Pitfour:The Blenheim of the North

The woods close to the main road at Cartlehaugh consist of mature trees predominantly beech, ash, sycamore and elm.

Grey Granite has been reading Pitfour: The Blenheim of the North by Alex Buchan. This excellent, thoroughly researched  book is a fascinating history of the estate. Inspired by the account of the changing fortunes of the estate Grey Granite and Rufus decided to explore the remnants of the once extensive property. The woods close to the main road consist of mature trees predominantly beech, ash, sycamore and elm.

Taitswell, the factor's house near the East Lodge

Pitfour Lake, an artificial area of water covering an area of about 50 acres created by James Ferguson,the third Laird of Pitfour, as part of a major landscaping project which transformed the parkland early in the 18th century. Creating the lake involved diverting the main driveway to Pitfour House and in the process building two bridges to carry it across two islands formed by the natural terrain and increased water level.The lake caused great ill feeling between the Ferguson's of Pitfour and their neighbours the Russells of Aden who were afraid that it would flood their adjacent property.

A beech tree looking incongruous in  a field of neeps, once presumably part of the parkland surrounding the lake. The lake was possibly built partly as a reservoir for the  canal which, it was ambitiously intended, would link Pitfour to the sea.

A whooper swan, there were also  mallards and cormorants on the lake which is stocked with assorted fish.

The derelict Temple of Theseus overlooking the lake, a replica of a Greek Temple built shortly after the construction of the lake. It may have been used as a cold water bath or to house alligators. The Angling Club members  now tie their boats up in front of the Temple

The Kennels with porticoes and columns,typifies the classical style of architecture throughout the estate

An extremely late flowering foxglove growing in a sheltered spot beside the anglers' clubhouse

The avenue of stately beeches lining the road from Taitswell to the Mintlaw to Fraserburgh road, an iconic feature of the improved landscape.