Tolquhon Castle (HS)

Sitting within spacious grounds, Tolquhon has been described as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. Sir William Forbes, who adapted and expanded an existing tower house in the 1580s, intended it to be an impressive residence, though he incorporated plenty of gunloops to deter any hostile visitors.This is a great building to explore, including a secret compartment in the laird's quarters where he hid his valuables.