The lands of
Leys were granted to the Burnett family in 1323 by Robert the Bruce, along with a horn,
still preserved in the great hall. The family built the present tower in 1553-96 to which
was added a later wing. This, and Victoria additions, were destroyed by fire in 1966, and
only the Queen Anne wing was partially rebuilt. The castle was gifted to the Trust in 1951
by Sir James Burnett of Leys, Bart.
Tours commence in the Queen
Anne wing but quickly reach the original tower. Here are the vaulted kitchens and a dining
room. A turnpike from the original entrance, with yett, leads to the Great Hall, which has
painted alcoves. The large window was added in the 1870s. The stair chamber is the first
room to be reached, which has the original painted ceilings for which Crathes is noted.
The Victorian bedroom is furnished with items from that period, with a notable triple
picture of three views, depending from where it is seen. The laird’s bedroom contains
a massive four-poster carved from oak. The Nine Nobles Room is so-called from the painted
ceiling depicting, among others, Alexander the Great, King Arthur and Joshua.
The haunted Green Lady’s
Room also has a painted ceiling and wall tapestries. Here the skeleton of a child was
found beneath the fire hearth. The Family Room contains items associated with the
Burnetts. On the top floor of the castle runs the gallery, the ceiling of which is
panelled in oak. This was for a time the library. The Muses Room also has a painted
ceiling and old stitched samplers. The Stone Hall contains a small selection of weapons.
Exit is made by way of wide staircase in the Queen Anne win back to the main door. |
