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Scottish Art - Paintings of Scotland:
Crathes Castle Turret

by D. Bruce Bennett

Turreted Crathes Castle

Bruce has singled out a solitary turret of Crathes Castle in this smaller-than-usual picture of Scotland. He's given the turret's background a soft, multi-colored wash and an ever-so-subtle outline of distant hills. (That last bit is definitely artistic license, as trees and gardens have surrounded Crathes Castle since the early 1700s.)

(Click for larger view of Crathes Castle Turret.)

The beauty of this little piece of Scottish Art is the detailing Bruce has given the turret. The adjacent harled tower house wall falls away into shadow so that the eye is drawn straight to the windows and slate roof at the very top of the turret.

One family of master masons - Clan Bell - was responsible for the entire castle, favoring the romantic, chateau-like effect you see here. Quoting The National Trust's Crathes Castle booklet, ". . . the Bells enjoyed themselves when it came to finishing off their castles." The six cannon spouts of each round turret, "thrust rain water well clear of the walls below."

Almost every guide book calls Crathes Castle "one of the most beautiful and best-preserved 16th century castles in Scotland." Begun in 1553, it took 40 years to complete, as four lairds came and went.

Home to 14 generations of the Burnetts of Leys, Crathes Castle houses the Horn of Leys which was presented by Robert the Bruce to Alexander Burnard in 1323. His badge of office as Robert the Bruce's forester, it's a beautifully carved ivory horn with semi-precious stones and plenty of gilt.

Located near Banchory in Aberdeenshire - deep in the heart of Deeside, Balmoral country, and loads of queenly tourism - Crathes is a very visited castle. Maybe you've visited it or traced your Clan Bell or Clan Burnett lineage to it? In any case, this little piece of Scottish Art won't take up much room on your walls, should it visit your home, but it will give you a charming look at the craftsmanship of lovely Crathes Castle.

Turreted Crathes Castle Picture of Scotland
Medium: acrylic on hardboard
Image Dimensions: 9" w. x 12" h.
Mat: none
Glass: none
Frame: none

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