Capt Lightning
Well-known Member
- Location
- Historic Buchan, Scotland
Hi folks, Dianne and I are back again from a short break to 'Royal' Deeside.
A short walk from the campsite where we stayed is Crathes Castle...
It has beautiful and extensive grounds that are free to wander round.
I've probably mentioned the area before, but since my last visit, it has beed devastated in places my both floods and fire. The town of Ballater was particularly hit when a fire destroyed the historic railway station that was used in the 19th. century by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert when the visited Balmoral castle.
One of the town's hotels was also severely damaged by fire.
Later, many areas of the UK were hit by floods and torrential rain that destroyed many houses and businesses. Again it was Ballater that suffered with the town's campsite being virtually washed away and most of the shops flooded with several feet of water.
When we visited a few days ago, most shops were still closed and some were being repaired. New floors had to be laid, electics re-installed and walls replastered. The main street, usually busy with tourists, was very quiet.
But the good news is that the historic station is being rebuilt, the fire damaged hotel is being repaired , the campsite is getting up and running again and shops are slowly starting to re-open. Ballater will soon be back on its feet.
Clunie Water at Braemar
Braemar, where I love to walk, seems quieter than usual. The main hotel which catered for the thousands of coach tourists who visited each year was closed for re-furbishment and is far behind schedule.
However, within the last year, the ruins of Kindrochit castle have been excavated, made safe and opened for those interested in history to wander around.
Looking over Braemar from the Queens Ride. This was the path used by Queen Victoria and her ghillie, John Brown, when they visited her gamekeeper at his cottage.
The ruins of Kindrochit castle
It was originally built by King Malcolm 3rd in the 11th. century as a hunting lodge, and held a strategic position guarding the bridge that crossed the Clunie water. The Name Kindrochit coming from the Gaelic 'Caeann Drochit' meaning 'Bridge head' In the 14th century, a family tower was added and at the time, was the 5th. largest castle in Scotland. Plague and war took its toll, and by the early 17th. century, it was in ruins....
Fast forward to 1925 when excavations began and the find of what became known as the 'Kindrochit Brooch', an intricate silver brooch engraved with the motto 'Here in place of a friend'. It is now on display in the National museum of Scotland.
A short walk from the campsite where we stayed is Crathes Castle...
It has beautiful and extensive grounds that are free to wander round.
I've probably mentioned the area before, but since my last visit, it has beed devastated in places my both floods and fire. The town of Ballater was particularly hit when a fire destroyed the historic railway station that was used in the 19th. century by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert when the visited Balmoral castle.
One of the town's hotels was also severely damaged by fire.
Later, many areas of the UK were hit by floods and torrential rain that destroyed many houses and businesses. Again it was Ballater that suffered with the town's campsite being virtually washed away and most of the shops flooded with several feet of water.
When we visited a few days ago, most shops were still closed and some were being repaired. New floors had to be laid, electics re-installed and walls replastered. The main street, usually busy with tourists, was very quiet.
But the good news is that the historic station is being rebuilt, the fire damaged hotel is being repaired , the campsite is getting up and running again and shops are slowly starting to re-open. Ballater will soon be back on its feet.
Clunie Water at Braemar
Braemar, where I love to walk, seems quieter than usual. The main hotel which catered for the thousands of coach tourists who visited each year was closed for re-furbishment and is far behind schedule.
However, within the last year, the ruins of Kindrochit castle have been excavated, made safe and opened for those interested in history to wander around.
Looking over Braemar from the Queens Ride. This was the path used by Queen Victoria and her ghillie, John Brown, when they visited her gamekeeper at his cottage.
The ruins of Kindrochit castle
It was originally built by King Malcolm 3rd in the 11th. century as a hunting lodge, and held a strategic position guarding the bridge that crossed the Clunie water. The Name Kindrochit coming from the Gaelic 'Caeann Drochit' meaning 'Bridge head' In the 14th century, a family tower was added and at the time, was the 5th. largest castle in Scotland. Plague and war took its toll, and by the early 17th. century, it was in ruins....
Fast forward to 1925 when excavations began and the find of what became known as the 'Kindrochit Brooch', an intricate silver brooch engraved with the motto 'Here in place of a friend'. It is now on display in the National museum of Scotland.
