St. Andrews is part of Church of Scotland,
built 1899 in red sandstone to replace the
original building which was built in 1844. The
inside of the building consists of a vestibule
and sanctuary with an upper balcony and
beautiful stained glass windows. There is also
a vestry and hall which is attached to the
church. St Andrews Church was originally the
Free Church but you can find out more on
our website www.standrewsturriff.co.uk.

]]> Category B Listed Building built by Sir John Gladstone, the church was gifted to the Diocese of Brechin. In the nave, which is faced with Caen stone, there is a high relief marble monument of Sir John and his wife, Ann Robertson. The plain rectangular building was enlarged 20 years later when his son Sir Thomas added a chancel.

]]> A grotto within a former 19C romantic landscape. Originally faced with sea cliff conglomerate and restored in 2000 by local trust and shell artist Diana Reynell. The interior is barnacled with rib vaults of sea urchins and heraldic panels of scallops and conches.

]]> An 18th century-style cottage furnished from the 19th century.�

]]> Fronts earlier symmetrical group by William Smith, 1853, 1860, 1868 in harled Scots Baronial which includes pair of circular towers with conical slated roofs with pronounced bell-cast. Ambitious symmetrical design in Scots-Perpendicular. Centre block dominated by square crenellated porte-coch?re tower in his Marischal College manner. Two storey advanced wings, in roughly squared granite blocks of varying size with Auchindoir freestone dressings.

]]> Score Group Plc is a privately owned international organisation headquartered at Glenugie Engineering Works, Peterhead. The group employs over 800 employees in 10 countries worldwide and supplies to the aerospace, chemical, defence, hydrocarbon, medical, mining, processing and utility industries worldwide a range of safely designed engineering solutions in all aspects of fluid flow management associated with valves and industrial gas turbine performance. Located in the south western outskirts of Peterhead, this is where the company has established the Glen (Ground Level Engine Test Facility). This facility allows the testing of industrial gas turbines and by so doing optimises power generation to fuel consumption studying emissions in order to improve environmental performance of these turbines. More than 50% of the ground area on this site is set aside to encourage local fauna, wildlife, small mammals and nesting birds. In this respect this site is under the care of SAC Consultants to ensure the site maximises biodiversity whilst minimising environmental impact. It is the company?s intention to carry out wind turbine research on the site.

]]> Score Group Plc is a privately owned international organisation headquartered at Glenugie Engineering Works, Peterhead. The group employs over 800 employees in 10 countries worldwide and supplies to the aerospace, chemical, defence, hydrocarbon, medical, mining, processing and utility industries worldwide a range of safely designed engineering solutions in all aspects of fluid flow management associated with valves and industrial gas turbine performance. This is the company headquarters and where the majority of employees work on all aspects of valve solution, catering for valves with a weight of a few ounces to 100 metric tonnes. In the test facilities at Peterhead there is no parameter from a pressure retention standpoint that the company cannot safely work within. The recruitment policy for Glenugie is wherever possible to employ local people and train them in best practice for the industry.

]]> This is a fine example of an early 19th century rectangular mill and kiln. Sandhaven meal mill is unique in that all the machinery survives, including the electric motor, which provided power in the last years of its working life; other fittings include a built-in hinged top desk used by the miller. This is a fascinating way to learn how oatmeal used to be ground in this typical Scottish meal mill. Guided tours will be provided, there is also a seating area where a DVD of the mill will be shown for those who are unable to access all 3 floors.

]]> Located in a major fishing port, Macduff lifeboat station was designed by a local architect who also designed the recently opened Fraserburgh lifeboat station.? Macduff was the first station to be allocated an Atlantic 85 lifeboat in 2006, the most technologically advanced inshore lifeboat designed by the charity, of which there are currenlty only 19 operating around the uk and Ireland today. The launch system for this is unique as it is launched from a mobile crane. The Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) is towed to a suitable site by the crane and it is then used to lower the ILB off the trolley and into the water.

