Fyvie fortress is the king of the castles!

The magic of the moment could not be underestimated.

Somewhere in the bowels of the castle, the bagpipes burst into life.

Their notes seemed to rise on the air as the piper climbed the great wheel staircase Scotland’s finest and I caught my breath.

From the casement of my chamber in Fyvie Castle’s Preston Tower, I spied rolling meadows, vast woodland and breathtaking gardens. I might have been catapulted back in time.

It was at this 13th Century Aberdeenshire fortress that Robert the Bruce held open air courts and Charles I spent his childhood.

But following the Battle of Otterburn in 1390 it ceased to be a royal stronghold and instead fell into the possession of five successive families Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Leith each of whom added a new tower to the castle.

Preston is the oldest, dating from between 1390 and 1433 and, like its neighbouring Seton and Meldrum Towers, it’s very, very haunted.

We were at this spectacular venue for the wedding of our only son and his lovely wife.

But so fine is the National Trust for Scotland’s hospitality that we also decided to hire its Preston Tower, which comfortably sleeps 13 people in grand style for an affordable rent per head.

We were not disappointed.

Constructed over four floors and accessed by a spiral staircase, the tower is a dream location for a family get-together, reunion or simply a weekend with friends.

The large, functional kitchen is equipped with everything one could need, making for stress-free self-catering.

There are seven bedrooms, a grand dining room, drawing room, quirky library, two bathrooms and two additional loos.

We luxuriated on comfortable sofas, enjoyed long loch-side walks, sipped Champagne and dined like aristocrats.

Our little ones entertained themselves by exploring their sprawling weekend home, poking their curious little noses into the quirky turret rooms at the top of the edifice and poring over books in what they described as the ‘secret’ library.

All guests of the Preston Tower are given a complimentary tour of the castle and wedding guests enjoy the same courtesy. It is a treat not to be missed but my crowd was more interested in its supernatural treasures.

Fyvie Castle, which lays claim to at least four ghosts, has featured in a string of spooky TV shows including Most Haunted.

Our tower was said to be haunted by the Green Lady, Dane Lilias Drummond who was betrayed by the husband who went on to marry her cousin.

Outside there is much to see and do, including an 18th Century walled garden which has been redeveloped to showcase Scottish fruits and vegetables.

About 30 miles north of Aberdeen, Fyvie is at the heart of the official Castle Trail and it is only a one-hour drive north to Brodie Castle, near Elgin in Morayshire.

That’s the spot where we first became hooked on the history, grandeur and affordability of the NTS’s castle accommodation.

Brodie is among the most regal of holiday homes and we had invited three generations of one family, plus pals, to help us fill its Laird’s Apartment formerly the private dwelling of Ninian Brodie. It caters for 14 people over three floors with high chairs and travel cots provided on request.

Brodie is a 16th Century treasure trove of antique furniture, porcelain and fine art.

The castle was home to the Brodies until the late 20th Century and their association with it dates back as far as 1160 when it’s thought Malcolm IV gave its lands to them.

Now it was our turn to enjoy the gift. Mornings were devoted to exploring the parkland, watching shaggy Highland cattle graze and feeding the ducks on the loch.

The castle now boasts an adventure playground which is great for kids.

In rainy weather the Laird’s study is a haven, housing a tastefully disguised TV and DVD player, along with broadband, and a host of board games which kids and adults alike can enjoy.

Lunch was a family affair in the cavernous, light-filled castle kitchen, but evenings were devoted to the grown-ups a banquet in the imposing dining room.

There can be no doubt that holidaying with the National Trust for Scotland is an experience fit for a queen, albeit one with a humble budget!