Gight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gight |
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 Gight Castle |
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 Gight
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| OS grid reference | NJ825401 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ELLON |
| Postcode district | AB41 |
| Dialling code | 01651 |
| Police | Grampian |
| Fire | Grampian |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Gight is an old estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is located in the Fyvie parish, which is part of the Formartine area. Gight is most famous for its 16th-century Gight Castle. This castle was once the family home of the famous poet, Lord Byron.
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Gight Castle: A Historic Scottish Home
Gight Castle is found about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Fyvie. It sits just north of the River Ythan. The small village of Cottown is about 1 mile (1.6 km) to its north.
How Gight Castle Was Built
The castle was likely built in the 1570s. George Gordon, the second laird (owner) of Gight, probably oversaw its construction. It was designed in an L-shaped style. Later, more buildings were added around the main castle.
Inside the castle, the lowest level has a strong, arched ceiling called a vaulted basement. A spiral staircase, known as a turnpike stair, leads up from a long hallway. The main living area, or hall, was on the first floor.
Who Lived at Gight Castle?
George Gordon, who built the castle, did not have any children. So, the property went to his brother, James Gordon. James's son, Alexander, married Agnes Beaton. She was the daughter of David Beaton, who was an important church leader.
Alexander was killed in Dundee in 1579. His daughter, Elizabeth, later married George Home, 1st Earl of Dunbar in 1590.
The castle was also home to Catherine Gordon Byron. She was the mother of the famous poet, Lord Byron. In 1787, she sold the castle to George Gordon, 3rd Earl of Aberdeen. She needed to sell it to pay off her debts.
After that, the Earl's son, George Gordon, Lord Haddo, lived there for a short time. He died young in 1791. Since then, Gight Castle has been empty. It was named a scheduled ancient monument in 1965. This means it is a protected historic site.
Gight Woods: A Natural Treasure
Near the castle, you'll find Gight Woods. This is a special natural forest that is protected. It is home to many plants and animals.
Mysteries and Legends of Gight
Gight Castle is also known for its interesting local stories and legends.
The Lost Piper of Gight Castle
One popular story says that the ruins of Gight Castle are haunted. People say a piper once went exploring an underground tunnel there. He disappeared and was never seen again. Some believe his music can still be heard sometimes.
The Prophecy of Thomas the Rhymer
There is a local legend about a Scottish prophet named Thomas the Rhymer. He was known for making predictions. He supposedly put a curse on Gight Castle. He said, “At Gight three men by sudden death shall dee, And after that the land shall lie in lea”. This means three men would die suddenly at Gight, and then the land would be left empty.
Almost 500 years later, it is said that three men did die suddenly at Gight. Many believe this fulfilled Thomas the Rhymer's old prophecy.
The Devil's Treasure in the River
Another legend tells of a hidden treasure. It is said that the 7th Laird of Gight hid a treasure in the river below the castle ruins. The story goes that the Devil himself guards this treasure.
