Latest news with #RoberttheBruce
Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
13th Century Scottish castle with history of battles and curses to undergo £5mil restoration
The £5million restoration will be led by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) A striking A-listed castle in Aberdeenshire with more than 800 years of history is to undergo a major £5million restoration led by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The ambitious conservation project of Fyvie Castle will address urgent structural concerns, including decaying stonework and damage to the ornate 16th Century finials that crown the building's turrets. The work will also breathe new life into the Old Farm complex on the estate, which is currently listed on the Buildings at Risk Register. The site is set to be transformed into a new visitor centre. Developed in collaboration with Glasgow -based Page Park architects, the refurbishment is expected to take at least a decade, with the first phase scheduled for completion by 2027. The earliest parts of Fyvie Castle date back to the 13th Century, with some sources suggesting it was originally constructed in 1211 by King William the Lion. It later became a significant royal residence, hosting an open-air court of Robert the Bruce and serving as the childhood home of Charles I. Following the Battle of Otterburn in 1388, Fyvie ceased to be a royal stronghold and passed to Sir Henry Preston as a gift from Robert III. Over the centuries, the castle became home to five powerful families, Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon, and Forbes-Leith, each leaving their mark by adding a new tower. The oldest surviving addition, the Preston Tower, dates to between 1390 and 1433, while the grand Seton Tower, built in 1599, forms the main entrance and includes a dramatic wheel staircase. The Gordon Tower was added in 1777, followed by the Leith Tower in 1890. Inside, Fyvie Castle retains a rich display of heritage features, including suits of armour, historic weapons, and an extensive portrait collection featuring works by Raeburn, Batoni and Gainsborough. The grand wheel stair remains a standout feature. The castle grounds are no less impressive, featuring a landscaped estate and the adjoining Fyvie Loch, designed in the 18th century by Colonel William Gordon. A walled garden to the east continues to cultivate traditional Scottish fruits, while evidence of two earlier gardens remains on the west and south sides of the building. Fyvie has also played a role in military history. A skirmish during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms took place on the estate in 1644, when Manus O'Cahan and Montrose defeated a Covenanting force. The battlefield was officially recognised in 2011 as part of Scotland's Inventory of Historic Battlefields. In the 1650s, Anne Halkett, a notable diarist and healer, stayed at the castle, treating wounded soldiers and negotiating with Commonwealth officers during the English occupation. Industrialist Alexander Leith, later Baron Leith of Fyvie, bought the estate in 1885. His family owned the castle until it was sold to the National Trust for Scotland in 1984. Fyvie's long past has inspired numerous legends and ghost stories. In the 1920s, builders reportedly discovered the skeleton of a woman walled up in a bedroom. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. After her remains were buried, strange disturbances were said to follow, prompting the laird to have them returned to their original resting place behind the wall, after which the hauntings allegedly stopped. The castle is also said to be cursed. One tale attributes a prophecy to Thomas the Rhymer involving three "weeping stones" from the castle's boundary. The legend warns that unless all three stones are reunited, no firstborn son will inherit Fyvie. One stone remains at the castle, the second is believed to be embedded in the walls, and the third is said to lie somewhere in the river Ythan. Another story speaks of a secret room in the charter tower. Disturbing it, the curse claims, would bring death to the laird and blindness to his wife.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
The iconic Scottish castle with history linked to Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots
The castle undergoing a redevelopment is expected to reopen later this year An iconic castle with links to two of Scotland's most famous monarchs is set to open its doors to the public again this year. However, the multi-million pound redevelopment has been delayed. The long-awaited opening of Inverness Castle as a new £30million visitor attraction has been pushed back from the planned re-opening this summer, with completion now expected later this year. The redevelopment project began in 2022 and involves transforming the former sheriff court and prison into the Inverness Castle Experience, a flagship tourism initiative led by Highland Council and High Life Highland. A spokesperson for the project said the scheme was 'a complex and specialised project', with the main construction phase still ongoing but nearing completion. Once open, the new attraction will take visitors on an interactive journey through the history, myths and landscapes of the Highlands. A virtual guide in the form of a dog named Cuillin will lead younger guests through the experience. A bistro and bar will also be part of the new offering. Earlier this year, a recruitment day was held to showcase the range of jobs being created as part of the project, which is supported by the £315million Inverness and Highland City Region Deal. In February, Highlands and Islands Enterprise increased its contribution by £863,000, bringing its total investment to £2.86million. Perched on Castle Hill overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle comprises two castellated buildings designed by renowned architect William Burn. The courthouse dates back to the 1830s, while the adjoining prison wing was completed in the 1840s. But the site's history stretches far beyond the Victorian era. A fortification has stood on Castle Hill since at least the 11th century, when King David I established a timber and earth castle. It replaced a stronghold previously razed by his father, Malcolm III, who defeated rival Macbeth. Over time, the site witnessed turbulent chapters involving Robert the Bruce, James I, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. During the Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce destroyed an earlier stone-built castle in 1308 to stop English forces using it. James I later arrested and imprisoned rebellious Highland chiefs here in 1428, prompting years of retaliatory attacks from the Lords of the Isles. In 1562, Mary, Queen of Scots, was denied entry to the castle by George Gordon, Earl of Huntly. After a three-day siege by her supporters, the keeper Alexander Gordon was captured and hanged. The castle changed hands repeatedly in the 17th century, occupied at various times by Royalists, Covenanters, and British government troops. Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie ordered the castle destroyed. According to legend, a French soldier triggered the explosion, and was blown across the river, while his poodle survived. The site lay derelict until the 19th century, when the present courthouse and prison were constructed. It later became the seat of Inverness-shire Constabulary and remained in use until the courts service relocated in 2020. The grounds still contain the original medieval well, and the striking statue of Highland heroine Flora MacDonald, completed in 1896 by local sculptor Andrew Davidson, still looks out across the River Ness.
