Royal Deeside castle reopens after major upgrade

A 17th Century castle in north-east Scotland is throwing open its doors to the public again following the completion of a community-led restoration project.

Braemar Castle, on the edge of the Royal Deeside village, has been re-roofed and re-harled, with internal restoration work also carried out as part of the £1.6m programme.

Historic Environment Scotland and the National Heritage Lottery Fund contributed £1m to the project.

The rest was raised by donations and fundraising in the community.

Members of the public were invited to a community day on Wednesday, a day before the castle's official public reopening.

The project has received support and expertise from The King's Foundation, the charity whose founder and president is His Majesty King Charles.