Ballindalloch Castle

This castle is well worth a visit. Give yourself time to walk through the part of the castle open for self-tours, as well as the gardens & rockery. Here's a bit from the website:

THE PEARL OF THE NORTH
Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful and renowned castles in Scotland. Known as the Pearl of the North, it is located in the heart of Speyside, near to the famed whisky distilleries of Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas and Glenlivet. Surrounded by majestic hills, and with the tumbling waters of the Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds, the setting is truly magnificent.

A much loved family home, Ballindalloch is one of the few privately owned castles to have been lived in continuously by its original family. The Macpherson-Grants have resided here since 1546.

Balmoral Castle - we paid approximately £7.00 or £7.50 for entry to the estate and gardens, and apparently a ballroom which we didn't bother to locate -- it wasn't within the castle but apparently in one of the outbuildings.

There was a piper outside the gates who didn't pipe unless a large group was coming in at once or especially if a tractor-wagon load of people was passing by.

We were on foot but whatever, we just wanted some exterior photos which is all you really get from any of the castles so I guess we got our money's worth ;)

We didn't pay the £5.00 deposit for a recorded tour.  It was a one-off, so if you're willing to pay the price for some great outside shots and have no clue what lies within, then this one's is for you!