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Kildrummy_Design Statement_002

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Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals Undated, possibly showing buildings at Gardenhill Undated but showing roofs of Kildrummy Lodge

Kildrummy OS 1868 c1899, Kildrummy Lodge with the New Castle under construction

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 2.4 Selected Timeline History & Images

c12th C Settlement at Kildrummy before Castle was built. Place name means “church on the c1374-77 Direct male line of Earl’s of Mar comes to an end ridge) 1436-38 Kildrummy Castle overhauled and its defences improved c1240 William, 5th Earl of Mar begins construction of Kildrummy Castle, possibly to the design of St Gilbert, Bishop of Caithness. Built on remains of earlier fortification, an 1435 Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar, dies and King James I annexes the earldom and takes earthwork motte on which a tower, or hall was built. Early sources refer to the castle as possession of the castle “Kyndromy” (head of the ridge) rather than Kildrummy (church of the ridge)

1438 King James II visits Kildrummy Castle 1296 King Edward I of England visits Kildrummy on 31 July, the most northerly point of his invasion 1442 Lord Erskine, dynastic heir to the Earldom of Mar, takes control of the castle 1303 King Edward I returns to Kildrummy, staying for several days in October, possibly laying siege to the castle briefly to compel the surrender of a Scottish garrison. 1448 King James II gains control of the castle

1305 Edward I places castle under Robert Bruce’s control 1450 Kildrummy passes for the Erskines to St James Crichton of Fendraught who is appointed as keeper 1306 Robert Bruce claims Scottish throne and is crowned on 27 March. After defeat by the English at Methven, his wife and daughter are sent to Kildrummy Castle for safety. 1456 Keepership of Kildrummy passes to Lord Glamis Pursued by son of Edward I (Prince of Wales). They flee to Monastery at Tain 1470 King James III visits Kildrummy 1306 King Edward I besieges Kildrummy Castle. Defended by Robert Bruce’s younger brother, Neil, but falls when a traitor sets fir to grain stored in the great hall. Eventually 1508 Lands of Kildrummy conveyed to Alexander Elphinstone destroyed by English troops and Neil later executed. 1530 / 31 Castle stormed and set on fire by John Strachan of Lenturk, son of a local Laird 1326 Some restoration possibly carried out by Earl of Mar 1565 Earldom of Mar restored to the Erskines and Kildrummy Castle itself in 1626 after 1335 Scottish garrison led by King Robert’s sister, Lady Christian or Christina Bruce, defends prolonged litigation castle against much larger pro-English army. Eventually relieved by her husband, Sir Andrew Murray and the pro-English army subsequently destroyed at Culblean – the 1654 During the Civil Wars, the roundhead Col Thomas Morgan takes the castle by siege turning point of the Second War of Independence lasting two days

1341 King David II visits the castle 1655 The Don Poem published. Analogy made between seven towers and seven hills of Rome. By 1774 when an annotated edition of the poem was published the idea of a Roman 1362 King David II again visits the castle, possibly to avoid the plague origin for Kildrummy was said to be widely believed

1365 King David II besieges the castle to take control of the castle as security on a loan owed 1662 Kildrummy described in 2nd edition of Atlas Novus in a Latin essay by Robert Gordon of by the Earl of Mar Strloch as “…an ancient structure and, it is thought, a royal one…Indeed, with its firm wall, crowded too with mighty towers, mutually accessible from each other, it was then 1365 King David returns to the castle judged safe from hostile force; now, rendered more commodious and amenable by new buildings, the Earl of Mar has his principal seat in this place.”

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals The New Castle from the top of Kildrummy Castle Ruins

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 1690 Bonnie Dundee’s Jacobite soldiers shelter in castle and set it on fire so it will not fall into 1872 James Ogston buys Norwood, on the North Deeside Road, built in 1861 and designed by government hands. The Earl of Mar asserts that it is “for the most part totally burned James Matthews. Lived there until move to Kildrummy. and destroyed.” 1875 James and Anne marry on 7 October. They have no children 1715 John Erskine, 22nd Earl of Mar, in Scotland secretly, plots the Jacobite Rising of 1715 at the castle. Failure of the rebellion results in castle’s downfall and exile of the Earl. Castle 1876 Queen Victoria visits in September. seized by London government and sold to York Buildings Co.

