|
The NE of Scotland is rich in remains of the past from prehistoric times onwards. The earliest occupants were itinerant hunters who left few traces beyond the flints they used. Neolithic hut circles occur here and there but the most visible signs of prehistoric settlements are in the many stone circles, standing stones and burial mounds that are still to be seen in the lowlands and the lower areas of the highland region. Hill forts are a feature of the lowland areas and appear to date from the early Iron Age through to the Roman period. Forts such as the Brown and White Caterhuns near Edzell, the Barmekin of Echt and the Tap O’Noth are excellent examples of this type. Early castles were situated on an earth mound and were constructed from timber. These mounds still survive today. The stone castles of the region date from the 13th century onwards with some of the earliest such as Kildrummy, Dunnottar and Balvenie being amongst the finest such ruins in the country. There are many castles dating from the 16th and 17th centuries in varying degrees of preservation, some still occupied. Many of these are in pockets of lowland amongst the hills or along coastal cliffs. Historically farming and fishing have been the mainstay of the NE economy. The remnants of these industries from days gone by can still be seen with many abandoned crofting settlements dotted across the hill country. Many of the ancient crofting tracks are still in use today as rights of way. The Mounth passes which were used to drive cattle Southwards to markets in Crieff and beyond are still important highways for walkers and motor vehicles. Of the eight Mounth passes, the Cairnwell, Cairn o’ Mount, Elsick and Causey Mounths are still all used as modern roads, while the Tolmouth, Capel Mounth and Fir Mounth are all popular hill paths. |
|
History |
|
The stone castles of the region date from the 13th century onwards with some of the earliest such a Kildrummy, Dunottar and Balvenie being amongst the finest such ruins in the country. |
|
Phone: 01224 346195 (Office) Phone: 01339 881937 (Home) Email: cairngormpanel@ukonline.co.uk |
|
Sheila Robertson Grampian & Cairngorm Area Coordinator Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Office Summerhill Community Education Centre Stronsay Drive Aberdeen AB15 6JA |
