Aberdeen to Fraserburgh Road

The road that leads to Ardgrain was once the main Aberdeen to Fraserburgh route, which passed through the market town of Ellon before winding its way northwards

The main Fraserburgh road would have been a prominent position to site a Baronial house like Ardgrain, commanding views down the hill towards Ellon and beyond. Centuries after Ardgrain was built, a new road was to Fraserburgh was constructed, a few miles away. From Ardgrain onwards, the old Fraserburgh road today becomes a rough track, better suited to mountain bikes, quads and horses.

Ardgrain Track

Leading from this old Fraserburgh road is the gravel track to Ardgrain, which is some 250 metres long. The Ardgrain track is lined on each side by rough granite drystone walls, and circles round the back of the main house, before entering into the enclosed courtyard.

Ardgrain Track

John Forbes Ratification (1669)

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 »

Ardgrain History

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 »

Ardgrain - A Scottish Feudal Barony

What makes a site a Barony, and why did this make Ardgrain so important?

An introduction to the mediaeval feudal system, where warrior nobility ruled Scotland. Read more »

Ardgrain