The Aberdeenshire Castle That Inspired Walt Disney’s Reopening After Restoration Project

A “fairytale” castle said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle is to reopen to the public after undergoing a major 18-month renovation project during which it was wrapped in pink mesh.

Craigievar Castle, in Aberdeenshire, closed its gates in early 2023 to “future-proof” it against rain and damage caused by climate change as part of its Pink Again restoration campaign.

The bright pink castle was covered in seven-story mesh to mimic the pink harling that was being replaced.

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The restoration is now complete and the renovated castle will reopen its doors on Friday May 31.

Dating from 1626, the castle is known for its pink exterior, 17th-century plaster ceilings and artwork.

Staff and volunteers are reinstalling art collections before reopening.