]]> Operating from the rugged north east coast of Scotland, lifeboats have been launching from Fraserburgh harbour for nearly 200 years. The crews have been honoured with 16 awards for gallantry. The station has also seen tragedy with eleven lifeboat crew losing their lives saving others at sea.

]]> This is a 1908, 3rd Class passenger railway carriage belonging to North Eastern Railway which was converted into a summer house in 1977. It was bought from the Inverurie Loco Works in the mid 1950s and used as a henhouse. A corner of the carriage had rotted away and the present owner decided to add on a small extension incorporating a porch and sun room.

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The monument has recently been closed to the public while the North East Scotland Preservation Trust completed the management of a programme of repairs and maintenance to the monument including the complete re-pointing in lime mortar.]]> This painted timber clad former railway station in located at the head of Loch Soy. The structure has been altered to increase the floor area of the hall and the railway lines that lead down to the harbour and east to cullen have long since gone but the essential character of the building has been retained. The Scout Group that now use the building are actively fund raising to allow for repairs to the external fabric and upgrading of the facilities.

]]> Opened in 2009 after extensive renovation, this historic museum is housed in what was the three ice chambers of the Bothy. It tells the story of the history of Portsoy�s harbour and its associated industries, as well as the history of the salmon fishing in Portsoy.� The little Bothy displays the authentic living quarters of the seasonal salmon fishers.

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]]> Located in the square this building is the meeting place for The Historic Lodge whose history dates back to 1887 and possible earlier. Information on the history of the lodge will be made available and members will be in attendance to answer relevant questions.

]]> There will be tours of the Court.

]]> In 1882 a committee appointed to consider the best methods of employing convicts reported that ?the most likely prospect for benefiting the shipping and fishery interests of the country at large and at the same time profitably employing convicts is the construction of harbour and refuge at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire?. As a consequence of this, ?The Peterhead Harbour of Refuge Act? was passed in 1886, authorising the Prison Commissioners for Scotland to build a prison. In July 1885 land was purchased for the sum of ?5,000 and building of the ?convict prison? at Salthousehead began in 1886. The prison was opened on 7 August, 1888 and was completed by July 1891. By 1897 prisoner?s work was equally divided between the Admiralty Yard and Admiralty Quarries at Stirlinghill. The task, overseen by warders with rifles, was to build two massive sea-walls, the North and South Breakwaters. By 1957 the harbour was complete, and daily railway trips to the quarry ceased. Prisoners were later employed in industrial worksheds within the prison grounds, and in 1959 ?part of the Admiralty Yard, and some of the buildings thereon, was taken over, adding some 20 acres to the original site?. There was a burgh prison at 27 Prince Street, Peterhead between 1842 and 1874. After 1874 all small burgh prisons in Aberdeenshire and Banffshire were closed, and prisoners were sent to Craiginches in Aberdeen. Workshop: long low range with stalk projecting at centre N. N (entrance) elevation: large relieving arch to centre bay with low coped link adjoining stalk; regularly - disposed windows punctuated by 2 later flat-roofed porches in bays to left, 2-leaf door immediately to right, single window, further door and 4 windows beyond; altered bays incorporating later lean-to extension in bays to outer right. S elevation: 8 semicircular windows in bays to left, 9 full-size windows and some blocked openings across centre bays, and later lean-to extension to right with 3 further semicircular windows and blocked door to outer right. Margined glazing pattern and decoratively-astragalled semicircular windows, all in fixed metal frames. Corrugated iron roof. It is essential to book a place on the tour by Monday 6 September. Please telephone Richard Leith on 01261 813218 during office hours.

