The Ardgrain Name

Ardgrain

From its earliest Celtic origins, the name Ardgrain has slowly evolved over time while remaining easily recognisable and totally unique

Celtic Origins

The name Ardgrain has gradually evolved and changed in spelling over the past centuries. With few people able to write, many references to Ardgrain were transcribed from word of mouth, and local accents and changing dialects have played a part in the various spellings.

The Ardgrain name itself has strong Celtic origins. The Celtic word for hill, point or store is 'ard' and Ardgrain is thought to mean either grain point, grain store or grain hill.

The hill behind the house is now known as "Hill of Ardgrain" on maps. Later houses were built near Ardgrain, and Ardgrain eventually became known as Nether (or lower) Ardgrain as neighbouring houses were named Upper Ardgrain and North Ardgrain.

Hill of Ardgrain

The Evolution of 'Nether Ardgrain'

Ardgrane - Alexander Irvin - (1422), John Alardes - (1485), William Hay - (1580)
Ardgranne - William Herrowar (1506)
Ardgrayne - Robert Innes (1527)
Ardgraine - Robert Innes (1534)
Ardgroin - Bleau Atlas (1662)
Ardgrein - Thomas Forbes (1677)
Nether Ardgrain - (1800's - today)

Virgil Quotation and Ardgrain Motto

Discover why a quote from the Roman poet and author, Virgil, was carved above the Ardgrain doors

The Virgil Quote

Carved into a weathered stone, directly above the main double doors at Ardgrain, is a quotation taken from the classical Roman poet and author, Virgil. Read more »

The Slaughter of Watertown

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 »