Famous castles of Scotland
generally considered to have the three finest ceilings in Scotland. The Clan Forbes family
were close friends of the Clan Burnett of Leys, who built both Crathes Castle and Muchalls
Castle.The castle originally had more defensive elements including a walled courtyard with
four round towers; only one of the round towers remains today. In the arched door to that
round tower are preserved the carved initials of Sir Thomas Forbes, William Forbes' son.
There was also a massive iron yett or gate covering the entrance door.The castle interior
boasts a Great Hall that has the Stuart Arms over the fireplace; a musicians gallery; secret
staircase connecting the high tower to the Great Hall; Queen's Bedroom; servants' quarters
and of course several splendid plasterwork ceilings. There is a collection of Forbes family
portraits inside as well as a considerable quantity of Forbes furnishings dating to the 17th
and 18th centuries
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