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Daily Record
Staff 'very disappointed' after disposable BBQs lit at historic Scots battlefield
Workers from the Battle of Bannockburn, run by the National Trust for Scotland, were left "very disappointed" by the actions of the visitors. Workers at a historic Scottish battlefield were left "very disappointed" after thoughtless tourists ignited wildfire fears by lighting two barbecues on the land there. Staff from the Battle of Bannockburn site, managed by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), found two small patches of charred turf where small disposable barbecues had been lit, sparking potential wildfire safety concerns. The Battle of Bannockburn NTS social media account informed followers of the Sunday morning discovery, posting: "This morning we were very disappointed to discover that some thoughtless visitors have had a barbecue in our park yesterday, burning two big holes in our grass. "While we welcome you to come and enjoy the sunny weather at our site, we ask that everyone has consideration for others who wish to visit and commemorate two of the most important days in Scotland's history." The incident occurred just days after the anniversary of King Robert the Bruce's birth on July 11, 1274. Robert's army triumphed over the English forces at Bannockburn on June 23 and 24, 1314. The barbecues were also lit just days after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had warned people to "exercise caution" amid the scorching dry conditions. The extreme danger alert – issued alongside the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remained active from Friday, July 11, until today (Monday). The warning initially applied to central and eastern regions on Friday before expanding to cover all areas except low-lying zones with green vegetation from Saturday through Monday. Group Commander Raymond King, a Wildfire Tactical Advisor at the SFRS, said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. "Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. "Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. "These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. "Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
The National
13-07-2025
- The National
Exploring the Fife you won't find in the guidebooks
To me, Fife is home. This summer, using the Fife Coastal Path and Pilgrim Way (mostly accessible for bus goers, cyclists, walkers and horse riders), I went on a quest to better understand this home I know so little about. What I discovered has fascinated me beyond my wildest expectations – and I've only just touched the surface. Fife is the stage for Shakespeare's Macbeth, ancient Stone Circles, Pictish caves and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. Fife was once the centre for European pilgrimage and a thoroughfare for Romans on their marches north. Some of the original Fife settlers were from Transylvania! As a travel writer, the temptation is often to search far-flung shores for inspiration and interest. While James VI may have once described Fife as a 'beggar's mantle fringed with gold', the Kingdom of Fife is one of the most thriving, vibrant places I have journeyed through, inside and out, west to east. From Mesolithic to Macbeth The crown wore by Michael Fassbender in a film adaption of MacbethWITH the retreat of the ice caps, evidence of some of the earliest human occupation of mainland Scotland is to be found in east Fife, around 8000 BCE. Using archaeological technology from burnt hearth sites and stone tools, Fife Ness – a flat land jutting out into the North Sea – seems to be where these proto-Fifers found a home. At this point, Fife (and Scotland) would have predominantly been a wooded land, rich in deer, wild cattle, fish, and riverside flora. With the introduction of farming, the subsequent Neolithic period saw the genesis of a more rooted style of living. In 1978, the Balfarg Henge complex was discovered in Glenrothes, revealing evidence of this transition from nomadism to farming. Strategically situated at the foot of Falkland Hill, stone circles, flint tools, Grooved Ware pottery, and burial cairns were also unearthed. With life for Fifers developing naturally from the Bronze to Iron Age, it was with the Roman occupation of Britain (43-410 CE) that communities first began to organise. Here, the seeds for a future Kingdom of Fife are first sown. In 78CE, during one of many attempts by the Romans to take hold of 'Scotland', the dominant tribes were the Caledonians and the Maeotians, with the Falcon tribe inhabiting Fife (the Pictish name for Falcon was Uip, so at this time, Fife was Uipi. Later, King Kenneth MacAlpin of the Picts, 810-858 CE, altered the name to the Gaelic Fibh, meaning whortleberry/lingonberry. This later evolved to Fife, after the 1200s). It was the Caledonians who took the main brunt of the Roman invasions. Weakened yet victorious, by 300 CE, the tribe network north of the Firth of Forth had been absorbed into a collective kingdom: Pictland, with Fife becoming the land of South Pictland. Following St Columba's spreading of Christianity throughout Scotland in the sixth century, the Picti and the Scoti united under Kenneth MacAlpin, establishing the first unified