Fettercairn, Scotland

Fettercairn is an attractive village, on the edge of the fertile Howe of the Mearns, with the heights of the eastern Gramplan Mountains in the background. In the square is the shaft of the old Kincardine Town Cross, dating from 1670, and notched to show the measurements of the Scottish “ elI.”

An arch commemorates the visit of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort in 1861. At Fettercairn House, interesting letters and papers relating to the Boswell family were discovered in 1931. 2 miles North East, off the Stonehaven road, are the ruins of Kincardine Castle, on the site of the former county town of Kincardine, and once a Royal residence. This Castle is associated with Macbeth, whose head was brought here to the waiting Malcolm, after the defeat of the former at Lumphanan. 1 mile South West is Balbegno Castle, which dates partly from the 16th century.

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