Reimagining Fyvie Castle

1. Saving the castle and its collections

Fyvie’s iconic towers are cracking and the south façade is critically unstable. Temporary steel bands have been installed on the Seton Tower to prevent irreversible loss – but they are a temporary fix. 

Inside, the story is just as urgent. Intricate plasterwork ceilings and timber panelling are deteriorating. The castle and its treasures are at risk. 

We’re launching a major conservation effort to repair the building’s structure, preserve vulnerable interiors and protect this priceless collection. This will include work to save the stonework finials on the roof and collaboration with skilled conservators to develop a robust collections management plan. 

2. Restoring Old Home Farm

Fyvie’s Old Home Farm was once the beating heart of the estate, deeply rooted in a sustainable farming community. Today, these buildings are crumbling and have been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 1980 (before the Trust acquired the property). 

We want to bring Old Home Farm back to life. Our vision is to recreate it as the ‘friendly face of Fyvie,’ creating a welcoming hub where history meets community. Restoration work will include: 

• Creating exhibition and learning spaces
• Reintroducing craft and heritage workshops
• Restoring the historic doocot and west range
• Offering new facilities for visitors

This revitalisation will connect people to Fyvie’s agricultural past – while securing its future as a vibrant, sustainable cultural space. 

3. Unlocking Fyvie’s green spaces

Fyvie’s 123-acre estate, with woodlands, lochs, gardens and fields, is a haven for wildlife and is used daily by local people for walking and nature spotting. However, many areas are currently inaccessible. 

We know that connecting people with nature enhances well-being and environmental awareness. We’re committed to making the estate more accessible. By installing new and extended footpaths, including wheelchair-accessible ramps and a young explorer’s path and boardwalk, we can encourage more people to experience Fyvie’s green spaces. The establishment of Fyvie’s first woodland school and nature play facility will also help us engage children and young people. 

A greener Fyvie

Each element of this project considers sustainability. Fyvie currently has one of the Trust’s highest carbon footprints, and this project will change that. Restoring the estate offers the perfect opportunity to explore renewable energy and reduce environmental impact across the board. 

Be a part of Fyvie’s future

This is just the beginning. Phases 2-4 will carry on through to 2037, but the work we do now lays the foundation for everything to come. 

We can’t do it without you. 

Please donate today and help us reimagine Fyvie for the future.