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BURNETT GATHERING 30th July to 6th August 2017
The 2017 Burnett Gathering includes events and activities which should
appeal to Burnetts of all ages. There will be a number of new excursions and options for those
who have been to previous Gatherings.
The Gathering will comprise of a Long and a Short Visit.
A number of items will be included in the package charge and others remain optional.
Items marked (N) will not be included in the packages.
Accommodation can be arranged be at the Self Catering Villas and Apartments
at the Inchmarlo Resort in Banchory (N)
Details of suggested alternative accommodation can be found in the notes below.
THE LONG VISIT Sunday 30th July - Sunday 6th August
DAY ONE
Monday 31st July
Guided Tour of Ballindalloch Castle and Culloden Battlefield (N)
Evening
Family History Supper/Lecture (N)
*****
DAY TWO
Tuesday 1st August
Guided tour of Arbroath Abbey and St Andrews including a visit to
Iain Burnett the Highland Chocolatier (N)
Evening
Heraldry Supper/Lecture (N)
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THE SHORT VISIT Wednesday 2nd - Sunday 6th August
DAY THREE
Wednesday 2nd August
Guided Tours of Crathes Castle
Visit to the Crannog on the Loch of Leys
Burnett Luncheon
Scottish Country Dancing Classes and Ceilidh Workshops (N)
Go-Ape Treetop Adventure (N)
Visit to Kemnay House, home of the Burnetts of Kemnay (N)
Evening
Scottish Theatrical Production at Woodend Banchory
*****
DAY FOUR
Thursday 3rd August
Guided walk up Scolty Hill overlooking Banchory
Journey on the Deeside Railway
Guided Tour of Crathes Gardens
Scottish Country Dancing Classes and Ceilidh Workshops (N)
Croquet on the lawn at Crathes Castle (Annual inter-clan match)
Leys Estate Tour
Battlegrounds Paintball or Wilderness Challenge (N)
Evening
Ghostly Tour of Crathes Castle
*****
DAY FIVE
Friday 4th August
Choice of Local Guided Tours
Tour 1: Deeside
Craigievar Castle * Drum Castle * Blairs Museum
Tour 2: South
Fettercairn Distillery * Edzell Castle * Dunnottar Castle
Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre
Tour 3: Historical Aberdeen
Trinity Hall * The Town House * Mitchell Hall * The Grant Room
Evening
*Free time*
*****
DAY SIX
Saturday 5th August
Aboyne Highland Games with lunch at the Burnett Tent
Evening
Grand Traditional Ceilidh
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EVERY DAY ACTIVITIES
Access to Crathes Castle, Gardens and Grounds
Golf at Inchmarlo (N)
Salmon Fishing on the River Dee (N)
Evening Hunting with the Leys Estate Gamekeeper (N)
(N) Events and Activities not included in package charges.
Any additions or necessary changes will be posted on the website Burnett Website or advise to
those who have expressed an interest in attending.
*****
DETAILS OF PROGRAMME
Transport will be provided to and from Inchmarlo/Banchory and Crathes for all Events and
Activities and included in any charges. There may also be transport available from Glasgow on
Sunday 30th July and returning on Sunday August 6th.
Accommodation can be arranged in the 2 & 3 bedroom Self Catering Villas and Apartments at
the Inchmarlo Resort. A catering delivery service to the accommodation is provided by the
nearby Golf Centre (Tee Room Restaurant).
LONG VISIT Our Guide for Monday and Tuesday will be Elma McMenemy, a Blue Badge Scottish Tourist
Guide for 30 years and Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire’s ‘Hospitality Hero’ of 2015/6. She has a
great interest in genealogy, has qualified in Ancestral Tourism and has guided very many
visitors seeking their roots and wanting to follow in their ancestors’ footsteps. She aims not
only to interpret the countryside, towns and villages we pass through but also bring alive the
history of the area and Scotland with factual information and to entertain with appropriate
anecdotes.
DAY ONE
Monday 31st July
Guided tour to include Ballindalloch Castle and Culloden Battlefield (N)
Did your forebears fight at Culloden (for either side)? If so, this tour is for you. The route heads
north through the ancient Forbes and Gordon lands and over the mountains, passing The
Glenlivet Distillery and into Grant country and beyond to Culloden Battlefield. We return
towards Aberdeen passing Huntly, ancient seat of the Gordons.
Ballindalloch Castle is the home to the Macpherson-Grant
family since 1546 and is still their family home today. This
gives it a very special ‘lived-in’ atmosphere. Among the
antiques and family heirlooms are Scotland’s largest
collection of fine Spanish paintings, lovely china and many
silver trophies won by the Ballindalloch Aberdeen Angus
herd, the oldest in existence. There will be time to tour the
castle, have a cup of coffee and walk in the beautiful
gardens.
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Culloden Battlefield: Experience the Battle through the ‘battle
immersion film’ and exhibits in the visitor centre and view the
battlefield from the rooftop terrace. There will be time to walk
onto the battlefield and view some of the memorial stones.
This can be expected to be an emotional visit, particularly for
those who know their ancestors were injured or perished here.
Lunch will be included.
*****
DAY TWO
Tuesday 1st August
Guided tour to Arbroath Abbey and St Andrews
including a visit to Iain Burnett’s Highland Chocolatier (N)
This tour offers an insight into Scotland’s early history. The route is over the Grampian
Mountains to Stonehaven and follows the North Sea coast to Arbroath. Angus is known as the
Birthplace of Scotland, in part because of the Declaration of Arbroath, a document believed to
form the basis of the USA’s Declaration of Independence. We continue south through Dundee
and across the Tay Bridge to Fife and St Andrews and return via Dundee.
Arbroath Abbey was founded in 1178 by King William I ‘The
Lion’ who was buried here in 1214. In 1320 the Declaration
of Independence, countering the English Edward II’s claims
over Scotland and signed by Scottish nobles, barons and
freemen, was dispatched from the Abbey to Pope John XXII.
Included will be a short walking tour of St Andrews with our Blue Badge Guide.
There is a chocolate tasting with Iain Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier, in his St Andrews shop.
There will be free time in St Andrews to explore, perhaps
visit St Andrews Castle and Cathedral ruins), the British
Golf Museum or even take a photo outside the Royal and
Ancient clubhouse. St Andrews is a pleasant, compact
town with many small independent shops for those who
may prefer to do some shopping here. Lunch will not be
included.
Heraldy Evening with supper (N)
Charles Burnett, the Ross Herald
Family History Evening with supper (N)
Charles Burnett, the Ross Herald
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SHORT VISIT DAY THREE
Wednesday 2nd August
Guided Tours of Crathes Castle
These will include a special tour for younger members of the Gathering
Visit to the Crannog on the Loch of Leys
An essential visit to the Loch of Leys to set foot on the Crannog, the man -made island on
which the Burnetts lived in the 14th century before they built Crathes Castle.
Burnett Luncheon.
A special welcome from the Burnett Family
Scottish Country Dancing Classes and Ceilidh Workshops (N)
Isobel McMillan will provide tuition for some easy Ceilidh and Country dances to
allow greater enjoyment of Saturday’s Grand Traditional Ceilidh.
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Visit to Kemnay House (N)
Home of the Burnetts of Kemnay. We will be welcomed by the resident family member,
Alexandra Burnett (N)
Go-Ape Treetop Adventure (N)
Take to the trees and speed down the zip slides as part of an exciting course of rope
bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings high above the forest floor.
£26 (aged 16+) and £20 (aged 10–15). Minimum height for participants 1.4m (4’ 6”)
Third Degree Burns: Theatrical Production
A hilariously funny musical farce at Woodend Banchory with Buffet Supper.
The programme will include some items to accompany the principal performance.
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DAY FOUR
Thursday August 3rd
Guided walk up Scolty Hill
Scolty Hill is a small hill with a magnificent view overlooking Banchory. The special feature is
the tower which was built in 1840 as a memorial to General William Burnett.
Journey on the Deeside Railway
The Royal Deeside Railway is a standard gauge steam and diesel hauled heritage railway, in a
beautiful setting running alongside the River Dee and is of historical significance. The return
journey lasts about 20 minutes. At the Milton of Crathes, there is a railway carriage tearoom
and a shop with ice creams etc. in addition to the Milton Gallery, Restaurant and Shops
Battlegrounds Paintball (N)
An adrenaline fuelled 3 hour session amongst the heather, silver birch and scots pine Leys
Estate woodlands. The sites include one of infamous Trench warfare with its network of
trenches, bridges and watchtowers. Suitable for 12 years and over (£26)
Also Wilderness Challenge, an activity which involves a competitive wilderness based challenge
incorporating shelter building, hunting for resources and making a cup of pine needle tea.
Suitable for 8 years and over (£20). Activities can also include Archery, Laser Tag and Bubble
Football - 8 years and above £20.
