Craigievar Castle, near Alford in Aberdeenshire, reopened on 1 May following a two-year restoration programme.

The reopening of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS)-operated property marks the end of a project to replace a concrete-based harling applied during the castle's last facelift in the 1970s with a traditional lime-based alternative.

Daphne Rose, NTS senior assistant at Craigievar, said: "The reharling work created a lot of dust inside the property and every surface has had to be deep cleaned.

"We've also had our work cut out putting hundreds of paintings and artefacts back in their rightful place.

"Visitors won't see any changes inside the castle, but they may notice that it looks slightly different on the outside. The pigments in the new harl are beautiful and appear to change constantly with the light and humidity."

The 17th century tower-house, which is built on seven floors, attracts up to 15,000 visitors a year.

On the same date, the National Trust (NT) in England reopened Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland to the public. The move comes four months after it was announced that the 18th century Vanbrugh-designed building had been saved for the nation.

Visitors will be able to tour the property's cellars and stables, explore its gardens and have the opportunity, for the first time, to see inside part of the West Wing, formerly the private rooms of the last owner, Lord Hastings.

In addition, the NT is working with the local community on developing an on-going programme of activities within the hall, gardens and surrounding countryside.

The first events will focus on Seaton Delaval Hall's theatrical tradition - from its playwright architect to its drama-loving former owners - with the central hall offering a flexible space enabling people to express themselves and showcase their skills.