Ardgrain

Ratification in favour of Sir Alexander Seton of Pitmedden

Scottish parliment records from 28th July 1681, which feature the Barony of Ardgrain. At the time of King James II, these texts describe a ratification in favour of Sir Alex Seton of Pitmedden.  Read more » 

Judicial proceedings: acts of the lords auditors of causes and complaints

22 June 1493  Read more » 

Ratification in favours of Sir Johne Forbes of Watertoun

Our soverane lord, with advice and consent of his majesties' estates of parliament, hes ratified and approven and, be thir presents, ratifies and approves ane charter and infeftment, granted be his majestie under the great seale, of the date the fourt day of August 1669 yeers, to Sir Johne Forbes of Watertoun, his airs maill and assignays whatsomever, heretablie and irredeimably, off all and haill the lands of Ardgrein and Broomefeild, with multers, sequells, houses, bigings, yeards, tofts, crofts, outsets, tennents, te  Read more » 

The protection and listing of historic buildings in Scotland, and the listing awarded to Nether Ardgrain

Historic Scotland

Certain buildings are protected in Scotland because they represent a key part of Scotland’s heritage. As well as providing a link to Scotland's past, historic buildings help to generate tourism and promote Scotland's culture and identity.  Read more » 

Discover what a Tower House is, and why Ardgrain is especially unique in sharing both Tower House and Country House features

A Scottish Tower House is a stone structure built for both living and defensive purposes. The design of a Tower House evolved from earlier castle types such as Celtic Fortresses and Motte and Bailey Castles.

Dunnottar Castle  Read more » 

Not long after constructing Ardgrain, the Kennedies became embroiled in a bitter land dispute, which later became locally known as the slaughter of Watertown.

Clan Rivalry

Thomas Forbes, whose stately mansion with courtyards and stables was built beside the Ythan river to the east of Ellon, was in his middle years, with nine sons and daughters. John Kennedy, the hereditary constable of Aberdeen (this title tied to the Ardgrain site some years earlier) was the latest of a long line of Kennedies of Ellon.  Read more » 

Text abridged from Libri Actorum Curiae Vicecomitatus de Aberdeen MS.

Taken from Antiquities of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff (Vol III) 1857 - Page 37.  Read more » 

Ancient texts taken from the Charter Chest at Ellon describing the Ardgrain lands in 1534

Taken from Antiquities of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff (Vol III) 1857 - Page 33.  Read more » 

Ancient texts describing the lands of Ardgrain in 1495

Taken from Antiquities of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff (Vol III) 1857 - Page 32.  Read more » 

Fascinating extracts from charters and texts of an Ardgrain centuries ago 

As a Feudal Barony, events surrounding Ardgrain were often documented in texts, charters and other important documents.

Many of these Ardgrain texts still exist, but remain hidden within dusty volumes or in private collections. Occasionally when researching the history of Ardgrain we come across interesting snippets of text which offer a glimpse into Ardgrains past.  Read more »