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Home , Aberdeenshire (historic), Balmedie, Banffshire, Bullers of Buchan, Collieston, Cruden Bay

EXPLORE: Historic Harbours Find out more about Aberdeenshire’s Coastal Trail at: The Banffshire , also known as ‘’s Coastal Dolphin Coast’, is brimming with wide sweeping visitscotland.com/coastaltrail beaches, welcoming towns and villages and abundant Trail wildlife. Scratch below the surface of this remarkable area and you’ll find the Banffshire Coast Harbour Trail. The stories and folklore around these nine seafaring safe havens underpin the heritage of this part of the The Aurora Borealis over Cullen Beach Aberdeenshire coast and these historic ports have in the past, and continue today, to play a pivotal role in daily life and are well worth exploring. Explore Find out about the fascinating historic trading, Aberdeenshire active smuggling and herring fishing heydays of this beautiful coast. Come and watch traditional boat building in operation at the new Boatshed in Discover a diverse region packed with outstanding beauty, harbour. Hear tales of dramatic storms and nature’s with expanses of wild, lush forests, winding rivers, rugged impact on tiny seaside hamlets, visit pretty fishing moorland and imposing mountains sweeping down to miles of unspoilt coastline. villages that have inspired Hollywood directors and enjoy boat cruises, watersports or even just a short As well as boasting fascinating royal connections and stroll from these ancient anchorages. Scotland’s only Castle Trail, there is a wealth of wonders to discover where Aberdeenshire meets the ocean. The historic towns and villages which line the coast are a testament to this region’s long-standing relationship with the sea and are perfect for exploring. Within these settlements, you’ll find some great attractions which give you a unique insight into the maritime and industrial heritage of the past. The scenery is pure drama; experience this coastal combination of rocky cliffs, long stretches of golden beach, ever-changing sand , remarkable geological formations, and powerful white waves, which roll in from the .

2016-17 visitscotland.com/coastaltrail Find out more at: banffshirecoast.com/ Harbour+Trail/ , near Cullen 01 Cullen Beach B1 05 Portsoy Salmon Bothy B1 09 Beach E1 13 Museum of Scottish , E1 Stroll along the golden sands Uncover the fascinating fishing Explore the shoreline of New Take a guided tour of Kinnaird of Cullen Beach and admire the traditions of the region at the Aberdour beach and wander Head, the only in the striking natural rock formation Salmon Bothy Museum, housed in a through the impressive world built in a castle, whilst on your of the Three Kings, perfect for charming limewashed building which caves. Set back from the beach is St visit to this national museum. Look photo opportunities. The beach is dates back over 180 years. You’ll find Drostan’s Well, a drinking fountain at the exhibitions to see a wonderful renowned for its excellent water a range of exhibits in the former ice which is named after the saint collection of glass lenses and quality and is ideal for paddling chambers. Learn about the town’s who is said to have landed on the learn about the lives of those who or, for the more adventurous, harbours, its industry, trade and the beach AD 580. At the west end of watched over Scotland’s coastline swimming. Play a round of golf at salmon fishing operations, and get the beach, see if you can spot the for over 200 years. Enjoy some the bordering Cullen Golf Club, a unique insight into the geography, memorial to Jane Whyte. In 1886, refreshments in the Lighthouse follow one of the many coastal history and culture of Portsoy. In the she helped rescue the crew of the Museum Café and take in views walks or trails, or try to spot bothy, trace your family tree with steamship William Hope which was of the entrance to the dolphins from the shore. trained genealogists and discover wrecked close to the shore. Firth – you might even spot some your connections to the area. wonderful marine wildlife. National Nature Reserve Postcode: AB56 4AG Postcode: AB43 6HR Puffin Beach Postcode: AB45 2SS Tel: 01261 842951 Postcode: AB43 9DU Tel: 01346 511022

02 Glenglassaugh Distillery B1 06 C2 10 Castle, E1 14 Fraserburgh Beach E1 One of the finest Wonderful Wildlife Traditional Beach Situated at the east end of beautiful Take in the splendour of one of Step back in time as you take in this Don’t forget your bucket and spade Bay is Glenglassaugh Scotland’s architectural masterpieces. impressive and atmospheric ruin when you head to Fraserburgh beach in the world! Nature lovers will adore Aberdeenshire’s striking beaches Holidays Distillery, founded in 1875 by Built by William Adam in the 18th which is the ancestral home of the – it’s the perfect spot for a traditional Colonel James Moir. For over 20 century, the house was originally a Forbes. Lying half a mile inland from beach holiday building sandcastles and coastline, home to important eco-systems and teeming years, this distillery was closed until seat for the 1st Earl and is now Rosehearty, the castle dates back to and bathing in the sea. This stretch Did you know that parts of Aberdeenshire’s coastline were with incredible wildlife. When was the last time you had a fun family day at it was purchased by a group of one of 19 sites on Scotland’s only the 15th century and was pillaged of coastline is the Home of Scottish investors and production restarted Castle Trail. Admire the artworks, by Hanoverian troops following Surfing, having previously hosted rated as one of