Pluscarden Abbey from Monaughty Forest
Photograph courtesy of David Foot, Surrey.
A view over the valley and Pluscarden Abbey from the bottom edge of Heldon Hill in Monaughty Forest.
David recalls ‘During my time at Fochabers, we lived in Elgin and often took a weekend drive on a minor road going south west past Pluscarden Priory. Just before the priory, the FC established a small car park along with a shed and some forest walks - to give the public access the lovely stands of DF on that eastern side of Heldon hill. This of course was the main block of what was then known as Monaughty Forest. I think the car park may have been removed at a later date when the old P20s stands had been felled but could be the one at Torrieston?
I attach a photograph taken in and near the DF stands on this part on Monaughty, and looking towards the car park.
There is quite a story behind the FCs acquisition of Heldon Hill in the early 1920 which I discovered when I write my book some years ago. (Woods and People - Putting Forests on the Map) The very first FC forester there, appointed in 1920 or 21, was John McEwen, and he wrote a book about his life story and FC experiences. Long after he left the FC, he became well known as the author of "Who owns Scotland" - his was the original book; later others copied the title. It caused quite a political stir at the time, and he lived to be over 100. So - most unusually - we know who exactly who planted these magnificent trees. In my book, I quote a few lines from McEwen's life story and about his 1920s squad at Monaughty and the circumstances they worked in.’
Can anyone confirm if the car park at Torrieston is the one shown in the PDF?
Groups: Forestry Areas, Northeast Scotland , Recreation Activities and Art in the Forest