]]> The Former Parish Kirk is a Gothic structure built in 1890 to replace the earlier kirk of 1634. This large spikey Gothic Kirk accommodates over 501 worshippers and is built in crisp, grey granite with strikingly darker pinnings. The earlier kirk, although now ruinous, still displays its magnificent bell cot which sits precariously on top of the gable end. The 1890 kirk in constructed of crisp grey granite with dramatic darker pinning stones. But, its greatest treasure is housed within. The decoratively carved Laird's Loft, transferred from the old kirk, and is acknowledged as one of the finest examples of its type in Scotland. Pitsligo Castle, the home of the Forbes of Pitsligo for over three centuries, had enjoyed a settled life until the vengeful aftermath of Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. The Pitsligo Castle Trust and Friends of Pitsligo Castle now maintain and look after both sites and can only do so with the continuing support of visitors.

Disabled access at Front Door only.

Parking is limited on roadside.

]]> The church in Sandyhill Road was built in 1870 and comfortably seats 120 people. It cost ?1,300 to build and the money was raised mainly by public subscription, and was opened on 6th December 1870 by Bishop MacDonald. In addition to the main seating and sanctuary areas, there is a choir loft which is now used for storage and a small chapel used for private prayer, meditation and small group meetings. The sacristy links the church with the attached parish house that was built concurrently, and the ground floor accommodation of the house provides comfortable parlour (with kitchen) for meetings and activities, and a study for parish administration and reception of visitors.

]]> A walking tour of Oldmeldrum village with Maureen Grant. Meet in the Square, outside the Town Hall, at 10.00am. The tour will last about two hours. There is a cafe in the Town Hall.?

]]> The Edinburgh feu superiors imposed Edinburgh architect Laing upon Peterhead architect Robert Mitchell, who closed the vista down Kirk Street with a 2-storey granite rectangle with arched windows, dominated by a 118-ft-high steeple, linked to the church behind by a short balustrade. It is overawed by the immensely fat porch and arcaded windows to each side of the entrance. A finely panelled U - plan gallery supported on Doric columns within.

]]> Opening for the first time for Doors Open Day this year, the Old Merchant's House is a truly historic building in Portsoy dating from 1726. Now in use as a private home, over four storeys, this Category A listed building occupies a prominent location on the 17thcentury harbour front. It is also listed an A Group with the warehouse to the east, Corf Warehouse, Portsoy Marble Workshop, the Old Co-operative Grain Store and the Old Harbour, all of which form part of the Portsoy Conservation Area

Make the most of this rare opportunity to get inside the building, to appreciate the renovated interior with many original features remaining and to learn about its history whilst enjoying the views across Portsoy Harbour.

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]]> As part of the week-long open studios event, artist St?phanie Vandem will open the doors to her studio, giving visitors the chance to view completed works, as well as see the artist in action.

www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk

]]> The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses is home to the national collection of lighthouse lenses and associated objects as well as an extensive archive on all things lighthouse. The collection of lenses alone is the largest in Europe and, as such, is accredited. Not to be missed the museum, is a place to have fun, learn something new and get involved.

*Please note DOD entry is for the museum only, reduced rates will be available on the day for the castle and lighthouse.



www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk

]]> This stone building was originally built for curing herring in the late 1800s. It is now used for storing live Lobsters and Crabs in tanks.

]]> Discover the secret world of museums and marvel at over 40,000 objects held in the headquarters building of Aberdeenshire Museum Service.

Meet Gonzo, the vulture, see our extensive fine art collection, view our large stone collection and marvel at our rich ethnographic and natural history collections.

]]>

This original Great North of Scotland Railway Company station was originally located at Oldmeldrum on the 6 mile spur line from Inverurie. It was used extensively for passenger and goods traffic until the line was closed in 1965. After closure the building was used as offices or storage for several businesses before being bought and dismantled in 2013 and rebuilt at Milton of Crathes. The same design of stations were located all along the original Deeside railway line until closure and it is a good example of the style.

Adjacent to the station building visitors can see the four railway bridges: an 18th Century packhorse bridge, the 1802 &1852 railway bridges and the latter 1939 bridge all listed structures (apart from 1939 bridge) that illustrate the development of bridge engineering over river crossings very well.

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The following site is worth a visit as you travel along Deeside, it is a Scheduled Ancient Monuments.  The site is managed by Historic Scotland, access is free but the site is unmanned.  