the most scenic in the world by National the beach? An afternoon where you and the kids built in 2008. Discover the fine flavours many of which are on loan from the the Jacobites’ defeat at the Battle the Scottish Surfing Championships Geographic magazine? Spot spectacular coastal sights like bottlenose dolphins, sandcastles with a moat, rooted around for crabs and of one of the Secret Malts of National Galleries of Scotland, before of Culloden in 1746. Venture to the and is also popular with windsurfers. seals or even whales from the shore and on boat trips. Or find Aberdeenshire and go on a behind- exploring the vast parkland grounds. nearby Peathill Church and see the Explore the Waters of Philorth shellfish in rock pools, cast a fishing line into the sea the-scenes tour. You can even fill Stroll along the banks of the River Lairds Pew, which is adorned with Local Nature Reserve known for it’s Jump in the car and follow the 165-mile signposted some wonderful , mammals and flora at Forvie and or just sat in the sun enjoying the scenery. your own bottle of Glenglassaugh Deveron to the south of the house, or fine Jacobean carvings. diversity of bird life resulting from the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail and explore the delights of St Cyrus National Nature Reserves and at other wildlife whisky and take it away with you! test your game with a round of golf at Postcode: AB43 7JR Tel: 01346 571419 range of habitats.. Postcode: AB45 2SQ Tel: 0131 335 5130 Duff House Royal Golf Club. Postcode: AB43 8UE this incredible part of Scotland for yourself. You’ll discover reserves such as RSPB Fowlesheugh near and Aberdeenshire’s 165-mile coast is dotted with beautiful Postcode: AB45 3SX Tel: 01261 818181 dramatic clifftop walks, captivating coves, beautiful nature the Bullers of , an impressive collapsed sea cave beaches including Balmedie, , , reserves with an abundance of wildlife, expansive beaches, near Cruden Bay. The near Newburgh is Fraserburgh, Cullykhan Bay, Banff, Sandend, Sunnyside and Cullen, perfect for gentle strolls and wildlife 03 Surfing at Sandend Beach and Banff Links B1 07 Macduff Marine Aquarium C2 11 Meal Mill E1 15 Maggie’s Hoosie, Inverallochy F1 charming towns and villages, world-class links and renowned for its seals, eider ducks and an occasional king watching as part of a traditional beach holiday. You’ll Surf’s up! Head to the small, but Discover astonishing underwater Get connected to the past and Stepping through the doorway of parkland golf courses and much more besides. eider. All are located along the East coast. perfectly formed, Sandend Beach worlds at this brilliant attraction join a guided tour of a typical 19th this traditional ‘hoosie’, you’ll feel also find some of the cleanest bathing seas in and catch some of the best waves which is great fun for all the family. century meal mill on which you’ll like you’ve been transported to a Use the maps provided in this handy guide to make your In autumn, don’t miss the staggering spectacle of 70,000 in the country. The area is a magnet Learn about the marine life of the learn about the region’s historic bygone age. This unmodernised along this coast. for surfers who travel from far , from its rocky shores to industries. Visit the mill where fishing cottage, with its earth way along both the Banffshire coast and the East Grampian pink-footed geese and whooper swans arriving from Iceland and wide to ride the waves which the depths of the sea floor. Come thousands of tons of oatmeal used floor and original furnishings, coast. Make sure you stop off at some of the fascinating to the RSPB reserve near Fraserburgh. Don’t forget to save time for an ice cream! Many towns crash onto this quiet sandy beach. face-to-face with local sea creatures to be ground and see the working would have once been typical of along the coast have long-established local producers Unsurprisingly, the beach lends its such as octopus and wolf fish, and demonstration in action. Make sure the accommodation lived in by attractions and beauty spots along the Aberdeenshire At near on the Banffshire coast, name to the nearby village. Less hold starfish and crabs at the touch you take time to chat with local the region’s fishermen and their RSPB Troup Head and parlours, offering their own individual delights. than 10 miles east is Banff Links, pool. The aquarium is home to a guides, who are more than happy families. See where Maggie Duthie, Coastal Trail – we’ve highlighted 31 within this guide to witness the transformation of the striking cliffs as tens of another prime surfing location, living kelp reef, the only one of its to share their wealth of knowledge a local girl born in 1867, lived and get you started, but there are plenty more! Look out for Round your day off in the most deliciously satisfying way where you can get lessons from Surf kind in Britain. You might even see of the fishing and boat building worked all her days – the dwelling thousands of seabirds return to roost during the summer and order a piping hot fish supper. and Watersports Club Scotland. divers hand-feeding the fish! heritage of Sandhaven and its has remained unchanged since her the brown and white Coastal Trail road signs that will help months, coming inland after their winter at sea. Troup Head Postcode: AB45 2JJ and AB45 2UA Postcode: AB44 1SL Tel: 01261 833369 neighbouring village Pittulie. death in 1950. guide you along the magnificent Aberdeenshire coastline. Tel: 07867 522282 Postcode: AB43 4EP Tel: 01771 622807 Postcode: AB43 8YL Tel: 01346 582679 also contains the only mainland gannet colony in Scotland.

