The news comes on the 40th anniversary of the castle, which dates to the 13th century, being taken into the Trust’s care.

The Trust has appointed Page\Park Architects to develop a masterplan for the castle and its 123 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens.  This will inform future investment in conservation, storytelling, engagement and enhanced visitor facilities.

As a first step, the Trust has purchased the adjacent Old Home Farm building outright and is planning works to stabilise the structure which is in a dilapidated condition.  This will protect this heritage building and support the completion of the masterplan. Adaptive re-use of the historic farm buildings may include an orientation and interpretation hub for the wider estate and cafe provision.

Iain Hawkins, the National Trust for Scotland’s regional director for North East Scotland, said: “Fyvie is one of the most historic and eclectic properties in the National Trust for Scotland’s portfolio.

“Since its beginnings in the 13th century it has served as a royal stronghold for William the Lion, Alexander II and Robert the Bruce and was, in succession, the seat of the prestigious Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Leith dynasties.  It was also a Royal nursery for a time for Prince Charles, later Charles I, and the site of a tumultuous civil war battle in 1644.

“Very few places are soaked in so much eventful history and the castle and estate deserve to be better recognised for the heritage this place represents.  That is our motivation for setting in train a process that will raise its profile and fully realise its potential to welcome more visitors and offer them a uniquely rewarding experience.”

Eilidh Henderson, director of Page\Park Architects, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected by the National Trust for Scotland to evolve the masterplan and conservation works to Fyvie Castle and estate. The appointment follows a competitive tender process attracting interest from across the UK.

“Fyvie Castle is considered one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture in the country; and is a must-see landmark in the collection of castles across the North East of Scotland. The project is intended to unlock all that the site has to offer, to ensure its ongoing sustainability and success as a visitor attraction and heritage experience for people from all walks of life.

“The appointment reinforces the commitment at Page\Park Architects to achieving transformational change in cultural settings, underpinned by careful conservation and creative thinking.

“We’ll be working alongside a skilled consultant team that includes Narro Associates, Harley Haddow, Adams Napier Partnership, Buro Happold and People Friendly Design.”

Iain Hawkins added: “We’re very happy indeed to appoint Page\Park architects to take forward this emerging major conservation project for Fyvie Castle and estate.

“We’re looking forward to working with both them and the other highly skilled contractors who will help us conserve this special place, enhance its stories and allow wider access for all to create a sustainable heritage experience for generations to come.

“Our optimism is bolstered by the very successful living history event which took place earlier this month to commemorate the 1644 Battle of Fyvie.  Around 2,500  people travelled from far and wide to enjoy the sights and sounds of the occasion and to explore the natural beauty of the estate.

“This confirms that our decisions to invest in the Old Home Farm and the master planning process are the right ones.

“We’ve also begun engagement with the local and wider communities and the feedback so far has been extremely insightful and helpful: it will aid Page\Park to a significant degree in their thinking.

“Community engagement activities at Fyvie, supported in 2024 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, have included an event for people with additional support needs and their carers, visits to the castle and grounds for community groups to take part in creative and wellbeing workshops, and health walks around the loch. These relationships with community groups, and public and other third sector organisations, will be key to the process going forward.

“We expect to have completed plans to share by the spring or early summer of 2025.”