balmoral being only one of myriad castles to be found especially along the banks of the Rivers Dee and Don, Castle Fraser being one of the most notable, together with Drum, Crathes, Craigievar, Kildrummy and Balmoral - the Royal Family have been spending their summer holidays at their estate here for the past 150 years. This is also Whisky country where over half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries are located – these Speyside Malts are well documented in the popular Malt Whisky Trail. This is also a land of Highland Games – the most notable being the Braemar Gathering in September – and of salmon fishing, festivals, grand country houses, outdoor pursuits and quaint coastal villages nestling beneath cliffs, like Crovie and Pennan, in “Local Hero” country.

Here, the allure of the rolling hills entice you to get out of your car and walk and to enjoy the views and locations like Loch Muick (one of Queen Victoria’s favourite places), Cambus O’May Forest near Ballater, Bennachie Forest also near Ballater and Gight Woods near Fyvie. You can also walk to Huntly Castle along the banks of the River Deveron or take the Black Burn Trail at Torrieston Forest near Elgin. The Granite City of Aberdeen is at the heart of this area - a prosperous cosmopolitan city which is also the gateway to Shetland and Orkney. It is Europe’s energy capital, an accolade which has helped to attract the development of many fine hotels in the area. What with Royal Deeside, an area of outstanding natural beauty, sparkling Highland rivers and misty mountains whisky, castles, agriculture, salmon fishing, mega activities…together Royal patronage – takes a lot to say no.