04 Portsoy Ice Cream B1 08 RSPB Troup Head, Pennan D1 12 Fraserburgh Heritage Centre E1 Image Credits Treat yourself at Portsoy Ice Cream Soak up the awesome sight of Explore this treasure trove of Front cover image: Pennan, and order a scoop – or two – of this thousands of seabirds and hear wonders and discover 400 years Aberdeenshire. sweet and creamy frozen delight. their piercing cries. Troup Head is of history at this award-winning This award-winning, family-run the only mainland gannet colony in museum and visitor centre, Thank you to all our photographers, producer uses local ingredients Scotland and is also home to species established by members of the local Image credits; VisitScotland /Neil wherever possible to make a such as guillemots, and community. It gives a great insight tantalising range of flavours, from puffins. Follow the clifftop path and into the story of Fraserburgh and McIntyre; RSPB /Andy Hay; Banffshire classic vanilla to strawberry panna look out to sea where you might spot its people. Learn about Thomas Coast; Mike Chandler; SNH/Lorne Gill; cotta. Relax in the Coffee Corner, or dolphins, porpoises, seals and even Blake Glover, one of the founders ACSEF, Iain Sarjeant; Lyn MacDonald order a cone to take away and enjoy minke whales. Explore the rocky of modern Japan, and see some Photography; April Dickson ; Dollar your ice cream whilst taking in views coastline on a boat tour – there are remarkable garments by iconic Photo Club; Ship Inn; Allan Robertson; of the pretty and historic harbour. three operators that depart from 1960s fashion designer Bill Gibb. Aberdeenshire Council; Glenglassaugh Banff, Macduff and Gardenstown. Postcode: AB45 2QT Tel: 01261 842279 Postcode: AB43 9DT Tel: 01346 513802 Distillery; David J Whyte/Linksland Directions: the reserve is located between Golf; Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Pennan and Gardenstown on the B9031 road. Castle Seals on the East Grampian coast Nesting gannets, RSPB Troup Head Lasting memories building sandcastles 16 Loch of Strathbeg and Rattray Head F2 20 Cruden Bay Beach F3 Delight in our Regardless of season, there’s always Stretch your legs and take a something fascinating to see at RSPB walk along beautiful Cruden Bay Loch of Strathbeg. During spring beach, a two mile wide arc of Coastal Larder and summer, you might spot , pink sands which lies between terns and wading birds raising their Cruden Bay and Port Erroll. young, while in the autumn and This Blue Flag beach is popular winter months you can marvel at the with day trippers, watersports Discover the region’s abundant natural larder and make sure spectacle of thousands of pink-footed enthusiasts and sea anglers. you sample some of the fruits of the North Sea. In traditional geese, which arrive from Iceland. The entire bay is a designated The reserve has three hides and an bathing water area, so be sure fishing towns you can see fresh catches being landed in observation room in the visitor centre. to pack your swimsuit! You can harbours. Nearby see Rattray Head Lighthouse, access the beach by the White explore the extensive sand dunes and Ladies Bridge across the Water Enjoy Aberdeenshire’s seafood, beautifully cooked by skilled spot old shipwrecks on the beach. of Cruden. Postcode: AB42 3HA Tel: 01346 532017 Postcode: AB42 0RF Tel: 01358 751330 Don’t miss the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Surfing fun at Banff chefs in local restaurants such as The Ship Inn, The Tollbooth Seafood Restaurant and The Marine Hotel all in Stonehaven, the at and the in What’s On Outdoor Adventures Creel Inn Silver Darling Restaurant 17 Arbuthnot Museum, F2 21 Forvie NNR and Ythan Estuary, near Newburgh F3/E3 . Immerse yourself in the wealth of Walk through a breathtaking Peterhead’s maritime history at one landscape of shifting sand dunes Aberdeenshire’s coastal towns and villages boast a variety of With a variety of grassy trails, enchanting cliffs and coves Tuck into a traditional supper from the region’s award- of Aberdeenshire’s oldest museums. at Forvie National Nature Reserve events to suit all, from festivals celebrating maritime heritage to and spectacular sand dunes, coastal walking is a delight in Learn about fishing traditions and and explore the heather moorlands, winning fish and chip shops, including The Bay Fish & Chips, maritime explorations of the past clifftops and a secluded bay which traditional