1877 A M Mackenzie returns to Aberdeen and enters partnership with James Matthews 1724 Exiled Earl regains ownership through proxies. Castle mostlt abandoned. Plundered for stone and lime and partly dismantled. Falls into ruin. 1877-78 Matthews and Mackenzie design Ardoe House near Banchory for James Ogston’s brother Alexander. “Sumptuous” interior dates from 1883, also designed by Matthews 1739 Erskines sell estate to John Gordon of Wardhouse. Gordon family were responsible for and Mackenzie, the layout of the earliest designed landscape associated with the castle, vestiges of which remain. 1885 A M Mackenzie designs Aberdeen Art Gallery 1808 The stripping of the castle’s masonry ceases as its scenic properties as a picturesque ruin begin to be appreciated 1893 A M Mackenzie designs Crathie Kirk c1835 Kildrummy Lodge built by the Gordon family (shown on 1867 OS Map). Also known 1893 James Mattews retires leaving A M Mackenzie as sole partner. Mackenzie responsible as Gordon’s Lodge and relocated on construction of the New Castle. Now Ardhuncart for most of Aberdeen office’s design work since 1883 Lodge with additions by A Marshall Mackenzie. 1895 A M Mackenzie designs the new Mar Lodge for the Duke and Duchess of Fife 1845 James Ogston, 5th child and 2nd son Alexander and Elliot Ogston, born on 29 May. (Died 10 March 1931). Nicknamed “Soapy” as a result of owing a soap factory, Ogston & 1897 James Ogston promoted to Colonel, 1st Aberdeenshire Volunteer Artillery Tennant, in Loch Street, Aberdeen which was started by his father. 1898 James Ogston purchases Estate from Mr Raphael Gordon. Estate had become run down 1848 Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, Architect, born in Elgin on 1 January, the son of architect due to owners living mostly abroad and lack of investment. Thomas Mackenzie who was also business partner of James Matthews, the firm known as Mackenzie and Matthews. 1899 A third of the New Castle built, designed by A Marshall Mackenzie in an English Neo- Jacobean style. 1st payment made on 15 August. 1849 Anne Lesliey Jamieson, wife of James Ogston born. (Died 1927) 1900 New Castle completed. Commemorated by date stone above front entrance. 1863-68 A M Mackenzie trains with James Matthews. Works for a year as an Assistant and then moves to work for David Bryce in Edinburgh 1900 Stables being constructed

1866 Queen Victoria visits in October and lunches within the walls of the castle. 1900 Keystone of Bridge layed (Ref photo). Bridge is an “enlarged and elaborated version” (HES) of the Brig O’ Balgownie over the mouth of the River Don and was designed 1870 A M Mackenzie tours Italy and France and then establishes a practice in Elgin (where his by A Marshall Mackenzie and built by R&J Mitchell of Huntly. New driveway Avenue father practiced) constructed around same time

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals Laying Bridge Keystone 1901 Kildrummy Castle George Washington Wilson photographer, late 19thC

Kildrummy OS 2nd Ed 1902 Back Den Gardens, 1955

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 1931 Brigadier General Charles Ogston CB CMG DSO bequeathed a “life interest” in the 1900 Kildrummy Lodge taken down and re-built at Ardhuncart estate on the death of James Ogston who had no children. Responsible for the collection of redundant mill stones, salvaged from around the Estate, and other worked stones around the gardens. 1901 Kildrummy New Castle (new house) and the Viaduct across the Back Den shown on the 2nd edition OS 25” map (published 1902), with south drive and gardens as yet undeveloped. South lodge completed with other estate buildings also from around this 1933 Alexander Marshall Mackenzie dies on 4 May date. 1934 Small greenhouse built, heated by turbine which also provided light and some heat for 1903-4 Dynamo (turbine?) installed by Messrs Drake & Gorham of London the house “in an old croft, now the tool room of the nursery” (Matthews, p7) Also may be known as the “Old Well House” (Smith, p27) 1937 An un-named tenant responsible for building and planting prominent rock beds on the quarry floor.

1938 Excavations at the castle, again by Douglas Simpson, uncover the so-called Watergate, a 1904 The burn of the Back Den dammed and several large pools connected by a series of well chamber outside the curtain wall reached by a passage cascades created. Rock work was constructed by a Japanese firm of landscape architects and the firm of Messrs Backhouse of York under the direction of Mr David Peary 1944 Charles Ogston dies. Estate inherited by Colonel R J B Yates and Mrs Marjorie Yates, a transformed the old quarry (from which the old castle had been built possibly using niece of James Ogston. They moved from Ardhuncart Lodge to the new castle in 1945 stone from Castle), built steps and planted choice shrubs, trees and climbers.

1947 A new turbine and cables installed by Messrs Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon of Kendal. Irozn c1904 Nursery Garden retaining wall built doors possibly fitted to outer turbine room around this time.