Scotland. Now with our feet firmly established in Fife's history, let's jump ahead. From the 10th century onwards, Fifers had been welcoming Vikings to their shores. Ever hospitable, this was in fact to help protect the east coast from foreign invasion. But with the death of Viking-friendly King Constantine II, Scots claimant to the throne Malcolm II was keen to get rid of the visitors and re-establish native dominance. Beware of Fife hospitality … 'It taks a lang spoon to sup with a Fifer'! Glamis Castle in Angus (Image: Graeme Hart) Eventually succeeding, from 1027, Malcolm continuously ensured there were no living contenders until his murder at Glamis Castle in 1034. After the subsequent death of his son soon after, the throne was empty and the knives were out. Who was to rule Scotland now? The Viking claimants or the reinvigorated natives? Cue the most famous story of Fife's history: Macbeth. Inspired by the patriotism of their late king, many Fifers were beginning to turn against the Vikings. At the time, the Thane of Fife (Fife's highest position of authority) was a direct descendant of the Vikings and a legitimate claimant to the unfilled throne. And, to add fuel to the fire, there was Macbeth. As Mormaer of Moray, Macbeth's claim to be king was weak (so much so he had survived Malcom II's purges), but he was a feared warrior and charismatic leader – and he was a Scot. Macbeth assumed the crown. In 1045, the Thane of Fife (immortalised through Shakespeare's MacDuff) fled to England, leaving his family behind – a decision he would live to regret, thanks to the bloody hands of Macbeth, 'my wife and children's ghosts will haunt me still'. Malcolm to 'the Bruce' BY now, Malcolm II's grandson was of age and wanted the crown for himself. For three years, he pursued Macbeth until defeating him in 1057 and taking the throne as King Malcolm III of Scotland. In 1071, he married Margaret Aetheling, Edward the Confessor's great niece who sought refuge after a failed Anglo-Saxon/Norse rebellion against William the Conqueror. The spot where she landed into Fife is known as St Margaret's Hope, situated near North Queensferry. Malcolm III and Margaret had eight children, three of them becoming future kings of Scotland. In 1093, Malcolm III was killed in a siege of Alnwick and his brother assumed the throne – the claims from Malcolm's children erupted in violence. With the assistance of William II of England, Malcolm and Margaret's fourth son, Edgar, eventually won the fight. But William's intervention came at a cost, one for Scotland and one for Fife; while all future kings of Scotland would remain inferior to the English monarch, the earls of Fife would have the royal right to dispense justice within their county, and the land of Fife was to be held in full jurisdiction by the Earl of Fife only. William II declared this by the 'grace of God', thus legally enabling Fife to become a Kingdom … we got there in the end! Despite the complexity of Fife's history, what's been clear from my journey are the tangible clues that crop up throughout the county. If you travel to Dunfermline, the original capital of Scotland, and visit St Margaret's Memorial Church, you will find a human bone on public display. This relic, taken from the shoulder of Margaret Aetheling herself, is at the centre of understanding Fife and its history. Dunfermline Abbey (Image: Church of Scotland/PA Wire) Margaret was Malcolm III's queen from 1070 until her death in 1093, just three days after her husband was killed. Known in Europe as the 'Pearl of Scotland', as a devout Catholic, Margaret became recognised for her pious influence on Malcolm, focusing her reign on the needs of the poor, establishing Dunfermline Abbey (still a working church today), and in celebrating pilgrimages to St Andrews. Margaret created the original Queensferry crossing, to allow pilgrimages to make their journey to the relics of Andrew the Apostle. Today Queensferry Crossing Bridge, the bustling town of South Queensferry (featured in Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped) and the cobbled village of North Queensferry are a testament to one of her lasting legacies. Malcolm and Margaret were buried together in Dunfermline Abbey, later joined by her children (kings of Scotland), and Robert the Bruce. She was canonised as a saint in 1250 by Pope Innocent IV. Beyond just history BONES to battles, stone circles to caves, Romans to Picts, Fife's history is alive in all corners, visible and accessible to all. Travelling east from Dalgety Bay, you will find a string of coastal communities, many with beaches and pubs (Anstruther's Dreel Tavern a personal favourite), that eventually curve round to Earlsferry and, beyond that, the magical Cambo Gardens – well worth a visit. Using the Fife Coastal Path, you will come across the Wemyss Caves. This site contains the largest collection of Pictish inscribed symbols in Scotland. Other carvings include early Christian depictions more than 1000 years old. With the ruins of the medieval MacDuff Castle just round the corner, and remains of later industrial activity, there is archaeological evidence for activity on the site for the last 4000 years. Other Pictish stones can be found in Crail Church, Abercromby Church and the Cathedral