Castle Fraser

Castle Fraser is a five-story stone structure with two round towers at opposite corners of the main building, rising from an open woodland estate. The building combines older and newer sections that were joined together over the centuries.

A square stone tower from 1400 stood here before Michael Fraser began construction of a larger castle in 1575. Master mason John Bell completed the fortress-like structure in 1636, which is what we see today.

Inside, portraits of the Fraser family hang on the walls alongside furniture and objects from different periods of Scottish noble life. These collections show how the family lived and what mattered to them over the centuries.

The interior opens from April to October, while the gardens and woodland paths remain open year-round. Wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are uneven and interior staircases are narrow.

Inside, the stone staircase on one side is still covered with wooden panels that craftsmen added in the 1800s. This hidden staircase recalls when servants once used these routes without being seen by the family.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Location: Cluny

Inception: 1455

Operator: National Trust for Scotland

Address: Sauchen, Inverurie AB51 7LD, UK

Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10:30-15:00; Friday-Sunday 10:30-15:00

Phone: +441330833463

Website: https://nts.org.uk/visit/places/castle-fraser

GPS coordinates: 57.20300,-2.46056

Latest update: December 20, 2025 16:05