Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland and the grandest of the 'Castles of Mar'. It is located near Inverurie in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland. Image File history File links Grampian_Map_Castle_Fraser. ... Inverurie is a burgh in Aberdeenshire, Scotland approximately 16 miles north west of Aberdeen along the A96 road. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Motto: (Latin for No one provokes me with impunity)1 Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow Official language(s) English, Gaelic, Scots 2 Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister of the UK Tony Blair MP  - First Minister Jack McConnell MSP Unification    - by Kenneth I...

Castle Fraser

Originally known as Muchall-in-Mar, construction of the elaborate, five-storey Z-plan castle was begun in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser and was completed in 1636. A panel on the northern side of the castle is signed "I Bel", believed to be the mark of the master mason during much of the construction; however, the castle is actually a joint creation with another famous master mason of this period, Leiper. Photograph of Castle Fraser This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Photograph of Castle Fraser This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Events February 13 - Henry III of France is crowned at Reims February 14 - Henry III of France marries Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont June 28 - Oda Nobunaga defeats Takeda Katsuyori in the battle of Nagashino, which has been called Japans first modern battle. ... Michael Fraser, born October 8, 1983, is a Scottish footballer and currently the primary goalkeeper for the Scottish Premier Leagues Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club. ... Events February 24 - King Christian of Denmark gives an order that all beggars that are able to work must be sent to Brinholmen Island to build ships or as galley rowers March 26 - Utrecht University founded in The Netherlands. ...

Castle Fraser is contemporary with other famous nearby castles: Craigevar Castle, Crathes Castle and Muchalls Castle. Muchalls Castle was built over a 13th century stronghold of Clan Fraser, and its 17th century reconstruction was conducted by master mason Leiper. Crathes Castle is a castle near Banchory in the Grampian region of Scotland. ... Muchalls Castle, Kincardineshire Muchalls Castle stands overlooking the North Sea in the countryside of historic Kincardineshire, Scotland. ...

Legend has it that a young princess was once staying at the castle when she was brutually murdered while asleep in the 'Green Room'. Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. As hard as they tried, the occupants of the castle could not scrub out the stains, and so were forced to cover the steps in wood panelling, which remains today. It is said she still stalks the halls of the castle during the night. Numerous sightings were reported by former Property Manager, Eric Wilkinson, and piano music was said to be frequently heard in the empty castle by its former owner, Lavinia Smiley.

The castle stands in over 300 acres (1.2 km²) of open woodland and farmland, including a walled garden and two forest trails. There is archaeological evidence of an older square tower beneath the current construction. Archaeology, archeology, or archæology (from the Greek words αρχαίος = ancient and λόγος = word/speech/discourse) is the study of human cultures through the recovery, documentation and analysis of material remains and environmental data, including architecture, artifacts, biofacts, human remains, and landscapes. ...

Castle Fraser has recently been used as a backdrop for some of the scenes shot in the film "The Queen", starring Helen Mirren.

Today, the castle is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to tourists during the summer months. It can also be hired for weddings and corporate events. The standard of the NTS The National Trust for Scotland, or NTS, describes itself as The conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotlands natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy. ...

History of Castle Fraser and information about the ghosts

References

• Tranter, Nigel, The Fortified House in Scotland
• Smiley, Lavinia, "The Frasers of Castle Fraser"