Craigievar Castle, Tower house and museum in Alford, Scotland
Craigievar Castle is a seven-story pink tower house set in Aberdeenshire's hills, built in Scottish Baronial style with distinctive turrets and ornate stone details. The rooms inside retain their original wooden paneling and painted ceilings from the period of its construction.
William Forbes, a wealthy merchant engaged in Baltic trade, acquired the site and completed construction in 1626, making it the family home. The castle remained in Forbes family hands for centuries, preserving its structure and interior through careful stewardship.
The Great Hall displays carved wooden screens and painted ceilings that reflect the life of the Scottish noble family who lived here. These rooms tell stories through their decorations about the habits and tastes of those who occupied the space across generations.
The site welcomes visitors through guided tours during warmer months, with groups kept small due to tight spiral staircases throughout the building. Comfortable footwear is recommended as exploring the seven floors involves considerable climbing and narrow passages.
The upper floors deliberately have no electric lighting and rely entirely on natural daylight from windows. This choice preserves the appearance and feel of how the rooms actually looked in the 17th century.
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