I mentioned a visit to The Wine Tower, Fraserburgh’s oldest building, in a previous post here. During a recent Doors Open Day it was… open! Inside we go:
There was no humming and hawing from our guide as there sometimes is in official written histories of the place. The topmost room of the wine tower was a 16th century (post Reformation) Catholic Chapel owned by the Frasers of the nearby castle. The carving you can see above depicts Christ’s hands and feet. The one below is the Fraser crest, held by an ostrich.
There seems to have been little or no exploration of the two lower rooms, the middle one can only be reached via this hatch:
The old castle kitchens were also open for dark and creepy viewing:
Further up the coast on the way to Rattray beach, we came upon another church. The 13th century St. Mary’s Chapel had these very interesting steps. I skipped up them…
and down the other side…
I later found out that they are known as ‘Pirate steps’. Pirates and smugglers were not permitted to pass through the gates of a kirkyard, but presumably were allowed to attend church.
Let’s end on an Autumnal painted sky sunset.
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE, out April 1st, was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
Occasional Newsletter sign-up:
Lovely once again, Ailish.
Glad you like 🙂
Just trying to imagine people living and doing everyday things there–let alone trying to keep warm.
There are large fireplaces everywhere!
Pirate steps – how fascinating!
I’m living vicariously through your field trips! Love the pictures, and especially the story behind the wall steps.
Thank you for that fabulous glimpse! How often does one get to skip up and down pirate steps? Lovely! Your photos are always so stunning.
Yes, the pirate steps are rather delightful 🙂
What fascinating locations – and I love the photographs. Gorgeous! 🙂
Does this mean it was public knowledge when a person was a smuggler? You’d think that would be a secret career, otherwise wouldn’t they just get arrested?
This area of coastline was rife with smuggling, so much so that many may have depended upon it for a livelihood. Maybe there was a lot of turning a blind eye? There’s also a legend of pirate treasure associated with Rattray.
Also, you visit some beautiful places. Which would you recommend as worth going out of your way to see?
Depends on your own interests. I go out of my way to find stone circles and castles… Rattray is up a terribly rough road, you’d have to really want to see it. We were travelling by to the beach (also great!)
Is there a cave under the tower? or is that story folklore too!
There is a cave-like opening in the rocks beside it, not right underneath though. Waves are always crashing onto those rocks though, could be out of sight?
Ok? The ghost /love story I read last night may have substance.
Thank you for this fantastic look! Injure full of cultural heritage, it is also antique!!!!!!! Great many thanks to!!! And all imaginable, much success wish them with their gorgeous blog post!!!
I’m glad you liked the post!
I am glad, also very glad that the real pictures from the Scottish nature have seen paradise and the past, thanks to them,,! beautiful day, and much success. With friendly greeting.