Cairnboglie Hall
Cairnboglie Hall is acknowledged as one of Scotland’s most perfect stately homes. Set in 3,000 acres of Aberdeenshire countryside, this stunning estate and beautifully proportioned 18th-century house has an unrivaled collection of North American bear skins, a must see for the discerning ursine enthusiast.
Cairnboglie Hall was built by the 8th Earl of Cairnboglie between 1715 and 1722 to the designs of William Adams, Scotland’s foremost architect of that century. The landscaped gardens were the work of William Kent under the direction of the 1st Marquis. The Marquis proudly boasted that only five villages needed to be razed and, generously, built a township of back to backs on the coastal heights west of Fraserburgh where the displaced could engage in fishing and kelp gathering. The hall was said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
The title is currently dormant.
The Offer
The Bear Skins
The Cairnboglie Bear Skin Collection is listed as a heritage treasure by Historic Ecosse. It consists of 667 skins, all shot by Algernon, 4th Marquis of Cairnboglie between 1882 and 1898. It is said that the Marquis’ quest came about following an encounter with a Grizzly Bear in the Canadian Rockies. The bear attack bent the barrel of the marquis’ gun rendering it useless and the creature then ripped off his lordship’s left arm. With only a knife and his remaining arm the marquis slew the beast. The bear’s head together with the bent rifle and the dismembered arm can be seen today on display in the entrance hall.
The Cairnboglie Experience®
Because of some health issues, Algernon, 4th Marquis of Cairnboglie was, for the last sixteen years of his life, imprisoned in the attics of Cairnboglie Hall. Now you too can take part in the Cairnboglie Experience® and be incarcerated overnight in the very same room. On the following morning we will present survivors with a souvenir replica strait jacket, a faux fur miniature bear cub skin and a certificate signed by the Property Manager; a real talking point as your friends admire the ensemble mounted on your living room wall!
Brenda O’Pollag
You’ll be assured of a warm and generous welcome by our resident manager, Ms Brenda O’Pollag and her team of Guard Alba guides.