Christmas and New Year at Ardgour House

Up until the 1980s it was traditional for the laird of the estate to invite all the children in the parish to a Christmas party at the big house. As we arrived in the foyer, we were greeted by an enormous, beautifully decorated, tree at the bottom of the staircase which reached up to the first floor. The tree didn’t have electric lights but was illuminated by real candles on every bow- it looked magical. We were then taken into the large drawing room, which had been cleared with seating around the perimeter. There was a large open fire with a marble fireplace. On the top of the fireplace was a little silver bird and the children played hunt the thimble with it. The parents were often accessories to this game with it hidden inside their shoes or on their heads. The large furniture had lots of nooks and crannies which kept the children really busy. They also played musical papers, newspapers- which I had never seen done before- but it was very effective.

After the games the children were taken downstairs to the school room, which was lit solely by candles in large silver candelabra, and there a lovely party tea was laid out for them, with lots of home baking and juice. When all had finished the tea, we went back upstairs to be greeted by Santa Claus standing by the tree with a good sack. Every child was given a present specifically for them from Santa and then we went home.

For the adults, all were invited to the New Year ball, held in a huge hay loft at the farm. Once all were assembled there was a grand march onto the dance floor led by the laird and family. There was a proper dance band made up of local semi-professional musicians. We had a night of Scottish country dances like the Gay Gordans, Eightsome Reel, Dashing White Sergeant and the Highland Scottish. At half time, we were served by the family with a cup of venison consommé, and venison sandwiches, were the most delicious I have ever tasted.

Now and again couples would have little breaks where they would go down to their cars and share a wee dram to welcome in the New Year before going back in for another set of dances. Walking home on a clear crisp frosty night was a lovely end to a great night.

As told by local resident Ann Turnbull as part of a self-guided Ardgour audio trail. Hear the recording and access the whole trail at https://geotourist.com/tours/6919/Explore_Ardgour.

Image: Miss Maclean, previous owner, in front of Ardgour House in the late 1970s. Photo courtesy of Fiona Maclean