Pitsligo Castle
Crows nest in the old keep of Pitsligo Castle near the village of Rosehearty in Aberdeenshire. Dating from 1424, it’s an impressive and atmospheric place. The Forbes family who built it, staunch Jacobite supporters, lost their lands and titles after the battle of Culloden. The castle was then ravaged by Hanoverian soldiers and fell into ruin.
The oldest part of the castle, the keep or tower:
Many of the rooms round the rubble filled courtyard remain intact. The evening sun added bright effects on this visit.
A large bird flew out of here. It was all a bit ‘Game of Thrones’…
Here and there the sky shows through chimneys, windows and decayed stairwells.
The gateway:
Peathill Kirk
Just up the hill sits Peathill Kirk, where old and new towers stand side by side and, unsightly as it is, mobile phone reception is great.
Ghosts of Jacobites lurk here too.
Alexander Forbes, the 4th Lord of Pitsligo, quite a famous Jacobite, and owner of Pitsligo Castle, is buried in the crypt below. He was a most interesting character.
I’ve written about him here: In Search of Lord Pitsligo’s Cave and then in more detail over on The Witch, The Weird and the Wonderful blog. His open minded and fair way of being also inspired the character of Thomas, the Laird, in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR.
Here he is at the side of Bonnie Prince Charlie (on the right, in the shadows), entering the ballroom at the Palace of Hollyroodhouse.
The painting, by John Pettie, is part of the Royal Collection Trust.
The two sites make a trip up to Peathill most worthwhile. The castle and kirk would been used and inhabited at the same time – Lord Pitsligo would have sat in the Forbes pew just above where his grave now is – and offer an evocative glimpse into the past.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Review from Terry Tyler: “It’s a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.“
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Witchcraft and a Handsome Laird
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
See the press release here
Review from Tonya Ulynn Brown: “Before I go any further, I just have to say, this is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read…“
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
Kidnapping, Slavery and Friendship
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE 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
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
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This is why I love Scotland. Old. Old. Old. So old and beautiful.
May we all be so beautiful when we’re old 😀
Thank you so much for sharing. Such beautiful pictures.
Glad you like 🙂
Great photos of outside and INSIDE! Braver than me.
My curiosity pulls me into those scary dark places!
My claustrophobia pulls me out.
Well. at least you’ll never be squashed by collasping castle ceilings!
Hi Ailish, great photographs, thanks for sharing. I’ve long been a fan of Lord Pitsligo of the ’45, whom I’ve written up in my Jacobite books and here on my blog a few months back.
http://www.maggiecraig.co.uk/blog/?p=95
Would it be OK with you for me to link this blog to your pix here?
Snowing in our part of north-east Scotland this afternoon at the end of April!
Absolutely fine 🙂 You have a fascinating blog!
Thanks, Ailish. I’m a novice at blogging, still finding my feet!
When I saw the sunny photo, the one casting the arch perimeter’s shadow, immediately I wondered how many others had walked through that space, into or away from the sunlight—gorgeous.
I really enjoy your art. Is just amazing what you can see trought a lense.
And who knows what lurks underground? It’s locked…(Last Photo)
This is the tomb where the famous Jacobite ‘Lord Pitsligo’ is laid to rest.
Yes! I studied him after writing this post…
Beautiful photos!
Thank you!
Such gorgeous photos and wonderful commentary. Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Stunning… So atmospheric.. Almost, though not quite as good as being there. Thanks for sharing such intense experiences.
I’m glad you enjoyed them 🙂
I appreciate seeing how scenic Scotland is in your pictures. In movies it always seem to be a drab foggy place.
Yes, where we all drive minis too. I’ve seen those films. Not that we don’t get ‘dreich’ days of course…
Every time I see these pictures, the desire to see Aberdeen keeps growing. I also have a friend in Glasgow, so maybe I will take that trip and visit Scotland.
I hope you enjoy your visit 🙂
Such interesting places and history you have there. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like 🙂