Press release -
Spotlight falls on new addition to Castle Trail
A unique 16th-Century castle which forms part of a North-east lighthouse has been added to Aberdeenshire’s famous Castle Trail for the first time.
The region is known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’ and with an impressive tally of over 300 castles, stately mansions and ruins scattered across the landscape, there are more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK.
Kinnaird Head Castle and the adjacent Wine Tower at Fraserburgh are two of the best preserved structures of the ancient ‘nine castles of the knuckle’ situated along the Buchan coast. The 16th century castle was built by the Frasers of Philorth to demonstrate dominance and power over their planned town of Fraserburgh.
Falling out of fashion, the castle was sold to the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1787 to be converted into Scotland’s first mainland lighthouse, making Kinnaird Head unique among Scotland’s castles. As well as the tower itself, original features such as the old castle kitchens and elements of the grand hall can be seen by visitors.
The adjacent Wine Tower is an ancient pre-reformation building steeped in mystery and curiosity, dramatically perched over the crashing waves. Visitors can see the upper vaulted chamber of the Wine Tower to view seven preserved roof pendants, carved in stone, showing the Fraser’s family connections and commitment to the faith.
The Scotland’s Castle Trail brochure, which is a joint project between VisitScotland, Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland, now includes this additional attraction as well as a clear map of the region showing all the castles and large entries and details for each castle.
With the inclusion of Kinnaird Head, it now features 19 castles in Aberdeenshire, from Balmoral to Braemar and Corgarff to Craigievar. A ‘nearby attractions’ section accompanies each entry, to encourage people to further explore the region while following the trail and increase the length of their stay and spend in Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeenshire’s castles provide a wealth of history to explore - from gruesome tales of battles fought, to strolls through romantic family estates. Coming in all shapes and sizes, each castle holds a different story to tell, from striking clifftop ruins to grand fortresses and royal residences in the countryside.
Many brochures are being distributed via accommodation providers and attractions in Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Fife, Perthshire, the Highlands and the Central Belt. They will also be available in VisitScotland Information Centres, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland properties and local racking spots throughout Aberdeenshire.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said:
“The Castle Trail is incredibly popular with our visitors, both domestic and international, and I am delighted that Kinnaird Head Castle & Lighthouse has been added to the trail, just in time for the new season.
“This inspirational brochure provides essential information for anyone visiting these fantastic properties right across Aberdeenshire as well as additional information about what to see and do nearby.
“In 2016, Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, revamping the castle trail is a perfect fit as these buildings are architecturally important to Scotland’s history and culture.”
Iain Hawkins, the National Trust for Scotland’s Aberdeenshire General Manager, said:
“We’re looking forward to welcoming families for lots of castle fun this summer. The Trust’s lucky to look after some of Scotland’s best castles of all shapes and sizes and with our packed events programme, there’s something for everyone who’s planning on hitting the trail.”
Historic Environment Scotland’s Director of Commercial and Tourism, Stephen Duncan, said:
“The Castle Trail is a great resource for visitors who want to explore the rich and diverse heritage and history that this region has to offer. The newly added Kinnaird Head Castle and Lighthouse joins a number of our other properties, throughout Aberdeenshire, which also feature in the trail including an impressive Georgian mansion, a palace and four castles.
“These heritage attractions, along with others on the trail, provide visitors with a real experience and insight into our country’s history and culture.”
Nikki Morris, Marketing Director from new tourism organisation, VisitAberdeenshire, said:
“The Castle Trail is a key product and marketing resource for the new VisitAberdeenshire organisation. The addition of Kinnaird Head Castle only strengthens the appeal and quality of the trail and gives visitors to the region an enhanced experience and opportunity to explore and enjoy the rich history and heritage of the area.”
The Castle Trail webpage features imagery, copy and links to download the new brochure. Visitors can experience the romance and history of these restored family castles, ruins and stately homes, by simply following the route. With its distinctive white on brown signs and a castle logo, which leads visitors through the heart of Aberdeenshire, it couldn't be a simpler day out.
Scotland’s Castle Trail includes Dunnottar, Crathes, Drum, Castle Fraser, Tolquhon, Kinnaird Head, Haddo House, Fyvie, Delgatie, Duff House, Huntly, Spynie Palace, Balvenie, Leith Hall Garden & Estate, Kildrummy, Corgarff, Braemar, Balmoral and Craigievar.
For further information on Scotland’s Castle Trail, including a suggested six-day itinerary and downloadable map, visit www.visitscotland.com/castletrail
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- corporate communications
- aberdeenshire
- kinnaird head castle
Regions
- Scotland
Notes to Editors
- VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.
- The organisation’s core objective is to contribute to the Tourism 2020 Strategy ambition of growing tourism revenues by £1 billion by 2020.
- This will be supported by seven overarching strategies:
- Marketing: we will market Scotland and its outstanding assets to visitors from all parts of the world, including the promotion of Scotland to people living in Scotland to visit different parts of the country
- Events: we will support the national events strategy and its delivery, and sustain, develop and promote Scotland’s international profile as one of the world’s foremost events destinations
- Internationalisation and International Engagement: we will utilise all our platforms to enable Scottish-based tourism businesses to better understand international opportunities and market to a global audience and we will work within One Scotland Partnerships to optimise the potential of Scotland’s Diaspora and our strategic partners at regional, European and global levels
- Customer Experience: we will provide information and inspiration to visitors both locally and globally via their preferred medium of choice
- Quality and Sustainability: we will provide support and advice to businesses, with the goal of improving the quality and sustainability of the tourism sector in Scotland. We will provide quality assurance to visitors through our Quality Schemes
- Inclusive Tourism: we will strive to make tourism in Scotland inclusive and available to all
- Working in Partnership: we will listen to and work with the industry, partners and communities to shape our offering and support
- VisitScotland works together with tourism businesses to make tourism a success for everyone and ensure the industry continues to grow.
- The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
- Spending by tourists in Scotland generates around £12 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributes around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices). This represents about 5% of total Scottish GDP.
- The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-20 Programme. For further information visit www.gov.scot or follow @scotgovESIF
- For VisitScotland’s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/
- Where possible, a Gaelic speaker will be made available for broadcast interviews on request (Far an tèid iarraidh, agus far am bheil sin nar comas, bruidhinnidh neach le Gàidhlig aig agallamh)
- For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
- For information about business events in Scotland go to www.conventionscotland.com
Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 - 2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design begins on 1 January 2016 and ends on 31 December 2016 and will build on the momentum generated by the current 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.
- Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed creative industries sector.
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
- Join the conversation at #IAD2016
- Events can join the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design Partner Programme throughout the year by visiting http://www.eventscotland.org/YIAD_partner_programme
Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews