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Scottish Country Dancing Classes and Ceildih Workshops (N)
As for Wednesday
Leys Estate Tours
There are a number of projects and developments on the Leys Estate which may be of interest
to visitors. A list of these will be made available on arrival and interest established.
Croquet on the Lawn at Crathes Castle
The Annual Inter-Clan Match
The famous Crathes Castle Croquet Lawn will be available during the day with guidance and
tuition from the Crathes Croquet Club and Bob Burnett, former British Croquet Champion. A
team, maybe more than one, will be selected for the Annual Inter- Clan match in the evening.
Refreshments will be provided for players and spectators.
Evening
Guided Ghostly Tour of Crathes Castle.
Young and old will be able to explore the castle in the evening and hear of the ghostly activities
of the past.
Visitors will be free to make their own lunch and supper arrangements
*****
DAY FIVE
Friday August 4th
Choice of Three Guided Local tours
Tour 1: Deeside
Drum Castle * Blairs Museum * Craigievar Castle
Drum Castle is the ancestral home of the Irvines. William Irvine and Alexander Burnett were
granted lands by King Robert the Bruce in the 14th century and the two families have lived as
good neighbours ever since. David Irvine of Drum will assist with the guiding.
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Blairs Museum is housed in part of the former
national junior seminary and offers a unique insight
into Scotland's Catholic history and heritage with
spectacular collections spanning more than 500
years with a magnificent collection of paintings,
church textiles, sacred silver and Jacobite
memorabilia belonging to the Scottish Roman
Catholic Church including famous portraits of Mary
Queen of Scots and Stuart family.
Lunch will be provided
Craigievar Castle is an iconic tower house,
amongst the best preserved and the most loved
in Scotland. The Forbes family lived in the castle
for 350 years and has much in common with
Crathes. The castle is home to a fine collection of
family portraits and original plaster ceilings. There
is also much original Jacobean woodwork and
some beautiful furniture, including the 'Craigievar
table'. The great tower stands just as it did when
completed in 1626. Surrounding the castle are
extensive parkland grounds with two way-marked
walks. There is also a small Victorian kitchen
garden and a Scottish glen garden.
*****
Tour 2: South
Fettercairn Distillery * Edzell Castle
Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre * Dunnottar Castle
Fettercairn Distillery: Founded in 1824 by Sir
Alexander Ramsay, whose father started life as
Alexander Burnett and grandson of Sir Thomas
Burnett of Leys. Here we’ll have a distillery
tour, taste one of the distillery’s single malt
whiskies and have the opportunity to buy
whiskies and souvenirs
Edzell Castle: Originally the stronghold of the
Stirlings of Glenesk, who were later replaced by the
Crawford Lindsays. In the early 1600s the Laird Sir
David Lindsay created ‘the pleasance’, a wonderful
formal garden which we can visit; the bedding
plants are usually at their best in early August.
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The Grassic Gibbon Centre in Arbuthnott, which celebrates the life and writing of Lewis Grassic
Gibbon, pen-name of James Leslie Mitchell, author of A Scots Quair, a trilogy set in The Mearns
and which includes Sunset Song, inspiration for the recent film of the same name.
Lunch will be provided here
Dunnottar Castle (Dùn Fhoithear - "fort on the
shelving slope"), is a ruined medieval fortress
located upon a rocky headland near Stonehaven
The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and
16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been
fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Dunnottar has
played a prominent role in the history of Scotland
through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings
because of its strategic location and defensive
strength. Dunnottar is best known as the place
where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's
invading army in the 17th century. The property of the Keiths from the 14th century, and the
seat of the Earl Marischal, Dunnottar declined after the last Earl forfeited his titles by taking
part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. The castle has been partly restored
Owned for centuries by the Keith Earls Marischal, Dunnottar and was held briefly by the
Burnetts . The visit is an unforgettable experience in a truly stunning setting. This tour offers
particular interest not only for Burnetts but also Keiths, Arbuthnotts and Lindsays. The route
follows one of the lower passes over the Grampian mountains to the North Sea coast at
Stonehaven, once home of the Barclays of Ury. There is a 15 minute walk to the Castle but it
can be viewed and the history described from a view pointy for those who would prefer to avoid
the walk.
We return to Banchory via historic Cairn o’ Mount, one of the highest passes over the Grampian
Mountains
*****
Tour 3: Historical Aberdeen
Guided by Charles Burnett, the Ross Herald
The interior of Trinity Hall, the home of the seven incorporated trades and is indeed one of
Aberdeen’s hidden gems, and filled with heraldic wonders. Also included are The Mitchell Hall.
