Inverurie: Pictish Stones and Castle History

Inverurie particularly appeals to travellers who want to include historic places and specific cultural themes in their holiday plans. These range from Pictish symbol stones and a 12th-century castle site to the 19th-century Town Hall and a heritage centre with an industrial past. Bookable whisky flight tastings add another dimension to the town’s cultural offering. When looking for holiday accommodation, you can first decide whether the history of the town itself or a day trip to Aberdeen will shape your stay.

Pictish Stones and the Bass Castle Site

The Brandsbutt Stone is a Class I Pictish Symbol Stone on the western outskirts of Inverurie. Four Class I Pictish Stones are located in Inverurie Cemetery. They are displayed without protective glass covers between the Bass and the Little Bass. This makes it possible to distinguish between a single stone on the outskirts of town and a group of four stones in the cemetery; the four stones’ presentation without glass is also a defining feature.

The Bass of Inverurie and Little Bass castle site dates from the 12th century and is of the motte-and-bailey type. In this term, the motte is a raised castle mound, while the bailey is an enclosed courtyard. The extensive earthworks are visible; the Bass of Inverurie is considered an exceptionally well-preserved example of a wooden motte-and-bailey castle. The focus here is therefore not on individual stone objects, but on the form of a castle site and its still-visible earthworks.

Town Architecture and Industrial Heritage

Inverurie Town Hall was built in 1862 from granite ashlar in the Baroque style. As a 19th-century building, it adds a more recent architectural perspective to the prehistoric and medieval themes. Its construction date, material and style provide specific clues for placing the building in its historical context.

Garioch Heritage Centre is located on the site of the former Railway Works. The building once housed the Carriage and Waggonworks. This former use as the Carriage and Waggonworks adds an industrial historical perspective to the cultural themes.

As of 1 September 2026, Garioch Heritage Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Check the opening hours before your visit.

Whisky Tastings and Choosing Where to Stay

Foghouse Whisky & Wine Bar in central Inverurie offers bookable whisky flight tastings (as of 1 September 2026). You can choose pre-selected flights or create your own flight from a range of more than 400 whiskies. This gives you a choice between a ready-made selection and one of your own. If this tasting is to be a set part of your travel plans, check current availability in advance.

Inverurie has excellent road and rail connections and is suitable for day trips from Aberdeen. This offers two different ways to plan your trip: make Inverurie itself the focus for the cultural themes described here, or use Aberdeen as a base for a day trip to Inverurie. If the town’s historic attractions are to shape your stay, you can tailor your search for holiday accommodation in Inverurie accordingly. If you plan to stay overnight in Aberdeen, Inverurie remains a possible day-trip destination. Check suitable connections for your travel dates.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Newmachar, Marykirk, Kincardine O'Neil, Peterculter, Aberdeen, Tarves, Balmedie, Turriff

For the main travel overview: Aberdeenshire.