2015 Edzell
300 years after Edzell Castle was sold by the Lindsays, we were back!
Welcomed like family by the Glenesk Hotel, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch, with the friendly staff attending to our every need. We welcomed old friends and new, and it wasn’t long before laughter was ringing around the dining room and the fun began.
We were delighted to welcome James and Ludovic Lindsay on behalf of the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres. Nephews of the Earl, James was accompanied by his wife Amelia, and Ludovic had sons Merlin and Cosmo to escort him.
Following lunch, the Clan travelled to Edzell Castle, with Diarmid Lindsay piping our departure from the hotel and Scott Lindsay piping us into the Castle grounds. One of the sunniest days of the year allowed us to leisurely explore the castle and stroll around the award-winning gardens. Before leaving, we once again raised the Lindsay flag on the flagpole in place of the customary Historic Scotland flag.
Afternoon tea was provided by the Glenesk Hotel before we brought our Gathering to it’s official conclusion with many commenting that this year was a great success and lots of fun. However, there were many of us staying in the hotel for the night and so the entertainment continued with traditional music and singing, supported by the Glenesk’s amazing whisky collection.
Could the 2016 Gathering top this? We’re certainly planning on it…watch this space!
2015 Details
The 2015 Gathering will be held in Edzell on Saturday 29th August.
Of all the Lindsay associated places, Edzell remains forever the favourite and most iconic due to its long history with the family and the beautiful formal walled garden, first laid out by Sir David Lindsay in 1604, the first such formal garden in Scotland. Situated at the foot of the Angus Glens once called “The Land of the Lindsays”.
The last full Gathering at Edzell was in 2004 although a small party did visit in 2009 and succeeded in having the Lindsay Standard raised (in place of that of Historic Scotland) for the first time since we sold Edzell in 1715, of which 2015 is the 300th anniversary.
Whether we shall be so successful with the Standard this time remains to be seen, but we will be able to view the major refurbishment of the building that has taken place since our last visit.
We will Gather at the Glenesk Country House Hotel, Edzell (now under new ownership) at 12 noon for lunch at 12:30pm. Following lunch we will take a short drive to view the Castle, garden and Lindsay Aisle before returning to the Hotel for tea and departure.
A drive up the beautiful Glen Esk to our former Invermark Castle and Loch Lee is also well worth taking if you are staying in the area. Members are encouraged to bring guests, meet old friends and new, and enjoy a friendly, relaxed day out in the heart of our ancient lands.