The earliest parts of Fyvie Castle date from the 13th century. Some sources say that it was built in 1211 by William the Lion. Following the Battle of Otterburn in 1390, it ceased to be a royal stronghold and fell into the possession of five successive families, Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Leith, each of whom added a new tower to the castle. Alexander Leith bought the castle in 1885 and it was sold to the National Trust for Scotland in 1984 by his descendants.
