Abernethy and Elcho Castle
Abernethy Round Tower
Abernethy is a picturesque Perthshire village which we’ve never visited before. Intrigued by the description of its Round Tower, we set off last Sunday to put that right. The first place we called into was Berryfields Tearoom – don’t judge! It was because they hold the tower key – and what an impressive key it is. Not one you could lose easily.
The tower is one of only two remaining Irish Celtic-style towers in Scotland (the other being in Brechin). It dates from around 1100 and, as well as functioning as a bell tower, it has served as a secure place for local people and their possessions in times of danger.
Inside, about 100 steps lead to the roof where there are good views of the village. Despite being April, and theoretically Spring, it was perishing cold up there so we didn’t stay long.
Back outside, we looked at the jougs on the wall in horror – a medieval iron collar and chain used for punishment. Less unpleasant was a stone carved with Pictish symbols, maybe from the 7th century, which was found nearby.
Abernethy village
On returning the key, the smell of food was so enticing that we stayed in the tearoom for lunch (and a warm-up). Good food and friendly service – we recommend it. Fortunately we were planning a walk to get rid of some of the excess calories! First of all, though, we took a gentle stroll around the village which we found very attractive with its pretty cottages.
We also loved Nurse Peattie’s Garden. Nurse Peattie was the District Nurse who served Abernethy from 1936-1963. She travelled around by bicycle until, as she aged, the community clubbed together to buy her a car. The garden was dedicated to her in 1966 and has been maintained and improved ever since – what a lovely story!
Abernethy Glen
A slightly more energetic circular walk of about 3.5km took us to Castle Law via Abernethy Glen. Part of the walk was on a rough track called Witches Road, named after a coven of 22 local women who, according to legend, were burnt to death on Abernethy Hill. Another horrible piece of history.
Elcho Castle
After we’d finished our walk it was still only mid-afternoon, so we drove a few miles further to Elcho Castle, a place we have visited before but not for many years. Built around 1560 by the Wemyss family (pronounced Weems), the fortified mansion is one of Scotland’s best-preserved 16th century tower houses (though it still has a few floors missing as you can see in the gallery).
A short walk away, next to the duck pond, is Elcho Doocot (dovecote) which has to be one of the prettiest I have seen.
After that, it really was time to head for home and put our feet up for a well-deserved rest.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
I remember seeing a round tower in the southwest corner of Ireland years ago. It was apparently one of the oldest. I can’t remember the name of the little fishing village where it was situated, so I went to google to try to prod my memory. I came across the website below that cites someone who claims the design of the round towers allowed them to function like resonators, or a type of radio tower.
https://sacredsites.com/europe/ireland/tower_of_cashel.html
Jude
LikeLike
How fascinating! Also, I wonder if ours had a conical top like that originally.
LikeLike
Fascinating buildings, beauty, views and great tearooms . . .a fabulous balance to the historical horrors you came across.
LikeLike
Indeed, though it’s important to remember them too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
very true x
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fascinating walk round with you as always! Such interesting though rather gruesome stories – those poor women 😦 Love the story about the district nurse and the preserved old tower. I don’t blame you for going into the tearooms – I would have done exactly the same! 🙂
LikeLike
The District Nurse story shows the good side of human nature and at least partially balances out the bad stories. This was 2 weeks ago, and it was so cold. Things have picked up so much: I hope we can hang on to the sunshine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Apparently the weather is due to break on Wednesday day we arrive in UK!!
LikeLike
I know …… I’ve heard thunderstorms are due 😟
LikeLike
That is an impressive key, but judging by how many people try to walk off with our equally large museum toilet key, I’m willing to bet they’ve lost a few over the years! The jougs and witch site are grim, though fascinating, but the lovely garden and duck pond make up for it. Love the duck gate!
LikeLike
I thought the duck gate was cute, and the doocot was like a little hobbit house. All very pretty. The key looked quit old, but I suspect it’s quite a modern lock so probably just pretendy- old. No chance of us walking off with it, we wanted our lunch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely tour of this historical place, Anabel. The fate of those so-called witches is too awful to contemplate. Elcho castle must have been magnificent in its heyday.
LikeLike
I know, poor women, who knows what they did to be treated that way. Nothing much, maybe a bit odd or troublesome. I’m glad I don’t live in those times!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Anabel – what a great little tour … I’ve never heard of ’round towers’ before – so interesting to read about them. A delightful village – mighty cold, I bet with the winds we’ve been having. History has its moments doesn’t it … and we wouldn’t be here but for all those horrors – not sure much has changed – but am so glad I’m a Brit and born in this age – but love finding out about the history … though am very glad I was never strung up! I’ve just given a talk about the Dissolution of Monasteries from the POV as a Revolution … so albeit there weren’t many horrors there were one or two monstrosities – typical of the day. Can I say – cheers … Hilary
LikeLike
I didn’t know about round towers either, it was an interesting place. History has some horrible dark deeds in it: as you say, not all has changed! I hope your talk went well.
LikeLike
Just can’t get enough photos of castles. I love this one, especially the little round bit at the top.
LikeLike
It’s very pretty and I love exploring all the staircases inside (there are three!)
LikeLike
Hi, Anabel – I LOVE how your strolls usually include coffee and lunch. Now I start getting hungry as soon as I begin to read about your adventures!
LikeLike
Those parts are always very important!
LikeLike
What lovely towns! But you are right about the history..most historical sights are great to see and I’m so glad we have them, but every once in a while they remind us of parts of history that are very disturbing.
LikeLike
Thanks Ann. I think it’s important not to shy away from those bits so it’s good to see them remembered.
LikeLike