folk music. Aberdeenshire. However there are also many other outdoor Stonehaven. Pick up daily catches from fish markets and through some fascinating exhibits, lie nearby – there’s even the ruins of activities to enjoy along Aberdeenshire’s Coastal Trail. such as models depicting the a half-buried 12th century church to In June make your way to Portsoy for the Scottish Traditional fishmongers and cook your own. With monkfish, lemon sole, development of Peterhead fishing explore. Birdlife is plentiful; waders boats, Inuit artefacts, a large coin and waterfowl feast in the mud in Boat Festival, where you can admire some beautifully crafted Discover the kelp forests of the Moray Firth at diving sites such scallops and lobster just a few of the exciting seafood options collection and even a stuffed polar winter, and in summer you’ll see as Cullykhan, , Cable Rock (off Cullen), Rosehearty, available, you are sure to be amazed by what you can find. bear. Get a glimpse into history and a thousand breeding eider ducks sailboats from the charming stone harbour. Soak up the unique check out the many old photographs in the Ythan Estuary. You’re also atmosphere as you listen to live Scottish music, see traditional , Catterline and Todhead. You’ll find an abundance of Some processors and smokehouses have little shops attached of the area, or join in with the virtually guaranteed to see basking wildlife on the seabed and maybe even a shipwreck. to them, stocked with gourmet ingredients and wonderful programme of special events. common and grey seals. crafters in action and sample some freshly cooked local fare. Postcode: AB42 1QD Tel: 01779 477778 accompaniments. Postcode: AB41 8RU For those of you who enjoy a good pint, don’t miss The If you prefer to be on top of the water, climb into a sea kayak and Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven this June which paddle along the foreshore, where inquisitive seals might pop up And it’s not just seafood you’ll find here. Discover local delicacies 18 Peterhead Bay F2 offers a magical mix of brilliant brews, fantastic food and for a closer look at you! like Aberdeen Angus beef at farmers’ markets and farmshops and 22 Balmedie Beach E4 make sure you experience one of the distinctive Secret Malts of Take in the sights, sounds and Visit the expansive, award-winning magnificent music, all in its purpose built marquee in the town’s Explore the coastal roads on two wheels; take the family on a smells of one of the busiest fishing beach at Balmedie and discover Aberdeenshire at Glenglassaugh Distillery near Sandend. ports in Europe. Historic Peterhead the perfect place to spend a sunny Baird Park. bike ride through quiet countryside and drink in remarkable sea harbour is home to over 400 vessels, afternoon playing in the sand or Look out for businesses displaying VisitScotland’s Taste a bustling daily fish market and a kicking a ball around with the kids. Folk music fans are spoiled for choice, with Haal Folk Festival vistas. Head to Banff and ride Scotland’s Dolphin Coast. leisure marina. Explore the bay on Stroll across the long stretches Quality Assurance award. It recognises quality foot and try to picture hardy sailors, taking place in Portsoy in June, and the Stonehaven Folk Our Best of white sand or, if you feel like For those with an appetite for adventure, head to the shorelines Aberdeenshire food and drink on menus across the region. whalers and fisher folk from the something more energetic, why Festival being held in July. past. Make sure you pop into Ugie not experience the exhilaration of of Fraserburgh, the perfect location for surfing, kite surfing or Salmon Fishings to pick up some cantering across miles of beach on windsurfing on the sea, or kite buggying on the expansive golden Learn more at: visitscotland.com/tasteourbest freshly landed fish – it’s Scotland’s horseback, or bring a body board and In the summer months, enjoy a brilliant family day out at oldest salmon fish house and sells hit the waves? Trump International Stonehaven and Cornhill Highland games. Watch athletes beach. There are also great opportunities to surf the waves off directly to the public. Resort is also nearby if you prefer to Banff Links, Sandend and Aberdeen beach. Postcode: AB42 2PF enjoy a round of exquisite links golf. toss the caber, see nifty steps of Highland dancers and take in Postcode: AB23 8XG the stirring scene of a pipeband