Yesterday I finally got back to going out with Ballater's over 50s walking group. I'd let it drop for various reasons, since it all stopped for Covid. The walks are never too long, but the chat is always good.
Yesterday we walked around Invercauld House, near Braemar. The former Laird of Invercauld, Captain Alwyne Farquharson used to live here but it is now leased out to a Swiss couple, Iwan and Manuela Wirth (of Hauser & Wirth, fine art dealers).
Captain Farquharson, born in 1919, died last year, at the age of 102, and was believed to be Scotland's oldest and longest serving clan chief. He served in WW2 and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during the Normandy Landings. He inherited the Invercauld Estate from his Aunt Myrtle who was killed in a bombing raid in 1941. As he had no children, the Estate is now owned by his nephew Philip who has become the 17th Laird of Invercauld.
The Wirths are a very prominent couple in the area today since they bought the Fife Arms in Braemar and have turned it into a magnificent hotel, full of artwork. They also sponsor many events and organisations in the village and own a number of smaller premises around the area. They partially funded the ongoing restoration of St Margaret's Church (where I was recently at both a folk festival and a literary festival). Needless to say some locals are happy about this, others less so. The Wirths also own another hotel in Braemar, the Invercauld, yet to be renovated, and a restaurant in Ballater, also yet to be renovated.
In this photo you can see Invercauld House, with the Swiss flag and the Scottish flag flying, showing that the couple are in residence (just as the Monarch does at Balmoral ...). You can also just see part of a piece of artwork in the garden, by American sculptor, Paul McCarthy, called 'Henry Moore Bound to Fail'. Don't ask. It's massive and was taken (from Switzerland) quite a few years ago, by helicopter. The house it seems is full of art work. I've never been inside.
Love your story here, I love to learn things like that. Modern history!
This couple sound like they are living the life in a stunning castle plus using their money wisely where their hearts are. They will be very popular with their neighbours too I imagine!
Time we visited Jo & Barry! 🤣🤣🤣 fave.
The house is an architectural masterpiece and it sounds like these people respect it by filling it with beautiful art. The sculpture on the grounds is up for debate- but then, I'm not into modern sculpture to begin with (o; Nice shot!
@busylady I didn't, but I knew he was going to be there. When I popped down to get the paper, shop windowsills were being dusted and the police were there with the sniffer dogs, checking out the big flower pots. A couple of small clues about the Royal arrival. I couldn't hang about as I had a game of golf organised, although I really wanted to!
@phil_howcroft Yes, I think some are concerned about the amount of money being pumped into the village by one couple and the number of business and houses they now own (some for staff accommodation). Their arrival has also changed the village (population about 800) and the type of person who visits - it is regularly full of sports cars and Porsches these days. However, there is a new buzz to the place, and I love it. But, I don't live there. It's a tricky one, but I do know that the Wirths do their best to communicate well with the village residents and they are very courteous to all.
@jamibann I suppose it can be difficult when "outsiders" arrive , especially overseas " outsiders" . I think it's good that they support the local "arts" and I assume "sports" too. It is important we treat people with respect in our diverse society.
@jamibann A shame you weren't able to catch the royal couple but there will no doubt be another time. I did see them a few years ago on Sark. They just happened to be visiting the day we were there. They arrived by horse and cart (maybe carriage might be a better description!) at the school playing field and left by helicopter. There weren't many people there
This couple sound like they are living the life in a stunning castle plus using their money wisely where their hearts are. They will be very popular with their neighbours too I imagine!
Time we visited Jo & Barry! 🤣🤣🤣 fave.