This morning we toured Brodie Castle, a 16th century castle that was the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years. It was turned over to the National Trust just in the late 20th century by the 29th Laird, who was an actor and famous for his role in the play “Harvey” hence there were many white rabbit motifs evident especially in the playful garden.
There is a well-preserved central keep with two 5 story towers on opposing corners. The interior of the castle is also well preserved contain original family furniture, intricate ceilings, largely dating from the 17th – 19th centuries. The guided tour was interesting and included many stories of the past occupants and how they expanded the castle and their trials and tribulations.
We grabbed a sandwich to eat in the car on our way to our next destination, Cairngorm National Park. Here we trekked up a mountain pass, across a river to the hills overlooking the valley where we met and interacted with a free ranging herd of reindeer. They were very docile creators who did not mind our presence, especially when Cathy fed them from her hand.
Of course, there was one visitor that the grandchildren will appreciate.