performance. Get a behind the scenes insight into the historic former 19 F3 23 Aberdeen Fun Beach E4 Peterhead Prison when it opens this summer as Admiralty Don’t miss the chance to witness Blow off some steam at fun-filled Gateway and learn what life was like as a prison warden. You’ll this collapsed sea cave, one of the amusements, located on Aberdeen’s also find a great new coastal footpath around the harbour town. most impressive geological features beach promenade, only one mile from of Aberdeenshire’s coastline. Follow the bustling city centre. Challenge a narrow clifftop coastal path (care yourself on the Vertigo Aerial Assault required) to the Bullers of Buchan and Course, take a ride on the Crazy look upon the 30 m deep chasm where Train Rollercoaster, or test your skills you’ll see the waves rush through the on a round of adventure golf, all at natural archway. Located off the A975, Codona’s Amusement Park. Kids will just north of Cruden Bay, this natural have tons of fun in Smugglers Cove Find out more at: marvel boasts some spectacular indoor play area. Enjoy a bracing walk visitscotland.com/aberdeenshireevents clifftop scenery and is a great spot for along the beach before checking out catching sight of puffins, kittiwakes, the cafés and restaurants which line guillemots and razorbills. the esplanade. Directions: 6 miles south of Peterhead Postcode: AB24 5NS Tel: 01224 595910 Summertime fun, Portsoy Fresh local seafood at the Ship Inn, Stonehaven 24 Dolphins at Torry Battery, Aberdeen E4 28 D5 For many, the star attraction Ruined castles don’t get much more of Aberdeen’s busy harbour is dramatic than magnificent Dunnottar CENTRE its pod of bottlenose dolphins, Castle, perched 160 ft above the North and Torry Battery is an excellent Sea. Nothing beats approaching the viewpoint to try and spot these castle on foot along the coastal path playful creatures – make sure you from Stonehaven. This fortress has bring your binoculars and camera! a long and enthralling history: it was Ask us where to find Take a stroll to this former fortified besieged by Oliver Cromwell, has artillery battery, which was last housed the Scottish Crown Jewels used defensively in WWII. Standing and also been graced by visits from Aberdeenshire’s nearby at the entrance of the River Scottish icons and BEST KEPT SECRETS. Dee is Girdleness Lighthouse which Mary, Queen of Scots. If you’re lucky, was designed by Robert Stevenson you’ll also see dolphins and puffins and built in 1833. from the castle ramparts. Cruden Bay Golf Club Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven Postcode: AB11 9DA Postcode: AB39 2TL Tel: 01569 762173

25 Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool D5 29 RSPB , by Stonehaven D5 Glorious Golf Scotland’s Make a splash at Stonehaven’s open Guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes Aberdeenshire’s coast offers some of the best examples of air heated swimming pool, located are some of the thousands of pairs Castle Country in the town’s Queen Elizabeth Park. of breeding birds which collectively links golf in Scotland with courses to suit all abilities. Test Beautifully designed in Art Deco form an awesome natural spectacle style, this Olympic-sized public on the cliffs of Fowlsheugh in the your swing as you tee off amidst stunning scenery on the pool and lido is filled with clean sea spring and summer months. You fantastic links and coastal courses at Royal Tarlair, Duff The Aberdeenshire coast is awash with history and water. With a water temperature might see comical-looking puffins intriguing tales just waiting to be uncovered. of 29˚C (84˚F), it’s perfect for a and beady-eyed fulmars too. Put House Royal Banff, Trump International near Balmedie, refreshing dip on a summer’s day. on your boots and follow one of Newburgh and Stonehaven. Kids will love the fun sessions, and the clifftop paths and admire the Aberdeenshire is ‘Castle Country’ and the Coastal Trail hosts look out for the special night time breathtaking coastal vistas, and For those who really want to challenge themselves head openings where you can swim keep your eyes to the sea; grey seals, some of its finest examples. Explore the romantic ruins of beneath the stars. dolphins and minke whales are to Royal Aberdeen, host of the 2014 Scottish Open, or to Pitsligo Castle in Rosehearty, or admire world-class art and Postcode: AB39 2RD Tel: 01569 762134 often spotted by