What happened to Kildrummy Castle Gardens?

Guest blog by Regina Elrich

Perhaps some readers will know Kildrummy Castle Gardens in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. If so, they might remember it as a beautiful, friendly, peaceful haven tucked away in a ravine overlooked by the impressive ruins of Kildrummy Castle.

During the pandemic the gardens were closed to the public. However, anyone trying to visit this much loved asset after lockdown would have found the access fenced off and the gardens closed permanently. They might have asked themselves what had happened to Kildrummy Castle Gardens and whether or not they would be able to visit them again in the future.

To answer these questions and to understand why this place is of particular significance, it’s worth taking a brief look at the history of the gardens which were developed in the early 1900s on behalf of Colonel James Ogston, an Aberdeen businessman.

James Ogston had bought Kildrummy Estate in 1898 and commissioned the construction of a mansion which was completed in 1900. It was then decided that the ancient quarry and the ravine below the house – also known as The Back Den of Kildrummy – was gradually turned into parkland. The unique landscape setting leant itself to creating a variety of garden designs from alpine rockeries to water gardens to cultivating trees and shrubs. The Den was bridged by a replica of the medieval Brig o’ Balgowan in Aberdeen, providing access to the house. After James Ogston’s death in 1931 Kildrummy Estate including the mansion, the ruined castle and the gardens was passed on to his heirs.

In the 1950s the castle ruins were given to the then Ministry of Works and are now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The estate was sold and the mansion let as a hotel until 2018. The gardens were also offered to the Ministry of Works but this offer was declined. In 1968 the estate owners gave the gardens to a charitable trust, the Kildrummy Castle Gardens Trust.

The objectives of the Trust were, amongst others, the maintenance and improvement of the gardens as well as administering the Trust’s funds to the benefit of botanical and forestry-related learning and science at the University of Aberdeen. The Deed of Trust also stipulated that “The holder of the Chair of Botany and the holder of the Chair of Forestry in the University of Aberdeen shall be Trustees ex officio”. In addition, “fit and proper persons” with no connections with universities or learning could be appointed as Trustees to ensure a quorum. The Deed also made provisions that should these chairs be split into more than two or amalgamated, then the University Court of Aberdeen University had the power to appoint the holders of the relevant chairs as Trustees ex officio.

In 1987 Kildrummy Castle Gardens were included in Scotland’s Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes by Historic Environment Scotland and granted the status of a Site of National Importance due to its “outstanding artistic, horticultural and architectural value”. As such they are a part of Scottish heritage.

Kildrummy Castle Gardens Trust managed the gardens for more than 50 years. Apart from their botanical interest and their varied, unique landscaping, the gardens also comprised a tearoom, a small museum and a plant sale. They were open to the public from spring until autumn and their peace and beauty was enjoyed not only by the local community but also by visitors from far and wide.

In July 2019 the Trust announced on their Facebook page that the gardens would remained closed “until further notice”.

There was hope that this closure would be only temporary. The permanent closure of the gardens was announced in July 2021 “due to change of ownership”. While the sale of Kildrummy Estate was reported in the regional press, there had been no mention of the fate of Kildrummy Castle Gardens. For many in the community, this was a sudden and unexpected development.

So, what had happened?

Until mid 2020 Kildrummy Estate, excluding the gardens and the castle ruins, was owned by a holding company, Kildrummy (Jersey) Ltd. In June 2020 this company, rather than the estate itself, was sold to a wealthy couple from the US, Chris and Camille Bently. Importantly, the old castle and the gardens were not part of the sale.

At that point the gardens were still maintained but the bridge was in need of extensive repair. Masonry from the stone structure kept falling off posing a serious safety risk. As the bridge was part of the gardens, the Trust would have been liable for any harm caused to visitors and staff. Above all, the investment needed for the bridge repair was beyond the means of the Trust. The alternative to selling the property and dissolving the Trust would have been to keep the gardens closed and largely left to neglect.

The Trustees, two of whom were senior lecturers at the School of Biological Science at Aberdeen University, decided in favour of selling. As Kildrummy Castle Gardens Trust was a charity, the powers to dispose of the asset had to be obtained via a court ruling. Subsequently, the gardens were sold in June 2020 to Kildrummy (Jersey) Ltd. (i.e. Mr and Mrs Bently).

After the sale the gardens remained closed. Concerned members of the public enquired with the owners and the estate manager regarding any intentions to make Kildrummy Castle Gardens accessible again. So far there have been informal assurances that there are plans to offer open days on specific dates for charity. However, it has also been emphasised that the gardens, which were widely regarded as a valuable community asset, are now for the exclusive private use of the proprietors.

It has to be acknowledged, though, that the owners are investing in the estate providing employment, upgrading of existing buildings and environmentally responsible land management. They have also invested in the gardens, for example repairing the old stone bridge and the restoration of the ancient quarry. Hopefully this private investment will ultimately ensure that the unique charm and beauty of Kildrummy Castle Gardens will be preserved for the future.

Since buying Kildrummy Estate the new owners have also bought the neighbouring Glenkindie and Culquoich estates. The garden at Glenkindie House has been restored and has been opened for charity on two dates in summer 2024 (organised by Scotland’s Gardens Scheme). There is hope that the same will be arranged for Kildrummy Castle Gardens once the necessary restoration and repairs have been completed. If so, the owners will follow in the footsteps of many Scottish land and garden owners who, as good custodians of Scotland’s land and heritage, share the beauty of their properties with the people of Scotland and their visitors. After all, even the Royal Family allows the grounds at Balmoral Castle to be enjoyed by the public for a good part of the season.