1906 Photo shows the “New Castle” visible from the Main Entrance to the Estate on Donside 1951 Castle Ruins enter into State Care (Guardianship) Road

c1952 House converted to mains electricity. Cables from turbine removed but turbine Early 19c James Ogston begins his “restoration” of Kildrummy Castle continued to heat little greenhouse until 1968. Beech hedge across vegetable garden also planted around this time as windbreak 1919 The first ‘excavation’ of the Castle took place in association with consolidation works, directed by Douglas Simpson and carried out with help of a troop of Boy Scouts 1954 Estate sold to James Peterson Smith, a lathe manufacturer and veteran car enthusiast, from Yorkshire 1920 Queen Mary visits Colonel and Mrs Ogston at Kildrummy on 31 August. 1956 House let as Kildrummy Castle Hotel. The vegetable garden provides produce and 1921 Castle first scheduled as an Ancient Monument. flowers for the hotel but initially the quarry garden was abandoned.

1921 Queen Mary visits Colonel and Mrs Ogston at Kildrummy on 21 September. 1966 Gardens offered to Ministry of Works who refused

1927 Anne Ogston dies 1968 The Smith family sets up a charitable trust for 10ha (25 acres) of the gardens and policies along with a small endowment 1931 James Ogston dies on 10 March c1970 Turbine replaced with Lister Startomatic due to water for turbine being unreliable

1970 Geological Cairn erected 19 Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals Baxck Den Gardens, 1955, viewed from Bridge with the New Castle in the background.

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals Timeline prepared from the following sources: 1971 Castle hotel, including terrace walls and stairs, and Bridge over Back Den designated Aberdeenshire, Donside & Strathbogie, An Illustrated Architectural Guide, 2nd Ed, I Shepherd, The Category B as a being of special architectural and historical interest Rutland Press

1972 An old sundial positioned on steps to quarry face where it receives full sunlight Buildings of Scotland, Aberdeenshire South & Aberdeen, Sharples, Walker, Woodworth, Yale University Press, 2015 1974 Museum built on the site of an old gardener’s hut; annex added later Kildrummy Castle Statement of Significance, Historic Environment Scotland, 2019 1977 A J Laing became head gardener and continued here for about 40 years Where and What is…Kildrummy, Hylda Smith, Kildrummy Garden Castle Trust, 1990

1978 New operators take over hotel. Extension for living accommodation added to rear of The Back Den of Kildrummy, Kildrummy, Professor J D Matthews, and Hylda Smith, Castle Garden building. Additional bedroom accommodation added in attics. Trust, 1981

1987 Kildrummy Castle Garden is included in An Inventory of Gardens and Designed The Castle of Kildrummy, D W Simpson, D Wylie & Son, 1923 Landscapes in Scotland when first published. The Kildrummy Christies, Elizabeth Christie Brown, 1949

1999 The Castle site was rescheduled by Historic Scotland in order to clarify the extent of the The Remarkable Ogstons, Hylda Smith,1989 protected area.

2017 Hotel closes in advance of Estate being advertised for sale

2017 Section of bridge collapses and Gardens closed to the public

2020 In June Kildrummy (Jersey) Ltd, which owned Kildrummy Estate (5,500 acres) is bought by new owners. Sale includes transfer of Gardens from the Trust.

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals Track Track

Track The Chauffeurs Coachhouse Castle Cottage Cottage

Gate Lodge 10 Shrub bank

foot bridge .00

.00 .00 .00 .00 2 Main drive west Pond 1 Main drive east 255

257 256 258

259

Pond

7 Quarry garden Waterfall foot bridge 9 Water garden Den Pond Back

8 Central ridge Path

12 Tree belts / service yard cistern Inventory of Garden and Designed

foot bridge Landscapes boundary

Kildrummy Kildrummy castle Manor Scheduled Monument boundary sun dial 3 Terraced garden 11 Kildrummy castle Garden space, mainly wooded or shrubbery 6 Rill garden 4 Wooded valleyside foot bridge Garden space, mainly open or Kildrummy Castle open with some tree cover

Main views

5 Former veg garden

Track Sinks Peter McGowan, landscape architect [email protected] • 07718 339567 with LDN Architects Kildrummy Garden – landscape appraisal, garden spaces and views 28 July 2020 • not to scale

