View from SW

Description View from SW

Date 5/2/2001

Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu

Catalogue Number E 2507 CN

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 765974

Scope and Content Round Square from south-west, Gordonstoun House, Moray This shows part of the rubble-built 'round square' that has three external stairs leading to first-floor level. The flat glass roof lights in the two larger blocks were a mid-20th-century alteration designed to allow more light into the buildings. The round square buildings would have originally contained barns, stables and accommodation for people who worked on the estate. The majority of the owner's income would probably have come from farming and this group of buildings was the base for all the estate's agricultural operations. The 'round square' was built by Sir Robert Gordon, 3rd baronet, in the late 17th century as the steading for his home farm, or, as legend has it, as a shelter for when the devil came for his soul. Sir Robert apparently sold his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge. When the school was instituted the building was converted into the library, classrooms, staff and pupil accommodation. Gordonstoun was probably built in the 16th century as a tall and thin rectangular tower. The first Marquis of Huntly added flanking wings in 1616 and the building was altered in 1730. The Classical front was added in 1775 and further alterations were made during the 19th century. Dr Kurt Hahn converted the house to Gordonstoun School in 1934. The building was extensively repaired in 1945 after a fire. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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