The Grant Room, the former Court Room in Marischal College and the Town Hall, the
impressive Neo-Gothic Town House dates from the 1870 building which incorporates elements
of the previous Town House and Tolbooth and reflects the wealth of the merchant city of 19th
century Aberdeen. The Aberdeen visit will be an enlightening and memorable experience. Being
in the heart of Aberdeen, there will be a prolonged lunch break with time for options for
shopping or further sightseeing with Charles Burnett. Lunch will be provided.
Evening
Free Time
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DAY SIX
Saturday 5th August
Aboyne Highland Games with Lunch at the Burnett Tent
Visitors must be responsible for admission to the Games Field (N)
Evening
Grand Ceilidh
Highland Dancing, Singing, Bothy Ballads, Piping, Fiddle and Accordion music and Scottish
Country Dancing for all with traditional Ceilidh fare
*****
EVERY DAY ACTIVITIES
Access to Crathes Castle, Gardens and Grounds.
Visitors have access to Crathes Castle, Gardens and Grounds at all opening times
Salmon Fishing on the Dee (N)
Throughout the week, Salmon Fishing is available
on the River Dee. The estate Ghillies will be on-
hand to give such guidance as is required. All
fishing equipment and transport between
Crathes Castle and the river can be provided.
There are two Ghillies who will be available to
assist and instruct. Maximum number of rods
that can fish at any time is four. Charge will be
£25 per half day (3 hours). Any person taking a
rod can be accompanied by others, but only one
can fish at any one time.
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Evening Hunting with the Gamekeeper (N)
Hunting parties of up to three persons will be
accompanied by the Gamekeeper, Craig
Henshaw. Roe Deer will be viewed and, if
suitable, maybe shot from a tree platform.
Evening hunting usually includes rabbiting with a
lamp. Lamping can also include calling foxes
which are regarded as vermin. Badgers may also
be seen at night but are protected. Viewing
expectancy is high but cannot be guaranteed
(£25 per person)
Golf at Inchmarlo (N)
Throughout the week, the Inchmarlo Golf Course,
Driving Range and facilities, including clubs and
trolleys, will be available at special rates. Golf at
Inchmarlo is operated by the Paul Lawrie team and
coaching is available if required.
*****
Notes
Eileen Bailey, our Historian and Genealogist will be in attendance and pleased to discuss
any family history or genealogy related subjects. She will be accompanied by her husband
Bill.
Meals (including wine and soft drinks) will be provided only where indicated above.
Cafés/Restaurants will always be available for normal meal times. There is a catering
delivery service for the Inchmarlo Villas and Apartments and a restaurant at the close by
Golf Centre where breakfast will also be available.
• All those attending the Gathering will be met or contacted on arrival and provided with
further details, passes, maps and any other relevant information.
• At previous Gatherings, there have been requests to have kilts made from the Burnett
Tartan. Measurements can be sent in advance and fitting and completion on arrival. If
this is of interest please advise 6 months before the Gathering.
Charges are inclusive of VAT and other than indicated, the package charges include
local transport and all charges for all events and activities, meals where indicated in the
detailed programme, all gratuities and guides. There will be no charge for cancellations
before 31st March 2017. After that date, there may be an appropriate charge. Items
marked (N) in the details above will not be included in the packages
Adult £345
Aged 10–16 inclusive £260
Under 10 Free
The programme includes some optional activities and events which are not included in
the package charge. To assist with transport and other arrangements, and when the
number of gathering guests is known, all guests will be contacted to establish individual
interest in the options. Further events may be possible when numbers and ages are
known.
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The programme is provisional. If there are changes to the programme, appropriate
amendments to the charges will be made.
The package charge does not include accommodation which can be arranged at the Self
Catering 2 & 3 bedroom Villas and Apartments at The Inchmarlo Resort, Banchory. The
charge at Inchmarlo per twin room per night is £65 which includes a welcome basic food
package.
For those wishing not to stay at Inchmarlo, the following may be of interest.
Burnett Arms Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 44 (0) 1330 824944
Tor-na-coille Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 44 (0) 1330 822242
Raemoir Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 44 (0) 1330 824884
Douglas Arms Hotel
Website: Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 44 (0) 1330 822547
Banchory Lodge Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 44 (0) 1330 822626
For any further information or assistance with any of the above, please contact:
James Burnett of Leys Estate (Fiona Lees)
Banchory Business Centre
Burn O' Bennie Road
Banchory
Scotland. AB31 5ZU
Email: [email protected]
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