Scotland's rich history of castles are largely protected by two charitable trusts, Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland. It is under their good management that many of these magnificent monuments are able to be opened to the general public for their enjoyment. Many of the castles also have wonderful gardens and grounds to be enjoyed.

Aberdeenshire has more castles per acre than any other part of the UK and boasts a trail containing 11 of the world's most unique castles. The trail starts about 20 miles from Grantown on Spey, at Corgarff. Dating back to 1537 the castle played a prominent part in the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745. From here the trail takes you to the ruins of Kildrummy and the fairy-tale castle of Craigievar and so on.

Staying in the Highland area the visitor to Ballindalloch or Balvenie Castle at Dufftown would not be disappointed, while a visit to Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness at Drumnadrochit can be included in a day searching for the illusive Loch Ness Monster. All previous recorded sightings of the Loch Ness Monster have been in the area of the castle that offers the observer splendid views up and down the Loch.

Castles are however merely the tip of the iceberg for those interested in Scotland's heritage!

We have a wonderful little museum in Grantown and an award winning Highland folk museum in Newtonmore. With its fascinating insight into the social and cultural history of ordinary Highland people, the folk museum and Ruthven Barracks at Kingussie offer an interesting look back in time, and all within a short drive of the Hawthorns.

On the way to Urquhart castle and Loch Ness, those interested may wish to call at the battlefield of Culloden. It was here that the Jacobite dream came to an end on April 16, 1746 when the army of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" was defeated by the Hanoverian troops under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. Within an hour the Highland army was defeated. No quarter was given and the wounded were systematically killed wherever they were found. In the months after the battle the lands of clans thought to be loyal to the Jacobite cause were laid waste, the wearing of the kilt and the bearing of arms were banned and the hereditary powers of the chiefs were abolished.