Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle is an impressive sight in an Aberdeenshire forest, six miles from Drum Castle. The castle was owned and built by the Burnett family in the late 1500s due to their increased wealth within this period. Apart from the outbuildings and walls surrounding the estate, many of the castle's original features still exist. The history of the Burnett family can be traced back to 1066 with the arrival of Normans to England. However, they only started to gain some wealth during the 14th century with their connection with Robert the Bruce. Despite civil war throughout Scotland, the Burnett family maintained a neutral stance which meant they never got involved during the war, and the castle never came under siege. First owned by Alexander Burnett since the castle was built, it has been passed down the Burnett family for over 350 years until Sir James Bennett, 13th Baronet, handed the house to the Scottish Trust in 1951.