The five most expensive homes in Scotland

Tillypronie Estate, in Aberdeenshire, was put up for sale in August by David Astor, who inherited the property in 1984. The estate, which has views over the Dee valley, was built in 1867 by Sir John Clark, the diplomat son of Queen Victoria’s physician, Sir James Clark. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone and used to visit Tillypronie with her “friend and confidante” John Brown.

Estate agents Strutt and Parker say Tillypronie "is widely recognised as belonging in the top drawer of Scottish sporting estates due to the first class driven game shooting it provides", as well as "the unrivalled setting" of its mansion house and gardens.

Former prime minister David Cameron was reportedly among those interested in purchasing the estate - but agents dismissed the story as 'rumour'.

Located on the south shore of Loch Rannoch in Highland Perthshire, this former clan seat dates back to 1347 and has been described as the ‘Monaco of the Glen’ by estate agents. The present house, which has 38 bedrooms, was commissioned by Clan Chief George Duncan Robertson and built by the renowned architect Thomas Mackenzie. It was the home of the once prestigious Rannoch School until 2002. Despite being advertised for sale since October 2014, it has failed to find a buyer.

This 16th century castle lies just three miles from Edinburgh city centre. The house, which has five bedrooms, dates from 1542 and was extensively remodelled by the celebrated Scottish architect William Henry Playfair in 1835. Set over three storeys, with views of Corstorphine Hill, Blackhall and the Firth of Forth, it is a unique property in the capital set in substantial gardens. It has been on the market for more than two years.

Described as the perfect home for serious golf fans, this Perthshire estate includes its own private course. A sprawling Scots baronial mansion built from local red sandstone, it contains a library described as “one of the finest in Scotland” by its selling agent. It has been up for sale since July 2015. Reports that pop superstar Taylor Swift was eyeing the property have so far proved untrue.

Lying 30 miles north-west of Aberdeen, Hatton Castle has been owned by the Duff family since 1709. The estate contains numerous attractive staff cottages, a working quarry and extensive farmland. Construction of the present castellated mansion began in 1812 and was completed by 1814 - it was at this time the name was changed to Hatton Castle. It has been for sale since August 2015.