One of the north-east’s finest castles will mark 30 years as a visitor attraction with a musical celebration this weekend.
The National Trust for Scotland took charge of Fyvie Castle in 1984, and the grand doors were officially opened to the public two years later.
To mark 30 years, the Grampian Police Pipe Band will perform on the lawn outside the castle from 2pm on Sunday.
Inside, visitors will get a chance to see two portraits of the Gordon family returned to their original spots in the Morning Room and there will be music from local pianist Will Jowett.
A special pearl anniversary cake will also be cut, and a tree planting ceremony to mark the occasion will be held in the grounds.
Last night Robert Lovie – property manager at Fyvie Castle since 2000 – said: “In the past, Fyvie Castle has hosted guests as illustrious as Robert the Bruce and Charles I, but for the past 30 years, our VIPS have been the hundreds of thousands of visitors and trust members who have come to share our history and heritage.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the past three decades with a small celebration.”
Fyvie Castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style more than 800 years ago and has been home to five north-east families.
Packed with artworks from the likes of Pompeo Batoni and Sir Henry Raeburn, Fyvie is one of the region’s most popular wedding venues.
On Sunday there will even be a return to 1986 price for some lucky visitors – one hundred adult tickets at £1.70 and 100 children’s tickets at 70p will be available at www.nts.org.uk/events