Castle Forbes

For almost six hundred years, Castle Forbes in the Vale of Alford, Aberdeenshire, has been the seat of Scotland?s premier lord, the Chief of Clan Forbes. Occupying an impressive site at the heart of the 6,000-acre Forbes Estate with magnificent views across the river Don, the present castle was built in 1815 by the 17th Lord Forbes and is currently occupied by his great-great-great grandson Malcolm, the Master of Forbes, and his wife Jinny. Here you can experience traditional Highland hospitality in a grand, and comfortable, family home. Castle Forbes provides luxury accommodation in an ideal base from which to visit the numerous National Trust properties and whisky distilleries in the area, enjoy some of Scotland?s finest fishing, shooting and stalking or play a round of golf on the region?s many challenging and beautiful golf courses. Fishing on the picturesque Castle Forbes water of the river Don is available from the middle of February to the end of October and Estate fishing tenants can take advantage of a special rate for accommodation in the castle. To develop Jinny?s love of scents, toiletries and pot-pourris, the former dairy building beside the castle was recently converted into a perfumery and with the help of family friend and perfumer, Andrew French, a range of exclusive fragrances bearing the Castle Forbes name are now sold in selected outlets throughout Europe and the U.S. They are also available from the sales office near London (01483-730944).