Day 18 – We can’t escape the past . . .

We occupy the present. Move on, yet always leave a trail behind. Like a couple of lowly snails, our silver memories eventually fade. Get washed away in the present future. Yet the unseen past stays forever connected.

No matter how far we move into the future, our identity, who we are, belongs in the past. It’s inescapable.

‘History’ teaches this fact at every encounter. Cultures, religions, societies, nations – all exist in their present state because of their past.

Today we visit another ex-family heirloom, Crathes Castle. Built and owned by the Burnetts of Leys for four hundred years, before being passed over to the National Trust for Scotland in 1952.

 A typical Scottish harling finish to the exterior walls – an applied slurry of lime and coarse aggregate – creates an aesthetic, but more importantly, a weather resistant surface.

Every room offers a brief glimpse into the lives and daily experiences of the family through time.

Unique painted beam ceilings add a visual vitality to what would usually be an ignored feature.
Mr S lies flat on his back to capture this small section.
“Mum? What can I do?” Probably a question never asked in those days. One daughter creates an illuminated masterpiece on four pieces of parchment.
Then stitches them together to create a box lamp shade.

The rare sunny afternoon joins us for a stroll through the fabulous four acres of walled garden.

Throughout this trip of many estates, we have been amazed at the variety of flowers still in bloom
The topiary section is kept in trim once a year over the course of nine weeks!

King Robert the Bruce gifted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323.

The ancient Horn of Leys on display in the Great Hall, marks his gift
The flag flying the horn

2 thoughts on “Day 18 – We can’t escape the past . . .”

  1. When Deb & I first got together back on the early 2000’s we went my friend Ken’s wedding , he got married in one of those type of castle’s near Loch Fyne. The estate had a small chapel in which the ceremony took place. The family who owned it lived in one half of the castle and they let out the other half for ceremonies & boarding to help with the upkeep . 😀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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