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 2.5 Landscape

2.5.1 Introduction 2.5.2 Garden location and setting

This report on Kildrummy garden has been produced following the acquisition of the Kildrummy Kildrummy Castle Garden is situated on the headwaters of a tributary of the river Don called the burn estate, including Kildrummy mansion house (formerly Kildrummy Castle hotel), Kildrummy garden and of Back Den, in the foothills of the eastern Grampian mountains. The town of Rhynie is 10.5km (6.5 Kildrummy castle by new owners. It is intended as a brief appraisal of the garden in terms of its history, miles) to the north and Alford 16km (10 miles) to the east. The A97 runs along the east boundary, and features, condition and standing as notable garden within Scotland and the UK, current management the wooded slopes of Cook’s hill and The Deelat border the site to the west. The soils of the area are a issues and its potential for restoration and new uses. gravelly loam, with some clay in the valleys. There are extensive views north-east to Tap o’Noth and the Correen hills. The Calliver hills can be seen from both the castle and the house, beyond the river Don, Kildrummy lies in the upper Don river valley in Aberdeenshire, about 56km (35 miles) west of the city although trees within the garden restrict views to these features. of Aberdeen in hilly country that outlies the Grampian mountains. The boundary of Cairngorm National Park lies just three miles to the west. Access is via the A97 which runs along the east boundary. The Castle is situated on a prominent knoll on the south side of the Back Den overlooking the surrounding landscape. Kildrummy mansionhouse stands on the north edge of the den and the main The garden was created in the Back Den valley following the construction of the ‘New Kildrummy garden is sited in the ravine below. Only a few tall trees make any scenic impact on the surrounding Castle’ as it was first known, on the north side of the valley in 1900-01. Both the house and garden landscape. benefit from views of the ruins of the 13th century Kildrummy castle on the south side of the valley (managed by Historic Environment Scotland). Kildrummy mansionhouse stands within some 25 acres (10ha) of designed landscape which extends along either side of the Back Den and includes the ruins of old Kildrummy castle. Documentary Kildrummy Castle garden is included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, evidence of the development of the designed landscape includes Roy’s Military Survey map of Scotland a listing of nationally important gardens and designed landscapes administered by Historic Environment from c.1750, the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1867 and the 2nd edition of 1901, although none Scotland, where it is evaluated as of outstanding artistic, horticultural and architectural value. of these show the present garden and only the 1901 shows the present house and bridge. Reference to the 1st edition OS shows that there was a designed landscape established at Kildrummy by this time The site area for the report is basically the Inventory boundary area shown on the plan on p8 of this which included a park but, by 1901, this feature had been lost and today only a few trees remain. document, which is similar to the Kildrummy Castle Garden Trust area, although there are differences. Within this the report concentrates on the Back Den garden, house terraces and main approach drive. 2.5.3 Chronology This report has been produced by Peter McGowan, a landscape architect with extensive experience of the management of historic gardens and designed landscapes, working with LDN Architects for The development of the gardens is as set out in the Timeline History section of this document. the new owners. The report is based on one site visit in June 2020 and a few secondary sources. No detailed surveys, seasonal visits or primary research has been undertaken at this stage, all of which are needed before full evaluation and definitive recommendation can be made, and which could alter some of the tentative conclusions of the report.

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 1 Main drive, gates and gatelodge 1 Main drive from gate-lodge to bridge 2 Main drive approaching the house

3 Terraced garden lawns, easrt lawn 3 Terraced garden lawns, east lawn, view over garden to castle 3 Terraced garden lawns, west lawn

