James VI had it destroyed in 1594 after learning of the Earl's plot to land Spanish troops on Scottish coast. Pitmedden Garden Formal gardens established in 1675 with central fountain, pavilions and sundials, all laid out in four great rectangles. Box hedges form elaborate designs and Latin mottoes. Museum of Farming Life includes furnished farmhouse. Portlethen Village Once-busy fishing village is now community for people employed in Aberdeen.
Steep road leads to small cove, hemmed in by cliffs.
St Machar's Cathedral Cathedral founded in 1131, though main part of building dates from 15th century. West front has twin towers. Painted wooden heraldic nave, dated 1520, is in use as parish church. Stonehaven New town, with amusement park and beach, dominates old town of fishermen's cottages by harbour. Local exhibits found in 16th-century Tolbooth Museum, where Episcopal clergymen were imprisoned in 1748.