 This great earthwork of the 13th-century was the site of a fortified residence, possibly a hunting lodge of the Durward family.  On 21 July 1296, during his advance northward into Moray, Edward I of England made a detour to Lumphanan to receive the submission of Sir John de Melville, lord of Raith, in Fife.   The castle seems to have been abandoned shortly after this time. The mound was briefly reoccupied in the 1480s when Thomas Charteris, of Kinfauns in Perthshire, built a modest two-storey residence on the summit. This was known as Ha’ton House, and now stands as foundations only.

 

Come along and visit the hidden treasures of Glen Tanar Estate with its many woodland and river walks. The Ballroom was built by the previous owners as a music room and is now used for weddings, events and with refreshments being served for Doors Open Days Following a short walk, enjoy the contrasting quiet serenity of St Lesmo Chapel, with its rustic charm and many original features still in existence including highland style ceiling rafters and decorative stained glass.

]]> The building is part of the east end of what was the Carriage and Wagon Repair Shop at the famous Inverurie Loco Works.? It has been very tastefully converted by insertion of a mezzanine floor by the developer to give a very large display area plus a cafeteria and a 100-seat conference/activity room.? The developer has reinstated the nine iconic wooden double doors.? We have only been in occupation since the first of July this year, so it is essentially a work in progress, but visitors will be able to see how well the conversion has been done, plus view a small display of photographs and artefacts in the conference room.

]]> The Fyvie Guide house was originally built in 1879 as a cottage hospital to serve the local community, and as an auxiliary hospital during World War I. The building was designed by prolific local architect James Duncan.

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]]> Fyvie Church was built in the early 19th century, and stands on an early Christian site evidenced partially by the four Pictish stones visible in the outer east gable. The church is also home to a magnificent stained-glass window designed by Tiffany of New York. The window was brought to Fyvie in 1901 and installed in memory of Percy Forbes-Leith, who was killed in the Boer War, and is a remarkable and unexpected find. There is also an exceptional decoratively carved timber laird’s loft.

Church members will be on hand to provide any further information required, and an information booklets will also be available to take home for a small donation. The graveyard is also worth a visit.

]]> Visitors can explore the church building as well as the adjacent Macaulay Hall. The original church building of 1803 was tragically destroyed by a fire in 2000. Inside there is an impressive stained glass window depicting Christ and the fishermen casting their nets out to sea.

]]> Fraserburgh?s baroque-style Town House was built in 1853?1855 and housed the town's council chamber. The building is owned by Aberdeenshire Council and houses a number of Council departments. Enter the building through the impressive Corinthian rotunda entrance, underneath the statue of the Lord Saltoun on the corner of Saltoun Square and continue upstairs to take a look at the Chamber. The Chamber is generally closed to the public but can be hired for special occasions such as wedding ceremonies . A number of important paintings are displayed in the Chambers, including two by artist A John Shirreffs of Sir Alexander Anderson, Baron Bailie of Fraserburgh (1872-1887) and John Park, Chief Magistrate and Provost of Fraserburgh (1893-1896).

]]> The South Church was designed by well-know Aberdeen architect J B Pirie in the Rogue Gothic-style in the late nineteenth century. The Church is located on the east side of the town on the site of the town's Old School, adjacent to the short-lived Fraserburgh University, which was founded in the late 16thcentury. In the south transept of the church there is a carved stone slab depicting Moses looking to Heaven. It is the only surviving fragment of the University. It had been built above a doorway in the school building which preceded the church and was then built into the south wall of the church. It was moved to its current position inside the building in 1969 to protect it. The interior of South Church is beautiful with tall arcades and large galleries, which around the north, south and west sides of the nave, retain their original wooden pews.



]]> LiLifeboats have been launching from Fraserburgh Harbour for over 200 years. The first life boat station was opened in 1858 and it was the first in Scotland. The current boat house and shore facility were built in 2007 and it is the fourth station to be built in Fraserburgh.

