Deer statue

There's a rather striking bronze deer standing in Aberdeenshire that stops you dead when you round the corner. It's a gallery piece - sculpture really - that catches the light beautifully depending on what time of day you visit. The detail work on the animal is genuinely impressive, from the musculature to the intelligent eyes. You won't need hours here, but it's absolutely worth a twenty-minute detour if you're in the Ellon area.

This is proper territory for sculpture enthusiasts and photographers chasing interesting Highland shots. The setting itself, surrounded by Aberdeenshire's rolling landscape, gives the whole thing a contemplative quality that works better in person than any picture suggests. Families won't find it tedious - kids often respond well to large animal sculptures - though it's not an afternoon's entertainment on its own.

If you're camped at Ythan Valley Campsite just up the road, this is an easy addition to your itinerary. The site itself is well-reviewed and ideally positioned for exploring this corner of the Highlands, so combining a quick walk to see the deer statue with your base camp works nicely. Admission details are sparse, so phone ahead or check locally in Ellon to confirm opening hours and whether there's a charge. Even if there's a small fee, it's worth it for something this distinctive. The light's best in late afternoon if you're after photographs.