Braemar

Braemar Castle with the star shaped wall around the bottom.

Braemar Castle is owned by the village of Braemar.  It was gifted to them by the last Laird, who sold off most of the furnishings before doing so.  All the folks working inside are volunteers.  We could wander on our own with an audio guide, or there was a guided tour about to start.  We joined the tour, which consisted of another American couple from the Philadelphia area and the guide, Hanan; a Uni student from Aberdeen. She was delightful!

The dining room all set up ready to serve.

The dining room was painted a deep rose color, as the last lady of the house loved pink.  Our guide told about the chairs and other various pieces, then laughing said the table was three pushed together, all purchased from Ikea.  The original table was auctioned off for an exorbitant sum of money, so the Castle trust could not buy it.  Since the room is also rented for functions, the Ikea tables suit the bill much better anyway.

Graffiti left by solders who were barracked here after the Jacobite war.

A magic lantern slide projector with paraffin lamp, for viewing glass slides.

Most of the rooms were set up as they had been used by the last Laird and his wife.  We even saw one bedroom that was haunted!  We have decided that all of the castles in Scotland have their very own ghost!

While the Catholics could not openly worship, they would wear a piece of tartan under their clothing next to their heart, to show God they were still loyal to him, even while praying in a  protestant church.

A suit fit for the Laird, but recently made by locals.

Since this is the 400 anniversary of the 1615 Jacobite uprising, there was a room set up with clothes models of what they would wear, swords and armament, all made by two local craftspeople.  The owners of Braemar were Jacobite, so had a bit of trouble after their side lost, but finally made it back into the good graces of the King.

Bill dressed up with a friend.

Mary and friend ready to meet the guys.

The last Laird and his first wife had no children and their were no heirs from other family members.  When he remarried after her death, he decided to move to England where his new wife lived and donate the castle. We really enjoyed this castle.  The cost was not prohibitive, pictures were allowed, and the people working there are lots of fun and very friendly.

We have seen many toilets, but never one made of Delft china.

The servants staircase is quite steep.  Can't imagine running up and down this with dishes for dinner.

The stove in the kitchen, with all the copper pots above.  Each pot has the initials of the owner, so they wouldn't be stolen.