Fettercairn, like Edzell a few miles away lies at the foot of the hills and on the edge of the strath.....where the Howe o' The Mearns merges into Strathmore, and like Edzell, it too is entered from the south through a red sandstone archway, this time commemorating the visit here, in September 1861 of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and her entourage.
The party had come over the hills from Ballater in Deeside and somewhat bizarrley, booked themselves into the Ramsey Arms Hotel in the village, describing themselves as a wedding party from Aberdeen.
At one point in the evening, they thought their true identity had been discovered, when a fanfare of music was heard outside, but it was merely the local band at its weekly practise, marching up and down the street outside!
The following day the royal group returned to Balmoral over the Cairn o' Mount, a high road connecting Angus to Deeside, that is still often closed in winter months but from which spectacular views over the area can be had.
The Mercat Cross in the village square was taken from the original town of Kincardine, which was at one time the county town of Kincardineshire. The town was never a success and the seat of the county was transferred to Stonehaven in 1606.
Today you will look in vain for signs to Kincardine as all that remains of it is a grassy mound covered by trees about 2 miles away from Fettercairn.
Nearby Fasque is the home of the Gladstone family and is open to the public. It was originally built by Sir Alexander Ramsey of Balmain, but he ruined himself in the process and sold the it to John Gladstone, a successful merchant from Leith, whose fourth son was William Ewart Gladstone, the future Prime Minister.
You can reach Fasque by following the Cairn o' Mount road north out of Fettercairn.
A scenic alternative to the Cairn o' Mount is nearby Glen Drumtochty which contains a very grand Victorian gothic castle, now an hotel, and a picturesque church. This beautiful Episcopal chapel of St Palladius was built in the 1880s and dedicated to the saint who now surveys the scene from his plinth high on the church wall.
The forests hereabouts are very popular with walkers and cyclists and have a great range of forest habitats, from mature 100 year old trees and dense forest to wildlife ponds, and from long cycle trails to short walks and picnic areas.
Back in Fettercairn, its worth visiting the local distillery which is open for tours from May to September. Old Fettercairn is the official name for the whisky distilled here. It is lightly peated but the water used to make it is also peaty so it emerges as a well-textured malt with creamy, fine feel and medium weight. Some smoke, spice, vanilla lacing and a nutty/malty tone all the way through.
The standard issue is 10 years old and 40/43% vol., with rare offerings from the independents. It is used in the Whyte & Mackay blend.
For a map of the area, click here.
