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Clan Gordon
The North East of Scotland
was home for the clan Gordon, an area that, today, is famed for
its gentle beauty, renowned whisky distilleries and, in Balmoral
Castle, its royal favour. This itinerary is centred around Aberde
en, the Granite City, where old maritime traditions meet the
hi-tech wealth of the international oil industry.
The clan Gordon was, at one
time, the most powerful in the whole of the north of Scotland.
The clan's chief, The Duke of Gordon, was a self-styled Cock
of the North, someone who liked to flaunt his power and wealth.
The Duke's most ancient title was the Gudeman of the Bog, from
the Bog-of-Gight, a marshy morass in the parish of Bellie, Banffshire.
This was the centre of his stronghold, home to Gordon Castle,
once considered to be the most magnificent edifice in the north
of Scotland.
Day 1
Arrive in Aberdeen and spend a few hours exploring the distinctive
grey-stoned architecture that gives the place its nickname of
the Granite City. In the afternoon, a trip to the Gordon Highlanders
Museum, about two miles from the city centre, will offer an insight
into the famous regiment along with an unrivalled opportunity
to gain access to the clan archives.
Day 2
Spend a day exploring the lush beauty of Royal Deeside. Nestling
amid the glorious scenery, near the picturesque town of Banchory,
is the 13th century Drum Castle, one of the oldest tower houses
in Scotland. Nearby Crathes Castle is one of Scotland's most
beautifully preserved houses and features some truly delightful
gardens. Both castles are run by The National Trust for Scotland.
Day 3
It's time to visit Huntly, a former stronghold of the clan Gordon,
where its Castle played a pivotal role in the history of the
clan over many centuries. Fyvie Castle, just a few miles away,
was once a royal stronghold and houses a fine collection of arms
dating back to the 13th Century. It is claimed that each of the
five towers was built by different families - the Gordons being
responsible for one of them.
Day 4
Take a leisurely drive up towards the coast of Banffshire, before
swinging westwards towards the village of Fochabers in Morayshire
to see Gordon Castle. Built by the Dukes of Gordon, the Castle
you see today is largely an 18th century reconstruction but it
stands on the site of several older buildings stretching back
over 500 years. There is a monument to the Duke of Gordon in
the town of Elgin, less than ten miles up the road.
Day 5
Spend a more leisurely day by heading along to Haddo House, home,
since 1682, of the Earls of Aberdeen. Haddo House is a beautiful
Georgian building designed by William Adam and features fine
collections of art and antiques, as well as personal portraits,
plaques and memorabilia of the Gordon family who have occupied
the property for more than 400 years.
Day 6
A day to explore the city of Aberdeen, perhaps to visit the fine
Maritime Museum or the elegant buildings of Kings College, one
of the oldest university colleges in Scotland.
Day 7
Leave Aberdeen behind, but take with you memories of a place
steeped in the myths, legends and heritage of the Clan Gordon.
Prices are available on request
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