Excavations at Haddo House in Aberdeenshire have revealed remains of the historic Palace of Kelly.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said work at its property, near Methlick, had uncovered the seat of the Gordons of Haddo prior to the 1730s.

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© NTSWork at Haddo House has revealed remains of the Palace of Kelly
NTS said the location had previously been a matter of speculation.

Dr Shannon Fraser, NTS archaeologist for eastern Scotland, said: "It has been described as almost the Holy Grail of local archaeology."

Excavation co-director Dr Hilary Murray added: "It is amazing to realise that when the terrace in front of Haddo was created in the 18th Century, the earlier buildings were simply partially demolished and filled in with rubble before the lawn was planted".