It incorporates parts of the first RNLU lifeboat station built in 1858; there is a workshop, ?crew room for training and changing, a shop and a garage. The architect has also designed a feature panel for the new lifeboat station, which incorporates the date stone and part of a timber truss from the previous Fraserburgh station.

Come and visit this fascinating 'Discover' Station- take a look at how a modern lifeboat station operates. There will be video presentations on the history of the Fraserburgh life boat station and life boat volunteers will be on hand to show you around the building and answer your questions. Take a look at the historic artefacts displayed in the building and take a tour of the lifeboat itself (weather and duties permitting).

Take a moment to look at the Monument to the 14 men who lost their lives whilst serving on the Fraserburgh lifeboat just outside the Lifeboat Station.

]]> Fraserburgh Old Parish Church is located on the site of the original church, which was built in 1572 not long after the Reformation. The current church was constructed in 1803 using some material from the original building. The current church stands on a prominent site in the town centre and is an instantly recognisable landmark for the town. The current Interiors were remodelled by the celebrated architect A. Marshall Mackenzie in 1898. The superb stained glass window, adorning the chancel, is indeed a work of great art and beauty and it is reckoned to be one of the late Douglas Strachan's best works. The organ was installed by Forster and Andrews of Hull in 1892.

]]> Formerly a barrel store, later a foundry for the CPT during WW2, for the last 20 years this building has housed displays telling the stories of Fraserburgh and its environs. With over 20 hands-on activities bringing the stories to life which illustrate the historic, social and economic development of the area, the Heritage Centre is well worth a visit.

]]> The Category B listed former Parish of Forgue Kirk stands in the old Kirkyard on a hill overlooking the Forgue Burn. The Kirk was built in 1819 on the site of a much older kirk - by legend, founded by St. Margaret of Scotland in 1070. It was designed by Archibald Simpson the renowned Aberdeen and Scotland architect and has a south wall inspired by Albertis Tempio Malatestiano church in Rimini (Italy). The windowless north wall was designed to keep the devil out. It retains its painted ceiling and a fine Conacher organ of 1875. The present building has a south elevation which echoes Hawkesmoore's Christ Church, Spitalfields, London. Internally the seating and pulpit area all date from 1926 when the space was redesigned without gallerys and the organ was moved to the south corner. The Old Kirk is now a community building with an active programme of events for the people of Forgue.

]]> This A-listed building was built circa 1810 at a cost of 2,000 guineas. The frontage (austere gothic) a castellated central tower with smaller side towers modelled on Fetteresso Castle.

Porch with mural monuments including War Memorials and relics from the Old Kirk. A 21st century timber screen leading to body of church.

]]> One of the oldest licenced distilleries in Scotland. Operated by Whyte and Mackay.

The current neat black and white buildings were rebuilt after a fire in 1889.

]]> Majestic castellated mansion in muted brown sandstone built for Sir Alexander Ramsay of Balmain.

Much has been written on Fasque over the years but none of it fully captures the significance and stature of the properties and landscape. Unfortunately Fasque has not been fully occupied for many years, and while it is still complete in many ways which have been lost with other comparable properties, it now requires a program of major repair to restore and preserve its original stature and stop this being lost for future generations..

]]> Described by architectural historians as possibly the finest sepulchral monument in Aberdeenshire, the Category A listed mausoleum was built for the first female laird of Castle Fraser by James Byres of Tonley in the Roman New-Classical style in 1808. The standard of construction is superb although internally water ingress has damaged the memorials. Now owned by The NESPT and a restoration project is in preparation.

A representative of the Friends of Elyza Fraser group will be on hand to talk about the mausoleum.

]]> Ellon Castle Gardens are situated in the centre of Ellon and consist of a walled garden and woodland extending to around 6 acres, within the terraced gardens are a collection of ancient yew trees and a Category B listed castle ruin along with various other artefacts. The gardens which have until now always been privately owned and rarely open to the public, are now under the control of a charity formed to oversee the gardens eventually being developed and restored for the benefit of the community. In part of the garden awaiting restoration, you can view an exposed part of the Victorian 'heating' system where hot water was pumped along the retaining walls to provide heat for more 'exotic' fruits of the day!