4 Wooded valleyside, path to vegetable garden

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 2.5.4 Garden description, spaces and views As the house comes into sight views into the valley through the crowns of trees open out over a low stone wall. An island of mature trees in grass on the right, formed by added loop in the drive added for 2.5.4.1 Garden circuit and routes hotel vehicles, with their low foliage partly obscuring the east entrance side of the house until the final turn at the front door. The garden was designed to be seen first from the house and its terraced lawns and then by descending to walk a circuit of the lower gardens, which is well provided with paths as shown on 3 Terraced garden lawns the plan on p28 of this document. Public entry to the garden until recently has been via the ticket kiosk near the bridge and under the small arch of the bridge where the quarry garden opens almost A lower lawn opens on to the end of the drive in front of the house doorway, with a stone balustrade immediately to view. A less impressive start to a circuit can be in the opposite direction through dense along its south edge above a high retaining wall, providing a viewpoint for the castle seen through the shrubbery to the east part of the water garden. As originally planned, entry would have been via the taller ornamental trees and conifers of the garden below. A low iron gate at the junction of the drive stepped path on the drive opposite the house front door, or alternatively via the steps and gate from and lawn leads to ramped steps into the valley garden. the terraced west lawn, with paths leading towards the vegetable garden. But it is this route by which, perhaps, the garden is best approached – following the course of the burn from where it emerges In the west corner, balustraded stone steps with gate lead up to the larger main lawn where the stone from the culverted section in the former vegetable garden or nursery, along its narrow curving course balustrade continues around the south and west sides, with narrow shrub borders along either side through the grassy valley, opening to stunning view of the castle and glimpses back to the house, then of the dividing retaining wall. A projecting section of balustrade is formed into a stone seat giving the to the outstanding space and planting of the Quarry garden, and from there to the stunning finale, the most elevated view to the castle and into the garden. At the west of the terrace a further set of gated pools of the water garden and their luscious planting framed by the soaring pointed arch of the bridge. steps leads down to paths in the direction of the vegetable garden. The west side of the terrace is a solid bank of trees including a bulky cypress, while along the north side adjacent to the dining room Therefore this description takes this latter route, describing the sequence of spaces, as shown on the windows a rather overgrown mixed shrub border, with the conifer belt of area 12 behind. plan on p16 of this document, first approaching the house along the main drive. The description does not refer to individual plant species. Equally or more important than views from the garden terraces are views from the rooms on each floor of the house on the south and west sides (shown as single arrows on our plan). Being more elevated 2.5.4.2 Garden spaces they have more extensive views, but they also would benefit from opening-up the garden planting to make better views to the castle and into the garden below. On the west the wall of trees that blanks 1 Main drive from gate-lodge to bridge views from the drawing, dining and other rooms may have potential for thinning and openings when considered in detail. The drive is entered at the gateway of tall plain rusticated and ball-finialed gate-piers with cast- iron gates and pedestrian side gates, with the neat gate-lodge on the right with its projecting front This west edge to the terrace is the preferred location of a new garden building, a spa, which if doorway with 1901-dated gable. Along the drive rhododendrons line the righthand side, with larch appropriately designed to complement and not compete with the house, and to preserve and integrate tree belt behind, and with the ground rising towards Kildrummy castle on the left, although surprisingly with the terrace balustrade stonework could be a balancing feature in the relationship of house and the castle is only glimpsed between trees from near the entrance. A small car-parking area on the left garden. Some tree management, including removals, is overdue and if carried out to an approved serves garden visitors. overall plan for the garden could help facilitate the placing of a new building of suitable scale. Some conifers in the immediate view on each part of the terrace, in particular, have outgrown their After about 250m the bridge is reached and the view opens on each side to the deep wooded valley usefulness may be considered for removal. of the Back Den and the pools of the water garden and tree canopies far below – one of several outstanding views of the garden, and possibly of any garden, certainly within Scotland. At the time of 4 Wooded valleyside visit the drive gates were closed and the bridge barriered-off following closure of the hotel and collapse of a section of the bridge parapet. Either of the two gates from the lawns leads to the same path that descends at an easy gradient down the wooded valleyside. This slope contains a notable collection of exotic and ornamental trees, 2 Main drive from bridge to house conifer species and cultivars, native broadleaved trees, including beech, oak and lime, including tall conifers and large fully mature natives. Some of the exotics or ornamentals, including big conifers, are After the bridge the drive curves to the left near the edge of the Back Den, initially grass verged with a the foreground trees seen from the terraces. Shrubs, particularly common rhododendron and some boundary hedge and valley-side trees blocking the view. A belt of commercial tree planting (spruce) on cultivated forms, are also present, many mature or overgrown. the right (area 12) separates this route from the back drive. Views are restricted due to the trees and bushes, being mainly limited to forward views along the path line, although opening out at the bottom of the slope. 25

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 5 Former vegetable garden 6 Rill garden from area 8 viewpoint

