The castle, built in the 17th century, has been refurbished by the local community after being closed to the public in 2005.

The Duke of Rothesay said: "I have always loved this place. Many congratulations everybody, it is a wonderful achievement."
Local landowners the Farquharsons of Invercauld have handed the castle over to the country on a 50-year lease.

The castle was originally re-opened on May 3 when Steve Robertson from Scotland the What turned the key to open the castle.

Since the village acquired the building in February last year, teams of volunteers have worked to get the castle back into shape. A leaky Victorian wing at the rear of the building was demolished, while rooms were re-painted and re-carpeted.

On show again are 12 rooms, including the infamous "pit" or bottle neck dungeon that was once home to no fewer than 17 Cameron rebels, the elegant dining room and drawing room, the Laird's bedroom with its handsome four poster bed and the vintage plumbing of the Victorian bathrooms.

An exhibition space has also been created to house travelling exhibitions.

Braemar Castle is rumoured to be haunted by several ghosts, including those of a young blonde woman, a piper and a crying baby thought to be the ghost of an infant murdered in the castle.