North-East & Angus
LOOKING for an area rich in history, with castles dotted through the beautiful scenery? Look no further than the NorthEast and Angus. It’s the perfect choice for a spectacular Scottish holiday where you can escape into hidden worlds of Scotland’s fascinating past.
WANDERING THROUGH THE OLD WOOD OF DRUM
DRUM Castle, Garden & Estate near Banchory is one of the oldest tower houses in all of Scotland – more than 700 years of history have played out in this place.
Robert the Bruce himself gifted the Royal Forest and Tower of Drum to the Irvine family in 1323. Since then, a Jacobean mansion house was added and in the Victorian era the lower hall was converted to a library, which now holds 4,000 books.
Step outside the historic house and you’ll be in a timeless, ancient oak forest. Home to roe deer, red squirrels and badgers, this woodland is truly special.
The Old Wood of Drum dates as far back as the 12th century and once stretched all the way from Peterculter to Banchory, serving as a royal hunting forest. There are three trails to choose from – each showing a different aspect of the National Trust for Scotland’s work.
On the Woodland Walk, you’ll explore the Old Wood, where dense stands of birch give way to more open woodland and grand old oak trees. On the Drumhill Trail, you can see how the National Trust for Scotland is encouraging natural regeneration.
Finally, the Farmland Walk will take you through a patchwork of fields and woodland.
There’s also an expansive arboretum and pinetum, which was established in the 18th and 19th Centuries. There are examples of impressive trees from several continents – Monterey pines and giant redwoods from California, umbrella pines and cedars from Japan and elegant silver firs from central Europe.
If you have little ones with you, look out for the hidden playground in the woodland! They’ll love dashing through the willow tunnel, hopping along the Snakes and Ladders Trail, or playing the wooden drum kit.
Take a walk through the Old Wood and get in touch with the spirit of this ancient place. It’s a tonic for the soul. Plan your trip by visiting www.nts.org.uk
SPOOKY LOCATIONS TO VISIT THIS HALLOWEEN
AS the weather begins to cool, traditionally we begin to look for other chills too. Across the NorthEast and Angus, there are many tales of the supernatural, ghosts and ghouls, including some strange and even ghostly sightings – here are a few for you to encounter at National Trust for Scotland properties.
Crathes Castle, Banchory
THE Green Lady’s Room at Crathes is named after the spirit of a young woman who has often been seen by the fireplace wearing a green dress and cradling an
infant in her arms. Queen Victoria herself is said to have witnessed The Green Lady.
When the castle was renovated in the 1800s, the bones of a child – presumed murdered – were discovered under the hearthstone of the fireplace. Who was this poor child – and were they linked with the ghost? The true identity of The Green Lady still remains shrouded in mystery.
Drum Castle, Banchory
THIS castle is a hotspot for supernatural activities, with several ghosts regularly sighted. One sure to set a chill down your spine is that of young Alexander Irvine, son of the 20th Laird of Drum, who died aged just six in 1865.
Many people have reported seeing the ghost of little Alexander over the years. They also speak of hearing his haunting laughter echoing through the castle. It’s rumoured that he returns to Drum Castle to play with his brothers and sisters.
Fyvie Castle, Turriff
VENTURE inside this 800-year-old baronial fortress if you dare – Fyvie has been plagued with tales of murder and betrayal. You may feel the temperature drop and smell the strong scent of roses – if so, you are in the presence of the ghost of Lilias Drummond.
Poor Lilias suffered a terrible fate – starved to death by her husband, Alexander Seton, for failing to provide an heir. When he wed a new wife, it is said that on his wedding night, the sound of her wailing was heard outside the nuptial bedchambers. The next morning, Lilias’s name was found scratched into the wall. It can still be seen there to this day.
Craigievar Castle, Alford
CRAIGIEVAR is known for its pretty pink building – but behind the romantic façade lies a dark
history. Stories of betrayal, murder and ancient clan feuds linger around Craigievar.
If you’re searching for a wandering spirit, you’re most likely to meet the ghost of a fiddler, who fell into the castle well and drowned.
You may see his figure – but you should also listen out for the eerie strains of his fiddle echoing through the castle...
House of Dun, Montrose
THE stunning Georgian mansion holds many dark secrets, including tales of smuggling and murder. Beware if you’re travelling these parts after dark.
It’s said the ghost of a Headless Horseman roams the lanes of Dun at night searching for unwary travellers to take vengeance upon.
We hope that these spooky tales have inspired you to search out the supernatural in some of these atmospheric and unique properties.
Let us know if you feel a ghostly presence during your visits...
Find more spine-tingling days out by visiting our website at www. nts.org.uk