I’ve visited Pitfour Estate many times over the years. It’s a great place to walk, though less well known than the nearby Aden Park. I have photos from various years and various seasons. That’s summer above. Remember summer?
History of Pitfour Estate
The estate was purchased in 1700 by James Ferguson of Badifurrow, who became the first Laird of Pitfour. He and his descendants developed the land, building various bridges and follies. The observatory in Drinnie’s Wood used to be part of the estate too, having been built to watch horse racing on the nearby race track (now a forest).
The Temple of Theseus
One of the follies was a bathhouse built to look like a Temple of Theseus, seen from across the lake below.
The fifth Laird, an extravagant man who liked his luxuries, is said to have kept pet alligators in it. The interior:
Looking out over the lake from behind the pillars of the temple, on another summer’s day:
Pitfour in the Mist
The lake is used by a local fishing club today. You often see jumping fish.
I have a great many pictures, so I intend to share some more of them in my next newsletter: swans, another folly and some more mist. Hopefully that’ll go out in the next few days, if my current writing project releases me for long enough to do it! Go here to sign up for the newsletter.
Mermaid and Fireflies Reviews
Mallee Stanley shared reviews of THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR and FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE on her Read and Write blog recently. “”What makes both these books fascinating reads, is that they are based on dark historical events relating to Aberdeen.” See the whole review here.
Latest Book
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD features some forbidden romance.
He’s a Roman. She’s a Celt.
Set in 1st century Scotland, this is a story of chosen sisters, fierce warriors, divided loyalties and love.
What a lovely place, thanks for sharing the magic of it.
It is a truly lovely place.
Gorgeous photos!
I’m glad you like them 🙂
Thank you for again sharing this stunning photography. Will this interesting place with alligators weave into one of your stories? I look forward to reading your next books. Stay strong.
I don’t know. It might be fun to weave a story around the wee alligators… but this year, it’s the contemporary books that are being polished up, and released.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos and the details of the estate. I haven’t gotten into the estate, yet. I spent forever and a day trying to find the road up to the observatory. Your post has Pitfour estate back on my list to visit.
The entrance to the estate is quite nearby to that – there is a wide parking lay-by just off the main Mintlaw road – but there’s a distinct lack of signposting.
It’s been so long since I finally found the observatory that I don’t know if I’ll find it again! The signage around there is so bad.
It really is.
Wonderful photos and history, although the alligators would have been a problem if they escaped in the lake. 🙂
Yes! I wonder if he got them as wee babies, and how big they grew.
Beautiful place, Ailish, with a fascinating history. Your photographs and explanation bring it close to my heart.
It is a wonderfully photogenic place 🙂
These pictures are stunning!
There does always seem to be great light there.
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you 🙂
The mist evokes such mystery.
Atmospheric weather 🙂
It sounds like a fascinating place.
It does have quite an interesting past.
I have a British friend who wrote a Facebook status about wanting to visit beautiful forests with old churches and old mansions. And all with a mysterious history behind it. I asked her, “Great! Coming to New England?” To which she said, “No, I meant Scotland.”
Looking at your pictures, I see why.
We are well served with forests and crumbling mansions here 🙂
Love the photos. Does Scotland even have alligators? I lived in Florida for good long time, and I figured they were indigenous to that type of environment only. I’m guessing he had them shipped in.
No alligators here. Yes, they were an exotic choice of pet.
Thanks for the plug. I wondered why I had more visitors to my review of your books.
You’re welcome, Mallee. Thank you for the reviews 🙂
Great photos. Love that one with the tree reflections. Ah the follies of those extravagant men – seem all over England and Europe really.
Indeed, lots of folly 🙂
These photos are absolutely gorgeous, especially the lone tree and the yellow summer flowers – a little realm of paradise!
I’m glad you like them 🙂
Very beautiful photos
Thank you 🙂
I’m always happier after looking at your photography
That is so wonderful to know, thank you 🙂 The summer ones make me feel happier too.
I especially love the last picture. The reflection is stunning!
Water does create some great effects.