Spanning over a decade and delivered in carefully planned phases, the masterplan marks the beginning of a ‘sixth age’ for the 800-year-old castle and its grounds.

Founded as a royal stronghold under King William the Lion in the early 13th century, Fyvie has passed through some of Scotland’s most powerful dynasties. Now, it enters a bold new chapter, one that honours its storied past while transforming it into a vibrant, sustainable, and accessible destination for future generations.

The first phase of the plan, set to complete by 2027, focuses on essential conservation work to the A-listed castle and the rescue of the B-listed Old Home Farm complex, currently at risk. This once-vital part of the estate will be reborn as a new Visitor Hub, housing a café, exhibition space, conference room, retail area, and spaces for skills workshops.

Public access will also be extended to previously unseen areas of the estate, including the Victorian stables. Improvements to the footpath network, enhanced natural heritage engagement opportunities, and work to reduce carbon emissions will further embed the site in a more sustainable future.

Critical repairs to the castle’s historic stonework, including the restoration of its 16th-century decorative finials, will safeguard the building’s unique character, while environmental upgrades will improve energy efficiency and support the Trust’s climate goals.

Phil Long OBE, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Fyvie Castle is celebrated in legend and song, and represents the story of Scotland written in stone. Through this masterplan, we are taking the castle, gardens and grounds into their next era—conserving them for future generations and making them more accessible and engaging to all.”

Once the initial work is complete, further phases will:

• Protect and re-display Fyvie’s internationally significant collections, including works by Henry Raeburn, a rare Tiffany glass lamp, and the celebrated 1766 portrait by Pompeo Batoni of Colonel the Hon. William Gordon of Fyvie.
• Stabilise and upgrade the castle’s structure and interiors, along with new storytelling and interpretation, honouring the castle’s tradition of hospitality and cultural exchange.
• Enhance nature conservation and biodiversity across the 123-acre estate through new trails, play and learning areas, and expanded public access to its walled gardens, lake, forests, and ornamental drives.
• Adopt renewable technologies and reduce environmental impact through nature-based solutions, in line with the Trust’s commitment to climate action.
• Deliver skills training, learning, and outreach programmes to connect with local communities and inspire visitors from around the world.

The masterplan was developed by conservation specialists Page\Park Architects, whose director, John Brown, said: “At its heart is an exploration of the joyful spirit of Fyvie—a place known for extravagant entertaining and architectural flourish. We’ve developed a strategy that meets the needs of the modern visitor while revealing more of what Fyvie has to offer.”