]]> The original Dutch Barn building was constructed in 1993 from a generic kit by the Smith family, who have farmed Wardhouse since 1920. The Barn was renovated in 2011 by local architects Douglas Forrest and Louise Hunter of Acanthus Architects df, Huntly. The resultant private dwelling has received three awards including an Aberdeenshire Council Design Award and an Aberdeen Society of Architects Best New Modern House in 2012.

Visitors will be able to access all rooms / spaces in the Dutch Barn including the adjoining annex. Douglas Forrest (the building owner and occupant) will give a short talk about the Dutch Barn and the Wardhouse Estate Development; it will also be possible to see externally three other Award winning dwellings of the enabling development at Wardhouse.

]]> Durn House is a Georgian Mansion-house in the Adams style, built in 1770 by the Dunbars of Durn. There has been a Durn House on this site since at least 1529 and probably beyond that, as there is 13th-century medieval dootcot in the woodland adjacent to the house (part of the original estate).

Bought by Mr and Mrs Scrudis, Durn House underwent a major restoration and refurbishment project lasting 6 years and now operates as a luxury guest house. Many original features remain inside such as the Georgian ceiling rose in the Grand Hall, the cantilevered stone staircase, the Portsoy marble fireplace as well as a curious key stone dating to 1603.

Durn House has an exciting history, with strong attachments to the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Battle of Culloden, as well as the folk song McPherson's Rant.�

]]> Built on the site of a Carmelite burial ground this “Gothick” structure houses the remains of the first five Earls (starting in 1705) and other Duff family members, with several interesting memorials. Outside is a tomb that used to be in Banff cemetery and was falsely used by the 2nd Earl to claim a family connection to Robert the Bruce – with an interesting linked story involving the Carmelite monks from the nearby “Mount Carmel” (also worth a visit, a further 300m along the track). The mausoleum occupies an extremely peaceful and picturesque location above the River Deveron, so much so that it has been used for weddings. – It also contains several excellent examples of quite early Coade stone, an 18th century artificial stone that can weather extremely well – even here after more than 200 years in what is perhaps the most northerly example.

Disabled access - Partial - Outside - yes for wheelchairs; Inside - 3 steps to access but then flat.

Disabled Toilets - either at Duff House itself or with radar key near the rugby pitches, both passed about 1 mile before on the way to the Mausoleum.

Toilets - either at Duff House itself or near rugby pitches, both passed about 1 mile on the way to the Mausoleum.

Parking - near Duff House with about a mile walk. Disabled parking for 2 cars adjacent to the Mausoleum.

Refreshments are available at Duff House.

]]> Duff House was built between 1735 and 1740 as a seat of the Earls of Fife. The Duffs were an ambitious family who acquired great wealth, power and status, finally marrying into the Royal family in the late 19th century. In the 20th century it was in turn a hotel, sanatarium and occupied by troops during the Second World War. In 1995, after extensive restoration, it opened as a visitor attraction and art gallery. Today it is run in partnership by Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Scotland (the building's owners) and The National Galleries of Scotland, who provide the permanent collection of paintings and furniture.

]]> Delgatie Castle is a picturesque tower house situated in establish grounds dating from the 1500s with various later additions. Visitors will be able to climb one of the widest turnpike stairs in Scotland and view almost all rooms in the castle, which still gives the feel of a lived-in home. Delgatie will also be hosting NEOS on Doors Open Days, giving visitors the chance to view the work of a selection of local artists. Famously, Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed here in 1562 after the Battle of Corrichie.

Disabled access on ground floor only.

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NOTICE: Due to unforseen circumstances the Dalrymple Hall has had to withdraw from this years event.

Apologies for any inconvienience caused.?

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The following site is worth a visit as you travel along Deeside, it is a Scheduled Ancient Monuments.  The site is managed by Historic Scotland, access is free but the site is unmanned.  