walkers. , which placed second in a list of the best fun Postcode: AB39 2TP Tel: 01346 532017 Cruden Bay spectacular furnishings at Duff House in Banff. Witness the courses in Great Britain by Golf World magazine. atmospheric ruins of Slains Castle, near Cruden Bay, often If you’ve never tried golf before and want to give it a go, why said to be the inspiration for Count Dracula’s Castle. There are 30 Maggie Law Maritime Museum D6 26 Aunty Betty’s and Giulianotti’s Ice Cream Shops D5 not visit one of the charming 9-hole courses in the area even the remains of an ancient Pictish hillfort at Cullykhan Indulge your sweet tooth and The Maggie Law was one of the first above Pennan. Visit Stonehaven and see the magnificent sample some cool, creamy treats inshore lifeboats, built in 1890 and such as Rosehearty Golf Club, set in the shadow of the from Stonehaven’s much-loved rowed by six men she was in service ruins of Pitsligo and Pittulie castles? Or head to the driving clifftop ruins of Dunnottar Castle – you might even spot If you’re looking for the true spirit of Aberdeenshire, start your ice cream and sweet shops. Pop for 40 years and saved 36 lives. If you search at one of our VisitScotland iCentres. We’ll point you in the into Aunty Betty’s and choose are interested in maritime heritage range at the Myrus Golf Centre in Macduff. dolphins swimming off the coast from the castle ramparts. from a delicious array of ice you will be amazed at what’s on direction of the best the region has to offer, whether you need creams, ice cream cakes, sweeties display at the Maggie Law Maritime advice on where to go and what to do, or even if you’re looking to and coffees – the perfect reward Museum which caters for all ages. Discover stories of maritime life at Fraserburgh Heritage after you’ve stretched your legs The old two-storey coastguard Centre and the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, where book accommodation and tickets for all kinds of events, activities along the promenade. Experience building, which sits beside the old and transport. Come and talk to our knowledgeable and friendly old fashioned sweet shop charm harbour and slipway (the Gutty) can Find out more at: Scotland’s first mainland lighthouse is actually built in at Giulianotti’s, where Italian ice be found in the centre of Gourdon. golfaberdeen.com 16th century Kinnaird Castle. Learn how people lived staff. You never know, we might just let you in on a few local secrets. cream has been made to a secret Postcode: DD10 0LW Tel: 01569 750730 recipe for generations. and worked in coastal settlements at Maggie’s Hoosie in Postcode: AB39 2RD Tel: 01569 763656 Inverallochy and Sandhaven Meal Mill near Fraserburgh. 23 Union Street, Unit 3, The Mews, 9A, The Square, and AB39 2EQ Tel: 01569 762444 Aberdeen, AB11 5BP Mar Road, Huntly, AB54 8BR 01224 269180 , AB35 5YL 01466 792255 27 Stonehaven Harbour and Tolbooth Museum D5 31 St Cyrus NNR C6 01339 741600 National Park 66 Allardice Street, Stonehaven’s pretty working harbour, Feel like you’re miles from the hustle Authority, Albert Memorial Hall, Museum of Scottish Stonehaven, AB39 2AA busy with sailing yachts and fishing and bustle of urban life as you boats, makes the perfect subject for wander along the cliffs and dunes of Station Square, Lighthouses, 01569 762806 budding photographers. Visit the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. In , AB35 5QB , Tolbooth Museum, housed in the oldest the summer months, this protected 01339 755306 Castle Terrace, building in the town, and uncover the area is awash with colour and life, fascinating heritage of both the town from pretty purple bellflowers Fraserburgh, AB43 9DU and the 16th century building itself; dotted across the grassy dunes to Collie Lodge, Low Street, 01346 518315 historically, it served as a prison and the constant movement of fluttering Banff, AB45 1AU has connections to nearby Dunnottar butterflies. Keep your eyes to the 01261 812419 Castle. In the summer months, take skies, where you might spot circling a boat cruise to see the magnificent peregrine falcons, or in the winter RSPB Fowlsheugh, a cliff colony months look out for feeding waders packed with 130,000 breeding seabirds. on the shoreline. Postcode: AB39 2JU Tel: 07512 466329 Postcode: DD10 0AQ Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire visItscotland.com/ICENTRE Duff House Royal, Banff Slains Castle, near Cruden Bay