7 Quarry garden, east to west view 7 Quarry garden, west to east view 8 Central ridge, geological cairn

4 Wooded valleyside, path to vegetable garden 9 Water garden, view from west 9 Water garden, view from east

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 5 Former vegetable garden the west end of the former quarry with the sheer rock face running for much of the north side of the area, along the base of which most of the planting beds are arranged amongst rockwork. Stone steps A grassy valley floor with gently sloping sides divided into two parts by an old beech hedge, enclosed and paths run within some beds giving various planting settings to explore. Planting includes the whole by solid trees to the north (area 4) and a fringe of trees to the south, with a few scatted trees (old fruit range of types including ornamental trees (including purple and yellow foliage), conifers of various trees, birch group) adding interest within the space. The area was formerly the kitchen garden growing forms, (including yellow foliage), shrubs, ferns, Himalayan plants including Primulas and Meconopsis produce and flowers for the house and later for the hotel, and now has a low level of use for garden species, and smaller alpine species in rock beds. This creates a rock garden of unequalled scale, in terms maintenance; once used more intensively as a plant nursery. Built features include: the former dynamo of its linear extent and height of the rock faces, all the more impressive when one reads that to achieve or turbine house, in pink sandstone with slated rood and overhanging porch, and an adjoining timber this the level of the quarry floor was raised by ‘twenty-six feet’ (8.0m). While a more detailed survey potting shed on the east and a small glass house on the west, with some old cold frames beyond; is necessary, the impression is that true alpine planting has been overwhelmed by more vigorous and garden wall along north side in east part of the area, retaining the ground and path behind, with a larger growing perennials and shrubs. central gateway with ball-finialed gatepiers, an iron gate and steps down into garden and with trained apples trees; and a corrugated iron shed at the east end of the area. The burn that runs through the Views along the length of the garden in either direction are impressive, including the view west framed whole valley is culverted beneath the grass in the area and potentially could be opened up as a free- by the small bridge arch and the view east from stone steps. running burn or rill, or to create a pond. 8 Central ridge Views are contained within the space and with a good overview from the path descending to the iron gate. The space has a pleasantly secluded and enclosed feel. A small area of shrubbery and trees on a low ridge that divides the quarry garden from the main valley, formed on quarry waste, with main paths on either side and a narrow centre path. The area includes Potentially the area could be returned to use as a produce garden and plant nursery or be developed the wooden museum building in two sections and the geological cairn using rocks from different parts more as a garden area – perhaps as a wildlife garden in contrast to the ornamental planting elsewhere, of the UK. or for other recreational uses, including built components such as a summer-house or sports facilities. The part of the garden west of the beech hedge is excluded from the HES Inventory boundary at In the shrubbery near the west end, an elevated viewpoint provides two of the finest views in the present, which appear to be an anomaly. Both the vegetable garden area and tree belts beyond are garden looking across area 6 to the castle and westward along the rill garden. justified for inclusion. 9 Water garden 6 Rill garden After the quarry garden the water gardens come into view down the slope below with the stunning A very refined section of the garden where the dominant elements are the gently shelving grass lawns view of the middle pond over-ached by the bridge that frames the scene beyond. Three pools with of the valley floor and the burn, which here takes the form of a narrow serpentine rill, with manicured cascades between them, fed by the burn, have their banks planted with bog or marginal foliage grass banks and stone-revetted bottom. Simple stone-slab bridges take small paths cross the rill in two plants (Arum, Lysichitum, Gunnera, Peltiphyllum, Rodgersia), exotic flowering species (Asiatic primulas, or three places. Progressing down the valley the view opens on the right to the castle walls and the Siberian irises, knotweed), conical dwarf conifers and larger trees and shrubs. Some marginal species gable of the Elphinstone tower, between the trees at the top of the south valley slope, the view being have naturalised and need control, with Rhododendron ponticum much in evidence. However, the the raison d’être of this space. Trees on either valley side enclose the space, with the conifers in area 4 overall impression remains one of rich profusion in size, form, texture and colour. particularly notable (eg. large Brewer’s weeping spruce, Serbian blue spruce, firs) and a fringe of mixed species continuing on the upper south side. The valley sides are important parts of the views. An open grass bank adjacent to the quarry garden and below the main path is stocked with small trees (flowering cherry, rowan, purple plum, Chilean There are many notable views in this area due to the openness of the space: planned viewpoints to the firebush) – some old, some young planting – but needs to be kept fairly open for the views of the castle, including positions marked by stone paving (presumably for a seat); long views along the curving water garden and bridge. The opposite bank below the castle includes a few notable trees (Atlantic rill in either direction; glimpses of the house from a south valley-side path; and also a fine view into the blue cedar, spruce, Scots pine) and rhododendrons (including ponticum), but is open grass near the top area from the castle viewpoint in area 8. which is part of the Scheduled Monument area. A path from the top end of the water garden leads up-slope towards the castle and formerly linked into the grounds. The shrub bank (area 10) forms the 7 Quarry garden downstream north bank.

A branch off the main path through the rill garden leads up and over the small ridge of the ancient The two best overall views are of the ponds and their planting framed by the bridge arch looking from quarry waste tip and via random stone steps to the quarry garden, one of the highlights of Kildrummy. the west or east from well-chosen points eg. from the small bridges above the top and below the low A long informal lawn runs for about 100m from the north abutment of the bridge to the rock face at ponds. In addition there are many other good viewing points. 27

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 10 Shrub bank looking towards the bridge 11 Kildrummy Castle in its setting, seen from east 12 Tree belt back drive

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 10 Shrub bank

A bank of trees and shrubbery to the east of the ticket office and bridge through which a path zig-zags and descends to the lower ponds of the water garden and the stone-slab bridge that crosses between them here, known as the cantilever bridge due to the arrangement of the main slab. Planting includes rhododendrons and an impressive cotoneaster lining the lower path.

Views are very limited by the vegetation until opening out the lower level to a view of the bridge. The Low Den further east from the shrub bank and downstream from the water garden was due to be planted with specimen trees in the 1970s. Its present status has not been investigated and its was not visited.