Museum in St Andrews. Beyond holiday hotspot Elie, discover some of the most beautiful villages in Scotland: St Monans, Pittenweem (home to St Fillan's Cave, the seventh-century missionary), Anstruther (Scottish Fisheries Museum) and the cobbled fishing village of Crail. Pittenweem on the Fife coast is one of the country's prettiest villagesAs picturesque as these all are, however, I am a west Fifer, naturally biased to the 16th century village of Culross (birthplace of St Mungo, the founder of Glasgow, and Lord Cochrane, the liberator of Peru and Chile), historic Limekilns and the rolling Ochil hills that form the boundary between Fife and neighbouring Perthshire. Over the past 275 years, the population of Fife has increased almost fivefold. With the heft of that growth largely due to the coal mines of west Fife and the fisheries of the east, employment fell rapidly in the latter half of the 20th century with the closure of the mines and fishing restrictions. Today, with tourism, manufacturing, energy and agricultural farming key to the growing economy, it cannot be denied that while people continue to flock to Fife, much of its foundations are at risk of being lost, built over or simply forgotten. St Margaret's Cave is under a car park; the coastal path is being heavily eroded, both due to climate change and lack of maintenance, historic churches are being sold as flats, and quick-build housing estates (especially in west Fife) are fast cementing the natural green spaces, swallowing up the unique identities of some of the 18 Royal Burghs. But Fife is not alone in this. The needs of an increasing population are widespread and the construction of more affordable housing is both inevitable and necessary. We are lucky. What Fife still has from generations gone by is far more than other parts of Scotland and the UK. With each day I spent on my journey through Fife – a trip that makes me only want to know more – the history of this Kingdom is here for all to see, inside out, west to east. To Fifers, go out and explore, to visitors, haste ye back! If Scotland's heritage is not preserved, invested in, taught and understood, it can only be lost.
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Family Days Out Just Got Better – Free Entry for Kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with Kids Go Free promotion, running from 30 June to 15 August 2025. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Perfect for keeping the kids busy and entertained. Set in the heart of Perthshire, just over an hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scone Palace is offering free entry for children (aged 15 and under), making it an unforgettable and affordable day out for families across Scotland. From ancient kings to, mazes, Scone Palace is bursting with history, nature, and fun for children of all ages. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The stone of destiny Perth's historic landmark offers a unique blend of storytelling from times gone by, outdoor adventure, and family fun. Children can step into the past as they stand where Scottish kings, including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II had been crowned on Moot Hill and pose for a photo on the replica Stone of Destiny. Inside the Palace, young visitors can take part in a special treasure hunt, a fun way to explore history, with a small prize at the end as a reward. The Palace grounds provide plenty of space for children to run, explore, and play. With over 100 acres of gardens and woodlands to discover, there's no shortage of fresh air and freedom. The grounds feature an adventure playground, the Murray star- Maze, and a chance to spot local wildlife including butterflies, squirrels, and the famous vibrant peacocks that roam the estate. Families can take a break in the coffee shop, where all food is freshly prepared on-site using ingredients from the Palace's Kitchen Garden. From tasty baked goods and hearty soups to child-friendly lunchboxes, there's something to suit every appetite. The gift shop also offers a handpicked selection of books and toys, perfect for children eager to take home a souvenir from their day. To make summer visits even more exciting, Scone Palace will host special event days included with the Kids Go Free admission. Visitors can enjoy Falconry Fridays on 11 July and 15 August and join in on the fun at the Circus Workshops taking place 24 July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kids enjoying a royal tour The Kids Go Free promotion runs daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm between 30 June and 15 August 2025. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the gate. With something for everyone, from history lovers and nature enthusiasts to energetic little explorers, Scone Palace is the ideal summer day out for families that will keep costs down. Whether you're walking in the footsteps of ancient kings, solving the Palace treasure hunt, or simply enjoying an ice cream in the sun, Scone Palace is ready to welcome families for a summer of stories, adventure and memories – now with free entry for kids. With its beautiful historic backdrops, blooming gardens and wide-open spaces, it's as picturesque as it is fun. For more information, and to book tickets:
