Our ‘Golden’ Summer Blog Series: Part VI- Haddo House

*We continue our ‘Golden’ Summer Blog Series with a visit to the magnificent Haddo House. Our Golden Retriever pup, Arthur, is taking on writing duties again and is thrilled to share his adventure.

Arthur’s Travel Journal: Day 6- Haddo House

Hello, dear readers! It's me, Arthur, one half of the Wee Walking Tours canine dynamic duo, reporting live from our latest adventure. We’ve been camping in Aberdeenshire (my first time), and I couldn't be more excited! Walter, being a whole year older than me, is the seasoned adventurer, and he’s showing me the ropes. He's such a cool older brother and much more professional. He knows exactly how to sniff out the best spots to explore. If I’m to be honest, I get a bit distracted by every stick and squirrel. At least that’s what Walter tells me.

He has also just informed me that I haven’t been promoted in my blog duties yet to cover a castle. Apparently, I can write about another house and that means I get to write about today’s visit to Haddo House. However, if he’s basing my promotions on the size of the historic site, I think the joke is on him. Do you see the size of that ‘house’? It’s humongous!

Dad says that Haddo House is a masterpiece of architecture and has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was designed by the renowned architect William Adam (if you recall, I last told you about him in my Duff House post which, unfortunately, had a sad ending for Mr. Adam). Haddo House has been home to the Gordon family for generations. However, they transferred the care of the House to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) in 1979.

Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside Haddo House, but Mom and Dad assure me that there are grand rooms with beautiful paintings and elegant furniture. I try to picture what it must be like to live there so many years ago.

The House has changed a great deal since Adam’s 18^th century design. One of its biggest renovations happened in the late 1800s under the 7^th Earl, John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon (who later became the 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair) and his wife, Lady Ishbel

Marie Marjoribanks Hamilton-Gordon. They made sure that Haddo House would be more of a home and comfortable place for their family. Now, my parents often tell Walter and I that it is the stories of the people that help history come alive and make it more interesting, and this is certainly the case for Johnny and Ishbel (as they were fondly known).

Mom finds their story very touching as theirs was a marriage of love (which wasn’t always the case back then). In fact, the pair preferred to be known as ‘ we twa’- (twa is Scots for ‘two’). Ishbel came from a family of social reformers, and, fortunately, Johnny was also committed to similar causes and reforms. Now to be clear, these were very privileged people, but they believed in helping those less fortunate, and to use their power in positive ways.

For example, Mom is particularly intrigued with Ishbel- a strong advocate for women during a time when it wasn’t always easy for them to assert their voice. From 1893 to 1898, Johnny was Governor General of Canada. As Vice-Regal Consort to her husband, Ishbel used her position wisely and established and/or was part of organisations that helped women. She organised the National Council of Women in Canada and became first sponsor of the Women’s Art Association of Canada. She also formed the Victorian Order of Nurses and became its president.  According to the National Trust for Scotland, “this organisation provided better health care for rural and disadvantaged populations, as well as enabled nurses to receive better training and an opportunity to earn higher wages”.

Lady Ishbel was the first woman to address the House of Commons and the first woman to receive an honorary degree in Canada. Back in Aberdeenshire, the NTS highlights that she “founded the Onward and Upward Association, which provided education and opportunity for servant girls, and she became the first president of the Ladies Union of Aberdeen”. Talk about an impressive person!

However, the story that Walter and I find the most interesting is that Ishbel’s father was Lord Tweedmouth- as in the ‘father’ of Golden Retrievers. We are, of course, grateful to him for developing our breed and, I dare say, so are people all over the world. In fact, every five years, my Golden cousins gather at his former estate, Guisachan House, to celebrate him. Walter says he hopes we can go to the next celebration- that will be a party for sure! Anyway, Lady Ishbel is also credited with introducing the Golden Retriever breed to Canada. What didn't that amazing woman do?!

While it has been fun to discuss some of the history, let’s move about the grounds a bit. The gardens and estate are an absolute delight and are as much a part of the estate’s legacy as the house itself. It is an expansive country park, with lush green lawns and an extensive trail system. Walter and I could play here all day! We just had a chance to do some zoomies, but Walter got a bit carried away because he ran me over! I’m okay, but Dad told Walter he has to learn to be more careful because I’m still very small.

While I’m thoroughly enjoying myself, Dad said I need to smile more. Apparently, I look very serious today. I suppose I’ve just been concentrating extra hard on all the training and cues Walter is constantly providing. Now you know why I often have my eyes closed in photos.

But I usually come through in the end, and I can’t hide my adoration for Walter despite his bossiness.

According to Walter, the highlight of my day is about to happen because I am going to try doggy ice cream for the first time. I’m anxiously waiting for Mom to come back with this mysterious treat.

My verdict is that it is cold, creamy, and utterly delicious! I can tell Walter enjoys it too.

Well, I think I will end this post on that delicious note. If you are in Aberdeenshire, I highly recommend that you go see Haddo House in person. There is so much to see, do, and learn. Plus, it's a wonderful place for both humans and their canine family members. Be sure to visit the National Trust for Scotland website to plan your trip and learn more about this incredible historic site.

If you haven't already, please subscribe so that you can easily stay tuned for more adventures in our "Golden" Summer Blog Series. I can't wait to share more of our travels with you. But, for now, it's time for Walter and me to head back to camp. I'm looking forward to snuggling up and getting some rest before tomorrow's escapades.

p.s. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our previous posts in the series- Crathes Castle, Leith Hall, Craigievar Castle, Duff House, and Drum Castle.

Until next time- Explore & Discover!

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