A well-preserved underground passage, with roofing slabs intact over the large chamber and entrance. About 2000 years old. Culsh Earth House, around 14.5m long and 1.8m wide, falls between the two extremes. It is built of large granite boulders and still has its roof of massive flagstones intact. regional types. They range from the massive earth houses of Angus and Perthshire, averaging some 46m2 in area, to those in the Northern Isles providing a mere 5m2 of floor space. The latter date from around 400 BC, whereas the former were most likely built in the first two centuries AD.

Photo provided courtesy of Aberdeenshire Council Archaeology Service. 

Crathie Kirk was designed in a cruciform plan in the Scots Gothic style with a distinctive steeply pitched gabled nave and square, corbelled, parapetted crossing tower with splay footed spire. Crathie church is a well designed compact church which is distinguished by having had connections with the Royal Family since its conception. The finely decorated interior is unusual compared to other Church of Scotland churches and shows similarities to more decorative Anglican Churches. This is likely to have been as a result of the Royal connections with this church. The use of plain clay tiles is very unusual in an area where grey slate is much more common. The foundation stone was laid in 1893 by Queen Victoria.

 

The Coull Kirk was built in 1796 incorporating in the Neo-Classical style? incorporating the 17th century gable end and birdcage belfry of the previous church St Nathalan is believed to have been a 7th century monk, who founded the first church on the site as well as churches at Tullich, Deeside and Cowie, Stonehaven.? The site of the early church is closely linked to the remains of Coull Castle, which is a Scheduled Monument, 300 metres south east of the churchyard.?

Coull Kirk is retained as a place of worship for the summer months when the weather is warmer and the days are longer, as the building is not supplied from mains electricity.? The interior of the Coull Kirk is lit by oil and gas lamps, which give the building little more than a warm glow!?

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St Margaret's Episcopal Church, a grade A listed building, is considered to be one of Scotland's finest churches. It stands on a prominent raised site in the village of Braemar. It was built by Sir John Ninian Comper from 1899 to 1907 in the Gothic Revival style. The exquisite interior has many beautiful stained-glass windows and a beautiful intricately carved rood screen. There is also a chancel area. Comper is regarded as the most important British church architect of the 20th century. He was also an expert stained glass designer, creating windows for Westminster Abbey and churches in India, China, and America. St Margaret's is considered to be one of the finest examples of his work and is Category A listed. The SRCT is working with a group from the local community to repair and regenerate the building as a unique venue for the performing and visual arts in Royal Deeside. There will be guided tours up onto the tower to view the stunning surrounding landscape of the Cairngorms running from 11am - 1.00 pm both days.

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This Church is an early example (pre-1840) of a Gothic Revival Catholic Church, incorporating an attached presbytery (built in 1864).? The building was constructed under the patronage of Lady Carmarthen, who was married to the 7th Duke of Leeds who rented Old Mar Lodge from the Earl of Fife.? It was built at cost of ?1126 and the stones came from a quarry within 15 metres of the building.

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The stained glass window depicts Scottish Saints and were gifted to the Church by James Calder and were made by Louis Grosse & Co. of London and Bruges.? The newly installed Pictish font will be available for viewing and a guide will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the building.??

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Kindrochit Castle was built between 1057 and 1093 by King Malcolm III, King of Scotland. The castle was then named Ceann-drochit meaning Bridge Head.  It is believed that King Robert II spent time here to enjoy the hunting on the Braes of Mar. Subsequently King Robert III gifted the castle to Sir Malcolm Drummond, his brother-in-law. He built the family tower on the site in 1390, making it the fifth largest castle in Scotland at the time.  Today the castle, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is cared for by an independent voluntary group called Friends of Kindrochit.  The ruins are open for all to explore following a recent restoration project funded by Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Wherever possible, the site has been designed to be accessible to all, with a flat, level path leading around the main elements.  For your safety, please do not climb on the wall heads.  

 

Photo provided by permission of Aberdeenshire Council Archaeology Service.