Things to see and do Braemar

Built in 1856 for Queen Victoria, this superb castle is a very refined example of "Scottish baronial" architecture. Queen Elizabeth used to visit it regularly, but it is not strictly speaking a royal residence. The building does not belong to the crown, but to the family that owns it, as a private property. The visit is interesting, but do not expect to see everything. Only the ballroom and the exhibition space are accessible. Most of the discovery is done outside in the beautiful gardens.

1 km north of Braemar stands this amazing keep flanked by turrets. Home of the Farquharson clan, it was built in 1628. It is filled with the collections accumulated by its owners. About fifteen rooms are visible and make this visit very complete and attractive. One discovers there in particular a ghost story or this anecdote about Stevenson: while he was on holiday in Braemar in the summer of 1881, 7 continuous weeks of rain shut him up in his office, offering us the first pages of Treasure Island.

Royal Lochnagar was founded in 1845, just before Queen Victoria bought the neighbouring land to build her castle. The distillery owes its title to this proximity - it used to be called New Lochnagar - and to the links with its important neighbours. The site combines tradition and modernity with its characteristic distillery roofs and its modern installations. The tour ends with a tasting of the 12-year-old, a balanced, fruity and spicy single malt.