11 Kildrummy Castle and setting

Although managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the castle is an important part of the whole landscape composition and one of the reason for the way the gardens have been designed and their relationship to the house. With its tall inner keep, polygonal plan and sophisticated gatehouse, Kildrummy embodies the classic image of the medieval castle. Although ruinous, substantial parts remain to significant height including the gatehouse, the Snow tower, Elphinstone tower, the Great hall, the Warden’s tower and chapel and are a major feature in the local landscape. Around the built remains the land is formed as a fosse or ditch and all areas are laid to grass, with no trees apart for one veteran ash tree at the high point near the Warden’s tower. To the south, parkland is shown on the 1st edition 25” OS map of 1868 with a few trees, some of which (lime, beech) remain near the house drive.

This parkland area is excluded from the HES Inventory boundary at present. Subject to viewing the area from the castle when it reopens, it could be recommended that this overviewed area be included as part of the wider Inventory landscape.

12 Tree belt / service yard

Conifer tree belt beside the back drive, in two sections either side of the service area at the rear of the house and the adjoining elevated grassy area. Included here for completeness although not particularly significant to the garden appraisal, although provides shelter and background planting. Planted with commercial conifers, the trees have low landscape value and would be best replanted with native broadleaves, Scots pine and possibly some large ornamental species near the service yard and garaging/ parking areas. These areas would benefit from reorganisation and screening that could accompany expansion of garaging and servicing requirements.

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals Track Track

Track The Chauffeurs Coachhouse Castle Cottage Cottage

Gate Lodge

Former ticket office and toilets foot bridge .00

.00 .00 .00 .00 Pond

255

257 256 258 259 Low pond Pond Arched bridge Middle pond garden beds Waterfall Quarry foot bridge Alpine Den Pond Back Top pond Inventory of Garden and Designed Museum Path Landscapes boundary Geo. cairn

cistern Kildrummy castle

foot bridge Scheduled Monument boundary Gate to ramped steps Kildrummy Low terrace Rill

Manor Steps & gate Main drive sun dial

Terraced lawn Stone ballustrade Other drive Steps & gate

foot bridge Main path Kildrummy Castle

Rill Gate & steps Shed Other path

Former nursery / former veg garden Glasshouse Dynamo/turbine house, potting shed Cold frames Track Sinks Peter McGowan, landscape architect [email protected] • 07718 339567 with LDN Architects Kildrummy Garden – landscape appraisal, circulation & main features 28 July 2020 • not to scale

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 2.5.5 General condition on a scale ranging from outstanding value, through high, some and little value, to no value. All sites included in the Inventory are considered to be of national importance. Overall the garden is in good condition and has survived remarkably intact, particularly considering its most recent history. It has well-maintained feel due to mown lawns and swept paths, and is well The following is the evaluation of the garden as given in the HES Inventory (it should be noted that this weeded for a garden of its size and complexity. However, some of the more horticulturally demanding evaluation was done in the mid-1980s and has not been revised since), shown in plain text, with our areas such as the alpine beds in the quarry garden and the marginal planting around the ponds appear notes to expand the understanding of the garden’s importance added in italics. to have been left to their own devices and have lost their structure. It seems likely that the alpine collection has depleted over the years, since what remains would not normally be called rock-garden Artistic Interest, Outstanding or alpine plants and comprises larger Himalayan and similar plants and shrubs within rockwork beds. The design of the gardens using the dramatic ravine gives the site outstanding value as a Work of Art. There appears to be a back area in the quarry garden that was a fernery, again now depleted. The design does far more than this, of course: using the view of the castle from the house terraces and parts of the valley as a feature in the design; exploiting the natural narrow ravine and ancient stone The water garden is well stocked although more could be done to control and compose the plants, quarry; managing the burn to create the rill, three ponds and cascades; and employing the bridge as rather than leaving then top their own devices. a dramatic feature and framing device; and the layering and composing of trees, shrubs and perennial plants for seasonal effects in the garden spaces. All these aspects contribute to the outstanding artistic But it remains an exceptional garden in terms of its setting, overall design, plant design and plant value of Kildrummy. collections. The list of management issues below give more detail of the garden condition and action required. Historical, Some The Edwardian garden created by Colonel Ogston was developed within the earlier designed 2.5.6 Significance of Kildrummy Garden landscape, of which traces remain. This and the Castle give Kildrummy some Historical value. The 20th century history of the garden area may merit only a modest ‘Some’ value, but the site The value to a statement of significance is that it defines what is most important about a place and encompasses the house site and its earlier occupation by Kildrummy Lodge, the castle itself with its provides a basis for planning its conservation and development so that its essential character and centuries of outstanding Scottish national history, and the earlier history of the valley including the features are protected or enhanced. quarry use associated with the castle. We consider that all this merits at least a ‘High’ rating.

