Location

Aberdeenshire

TOLQUHON GALLERY is situated in Aberdeenshire, in North East Scotland.  It is a short distance from the city of Aberdeen, traditionally known as the "silver city" because of the sparkling mica-flecked grey granite  from which much of the city is built.  Aberdeen is now the Oil Capital of Europe, being the centre of the North Sea oil industry.

The gallery is set in a beautiful rural location, a pleasant half hour's drive north of the city.  It is easily reached from all parts of the North East and is only a few hours' drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness.  It lies off the B999 Aberdeen - Tarves road, between the villages of Pitmedden and Tarves.  To reach the gallery, follow any signs for Tolquhon Castle.  The road to the gallery is well signposted with brown "tourist" signs on the B999.  

Map

Tolquhon Castle

The gallery is just a few hundred yards from historic Tolquhon Castle.  Of the many castles to grace the Aberdeenshire countryside, Tolquhon is amongst the most picturesque.  It is particularly noted for its highly ornamented gatehouse and pleasance. 

Although a noble residence for over 500 years, the present ruins are largely the hallmark of one remarkable man, William Forbes, seventh lord of Tolquhon.  In 1584, he instigated a comprehensive rebuilding programme which, when completed six years later, gave a house that was amongst the finest of its day.  William Forbes was probably brought up in the cramped tower house, Preston's Tower, built by his ancestor more than a century before.  In its place he created a spacious residence consisting of four ranges grouped around an open courtyard. 

Opposite the gatehouse lay the main house, flanked on either side by lesser accommodation and service buildings. The gatehouse facade was designed to impress rather than to deter visitors, and over the doorway William Forbes proudly displayed his coat of arms and those of his king, James VI, who visited Tolquhon in 1589, shortly after the completion of building. 

Although roofless, the castle is still spectacular and has many interesting features.  It is in now in the care of Historic Scotland and is open to the public throughout the year (weekends only in winter).