Monday, 1 June 2009

Edzell










Day off today, so I took a drive up into the Mearns, the area which lies roughly between Brechin and Montrose in the South and Stonehaven in the North. Took plenty tissues as I usually get a nosebleed when I leave Angus.


North East of Brechin is Edzell, a nice wee place with an impressive arch which creates an impressive gateway into the village. The Dalhousie Arch was built in 1887 in commemoration of the deaths of the 13th Earl of Dalhousie and his wife, who died on the same day. I keep wondering if their deaths were a coincidence or whether they died together in some horrible accident....... must look that one up.


About a mile to the east of the village was a huge US Navy base which closed in 1995. This caused serious financial devastation to the area with the loss of around 300 local jobs and the departure of 700 military personnel. 14 years on and the area is still recovering. But looking on the bright side, there are less babies called Vernon and less chewing gum on the pavements.

The village still supports two hotels, the Glenesk and the Panmure, known locally as the Glenny and the Panny. God knows how.
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15 comments:

  1. That is a very impressive arch.

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  2. Beautiful arch! and a really interesting post -- as always, Neil! Closing bases have caused the same kind of problems here in the states, particularly in the smaller towns where the economy was seriously affected. Thanks for a bit of your world! Have a great week!

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  3. Impressive is the right word for that arch. Wow!

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  4. That arch sure beats the golden arches that great you in many other places... by long miles!

    Vernon... lol...

    And you're right beautiful weather. :-)

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  5. like the detailing in this beautiful arch...and enjoyed your commentary. sorry to hear the economy took somewhat of a dive on the departure of the us naval base.
    have a great week.

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  6. Very unique arch, I love it. Great shots.

    Have a great week
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  7. That's an interesting archway. Made for traffic?

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  8. Wonderful pictures of an unusual arch. It would be interesting to learn the story of the earls death.

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  9. It must be wonderful to have so many historical sites just a short drive away. Do let us know about the circumstances surrounding the death of the Earl of Dalousie and his wife. I guess it was either some dark deed or they were both in their late nineties!

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  10. Impressive archway, almost a concurrent for our "Arc de Triomphe" in Paris.

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  11. Groovy post as ever, Neil. I drove through Edzell on the way back from Mount Keen (wee bit lost) one time and it has a spooky, post-base atmosphere.

    I'm one of that type who tends to agitate against military bases (Faslane GTF!). But i'm no daft enough to realise that the bases support jobs, economies and vibrant economies in generally rural and therefore fragile parts o the country.

    When we do get shot o Faslane, i hope the communities around the base are given huge support to keep them viable.

    (Sorry, that turned out a bit political.)

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  12. What an impressive and unusual arch!! Beautiful pictures.

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  13. What a sight that is to see, I wish I could see it in person. I do appreciate the tour via your photographs. Beautiful and unusual.

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  14. Lovely architecture...what agreat way to enter the village..

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  15. The arch really is a beautiful structure and looks about 400 years older than it is. I wonder about the noble couple as well, were they...perish the thought...done in, and the heirs had the arch erected to appease their guilty consciences? The possibilities for stories abound...

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