The north-east of Scotland along the shores of the Moray Firth is where we Crudens originate (Gardenstown & Pennan in particular) but I'm ashamed to say I've only visited it a couple of times, most recently in summer 09.

Happily, this part of Scotland is stuffed full not only with castles, but stone circles and the like, too - Aikey Brae, Easter Aquhorthies, Midmar, Sunhoney and Cullerie to name the ones we visited this summer.