The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
HIGH TIMES AT TOP OF PROP
The Prop of Ythsie is one of the north-east’s most quirky landmarks – and on a clear day the views are breathtaking
The Prop of Ythsie is a north-east landmark that can be seen for miles, and the tower itself boasts magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Resembling a giant chess piece (a rook, if we’re being specific) that’s been plonked on top of a hill, the Prop was built in 1861 in memory of the fourth Earl of Aberdeen, George Hamilton-gordon.
The walk up to it is lovely, along a welldefined footpath that winds round the base of the hill before it begins its ascent up the edge
of a farm field. It’s not steep but the ground can be a bit boggy depending on the weather, so wearing flip-flops or heels probably isn’t a great idea.
The Prop is signposted off the B999 just south of the village of Tarves and there’s a small car park after a few hundred yards although, strangely, it’s not marked.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit – or more if you’re stopping to drink in the glorious views which open up and stretch across the surrounding countryside – and you’re treated to tantalising glimpses of the Prop as you go.
If you’re bringing your dog, there are a few things you would do well to be aware of – cow pats and spiralling steps for starters.
As I approached the base of the tower, I encountered a man flying a drone and his
cute cocker spaniel. The aroma that wafted from the dog’s fur, however, made him slightly less appealing.
“He’s been rolling in cattle poo,” explained the man, with a somewhat doleful expression on his face. “Maybe don’t stroke him.”
I was more than happy to take his advice. The next challenge – if you’ve got a dog who doesn’t like climbing – is the 91 steps that spiral all the way to the top of the Prop.
My nine-year-old black Labrador Toby isn’t a fan of stairs these days so I left him sitting at the bottom with my friend.
The door was already ajar when I arrived, allowing light to flood into the lower reaches. But as I climbed higher, I was soon enveloped in darkness – maybe bring a torch if you want to be sure of your footing.
It was a hard, heart-pumping slog up the narrow, winding tower – there’s a metal chain to cling on to for support – and I clearly upset the resident pigeons who flapped and clucked as I disturbed them.
There was a strong smell of bird poo which made me quicken my pace so that by the time I reached the top I was sweating and feeling a wee bit dizzy.
But the views – just wow! I was lucky enough to visit on a clear and sunny day so I was able to pick out the 528m summit of Bennachie, Haddo House, the village of Tarves and endless fields of green in all directions.
With my friend waiting at the bottom with Toby I decided to do something really
stupid and definitely not what I’d recommend anyone to try.
So... I climbed up on to the parapet while gripping on to the rusting iron railings so that she could take a picture of me leering down into the abyss.
My silly bravado-fuelled efforts proved pointless as the photos showed nothing but a pink blob (me) – so do not follow in my footsteps on this, please.
I made my way down cautiously, being careful not to slip on twigs, presumably from birds’ nests, and droppings galore.
A marble plaque at the bottom of the tower, above the door, commemorates George Hamilton-gordon, fourth Earl of Haddo, who was born in Edinburgh on January 28, 1784, and died in London on December 14, 1860.
Hamilton-gordon served as prime minister during the Crimean War and owned nearby Haddo House. He also convinced Queen Victoria to buy Balmoral Castle during the monarch’s visit to Haddo.
The imposing monument was erected by public subscription after his death, as his tenants were grateful for improvements he had carried out on Haddo Estate.
It was tradition, for a while, to fly a flag from the top of the tower to mark the annual opening of Haddo House Curling Club.
Many people wonder how on Earth to pronounce Ythsie but Haddo Estate, which owns the Prop, suggests the correct way sounds like “icy”, or “eye-see”. It’s worth noting that the Prop can be dangerous and if you climb it, you do so at your own risk.
Looking for a bite to eat after all that climbing? The Murly Tuck Cafe in Tarves is popular for lunches and to-die-for home bakes.