New book paints a picture of family and local history

● Publication focuses on ceiling artworks at 16th-Century estate

Fairytale turrets, intricately designed gargoyles and Robert the Bruce’s ancient Horn of Leys are just a few of the treasures within Crathes Castle.

But it is its intriguing ceilings, painted in a Scottish renaissance style, that are the focal point of a new book.

People and Painting – The Story of Crathes Castle has been written by James Burnett of Leys, whose family still own the estate, and Kirsty Haslam, a guide at the castle.

“This should add much to visitors’ experience”

As well as delving into the history of the castle’s ceilings it also documents the history of the Burnett family, who have lived in the castle for more than 350 years since their arrival in Deeside almost 700 years ago.

Having lived in the castle both as a child visiting his grandparents and as his home until 1966, Mr Burnett was “passionate” about telling the important tales from his family history.

He said: “In the 16th Century, Alexander Burnett of Leys carried out as extensive a programme of painted decoration as to be found anywhere in the country. Consequently, the painted ceilings at Crathes are among the most important in Scotland.

“This is not only because of their decorative appearance, but because they tell us so much more.

“For anyone planning to visit Crathes Castle, this book should add much to the experience of their visit.”

Balancing both family and local history with the changing face of Crathes Castle, the book also explores the castle’s own celebrated walled gardens.

Each chapter has been enhanced by the efforts of co-author Ms Haslam, who has worked as a castle guide at Crathes Castle for nearly a decade.

She wrote the book alongside her PhD work at Aberdeen University, where she is exploring the impact of warfare in late medieval and early modern Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

People & Paintings – The Story of Crathes Castle, with a foreword by TV historian Dan Snow, is available to purchase at Crathes Castle, Milton Art Gallery, Yaedons Bookshop, Raemoir Garden Centre and the Banchory Museum.

It can also be purchased online via www.burnett. uk.com

The new publication also charts the history of the Burnett family

LOOK UP: The 16th-Century ceilings of Crathes Castle are said to be some of the finest surviving in Scotland