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Castle

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Craigevar

History | Timeline | Highlights | Find out More | Time Traveller's Guide

Highlights

The Ornate Ceiling


This fairytale-like castle, which exemplifies some of the best Scottish Baronial architecture, seems to have grown naturally out of the beautiful rolling hillsides of Aberdeenshire.

The Great Tower stands just as it was when completed by Master William Forbes - 'Danzig Willie' - in 1626. The simplicity of its lower towers contrasts perfectly with the turrets, the cupolas and corbelling which embellish the roof line.

The first floor hall is decorated with outstanding plasterwork, as is almost every other room in the castle. It includes the arms of the United Kingdom above the fireplace, and a ceiling of raised panels containing heraldry, foliage, depiction's of biblical characters, and the arms of William Forbes. Much of the original woodwork is also preserved, including a partition at the east end which forms the service area, above this there is a small minstrel's gallery.

The transcript from the Voiceover on the Video:

“Craigevar was one of the first buildings in Scotland to have these spectacular ceilings. Sir William employed a team of plasterers, that had recently refurbished Edinburgh Castle for King James VI. Almost every room in Craigevar was decorated in this manner. It was the perfect way for a noveau rich Scottish lord to show off his huge wealth.”

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