2.5.6.1 Existing designations as background to significance Horticultural, Outstanding The range of plants, particularly the alpines, gives the garden outstanding Horticultural value. Statutory designations provide an important reference point because a site can only be granted No question that Kildrummy is a very well stocked garden, but as well as alpines, it has impressive protection if it meets certain criteria, ie. it achieves a set level of significance. collections of exotic deciduous trees, native tree cultivars, species conifers and cultivars, a good range of shrubs, some rare or unusual Himalayan species (Primula, Meconopsis) and good collection of • Existing statutory and policy designations at Kildrummy Garden are as follows. marginal or bog garden plants. Sources also refer to New Zealand plants planted by the Smiths, and there may be significant ferns and rhododendrons, all of which need further assessment. • Kildrummy Castle: Scheduled Monument; added 1921, amended 1999 (SM90181)

• Kildrummy Castle Hotel including terraces stairs and retaining walls of garden; listed building Architectural, Outstanding Category B, added 1971 (LB9099) Kildrummy Castle is listed A and the garden has outstanding Architectural value. It seems a little inconsistent to include the Cat. A listing of the castle (listing now removed to avoid • Kildrummy Castle Hotel, bridge over Back Den: listed building Category B, added 1971 (LB9100) duplication with its Scheduled Monument designation) as the basis for the garden’s architectural value, when the castle is ignored in respect of its Historical value. Also, the garden was created to • Kildrummy Castle Garden: Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland; added 1987 complement the Cat. B listed house and has the Cat. B listed bridge of a key feature. Nonetheless, the (GDL00237) ‘outstanding’ rating is justified.

2.5.6.2 Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland re-evaluation Archaeological, Not Assessed (High or Outstanding) Archaeology was not one of the Inventory evaluation criteria when the Inventory was first drawn up A site included in the Inventory is assessed for its condition and integrity and for its level of importance. and Kildrummy included in 1987, but has been added in later assessments and revisions. We consider The criteria used are set out in Annex 5 of the Scottish Historic Environment Policy (December 2011). that the archaeological interest of the quarry and its spoil tips within the garden, and the use of stone The principles are represented by the following value-based criteria and are assigned a value for each salvaged from the castle in steps and other stonework in the garden, and the quern-, whin- and mill-

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals 6 Rill garden west

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals stones and other stones laid in the garden by Charles Ogston gives the garden ‘high’ archaeological value, or ‘outstanding’ value when one considers that part of the castle scheduled area lies within the garden.

Scenic, Some The surrounding shelterbelts provide some contribution to the scenery. The fact that the garden and its trees are hidden in the Back Den in long views means that the garden has a low impact in the wider scenery, which is what this assessment takes into account.

Nature Conservation, Some The waterside and woodland habitats give Kildrummy some value for Nature Conservation. In addition, the geological interest of the quarry rock beds and glacial boulders preserved in the garden may give addition value under this heading. Specialist surveys of flora and fauna and of the geological interest would be necessary to confirm the rating.

Recreational value, High Recreational value is not one of the criteria in the HES evaluation, which we consider to be an omission and generally we add it to our own appraisals, it being very relevant whether the place has private or public use. Kildrummy has a long history as a garden open to the public and as a visitor destination, both in regular opening by the Trust and special open days under the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, making a highly pleasurable day out. The garden can have similar value as a private garden, with the additional possibility of the pleasure of active gardening or other activities being taken into account.

2.5.6.3 Comparable gardens

Kildrummy rates well when compared with other notable gardens in Scotland and the rest of the UK (although it is distinctly Scottish) and it is an interesting exercise to select other such sites. Branklyn in Perth (National Trust for Scotland) is generally recognised as the foremost alpine / rock garden in Scotland and it will be instructive to consider this garden in relation to the future possibilities for the quarry garden. The fine rock garden at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is the other prime example, although on a very large scale. Many gardens and more extensive designed landscapes in Scotland have dramatic natural topography with natural rocky glens and gorges incorporated in their layout (too numerous to mention), but it is difficult to think of a garden within a deep quarry in a ravine. The best site in the UK is at Belsay Hall, Northumberland (English Heritage) where the quarry garden is on a large scale with varied planting along its length. Such sites lend themselves to fine high bridges and again there are many examples, from the old bridge of Alva over a gorge at Duff House, Banffshire (private / golf course) to the Montagu bridge by Robert Adam at Dalkeith Park, Midlothian (Buccleuch Estates), although none of these bridges are quiet so central to the layout. Another aspect of Kildrummy that is special is the incorporation of views of an ancient ruin in the layout of the house and garden, and the original owner’s interest in conserving and restoring the monument. Here a good comparison can be made with Dryburgh House, Scottish Borders (private) and the planning of the landscape by David Erskine, Earl of Buchan c1800 to integrate the ruin of Dryburgh abbey, which he restored to act as a large folly in his parkland (abbey now owned by Historic Environment Scotland.

Kildrummy Manor Development Proposals