Delgatie Castle

Delgatie Castle stands near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. A white-harled tower from the 16th century forms the core of the castle, with later additions built around it. The site has held a castle since 1030, though the oldest parts still standing date from 1570 to 1579. Clan Hay took ownership after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed there in 1562. The castle includes a keep, adjoining house, two wings and a chapel added in 1743. The castle is recognised for its painted ceilings from the 16th century and the wide turnpike stair inside. The Hay family arms appear in several places, including three cattle yokes that recall a local farmer and his sons who helped defeat a Danish raiding party. In 1994 the owner decided to open the castle to visitors, and since 1997 a charitable trust has managed it. The interiors keep a domestic feel, and a room linked to Mary, Queen of Scots remains. Visitors find a castle with domestic interiors, a tearoom that won awards in 2022 and 2025, and holiday cottages on the estate. The grounds include a memorial garden opened in 2018 for wartime animals and a fishing area along the river. The castle, café and grounds remain open to the public, offering a mix of history and modern comforts.