Thain House, Banff

Banff is a former county town and a Royal Burgh, having received its charter from Robert the Bruce in 1324. The town has been designated an Outstanding Conservation Area and is famous for its outstanding architecture. Banff contains a variety of architecture in a number of contrasting styles, including Georgian architecture that can be found in the upper part of the town. Banff Harbour is now a recreational harbour and marina, and the town boasts spectacular sea views, sandy beaches, shops and seafood restaurants. Duff House, built between 1735 and 1740 is situated in the Deveron Valley, and is thought to be one of Britain’s finest Georgian houses. Close by is Duff House Royal golf course and two miles away the neighbouring town of Macduff offers the Royal Tarlair golf course and award-winning Marine Aquarium. Nearby, the old smugglers village of Pennan was used as the location for the movie Local Hero, and its famous phonebox is a listed historical monument. The area also boasts sandy beaches, forest walks, cycle routes, whisky trails, pony trekking and dolphin watching, along with the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh and the Portsoy Boat Festival and Turriff Show.