Author Archives: Gus the Estate Head Gardener

About Gus the Estate Head Gardener

I'm the person responsible for both the grounds and the livestock which are raised here. I live with Bree (my wife) in one of the cottages that has been here for centuries. I actually enjoy Winters here as my work load is considerably reduced as I let the younger staff members handle the needed work which leaves me time for reading, ice skating and skiing, not to mention just being with my wife. Bliss!

A Kinrowan Estate story: Fireplaces

Posted on 15th December 2024 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Let’s discuss fireplaces. Or more precisely why there’re only scattered open fireplaces left in all of Kinrowan Hall these days: one in the Library, one in the Pub and in the senior staff residences (RHIP).  Why this is so is what … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate story: Fireplaces

A Kinrowan Estate story: A Pudding Contest

Posted on 8th September 2024 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Her name was Bronwyn ap Tewdwr and she was our guest judge for the annual pudding contest. ‘A pudding contest?’ you ask. And I say, ‘Why not?’ Real pudding, like real ale, is a long way from the packaged puddings … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate story: A Pudding Contest

A Kinrowan Estate story: Kedgeree

Posted on 28th July 2024 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

I had an exemplary kedgeree for my breakfast this morning along with a lovely lapsang souchong tea. Now if you’re reading this in the States, you might be puzzled as to what I ate. And when you hear what it … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate story: Kedgeree

A Kinrowan Estate Stoty: A Guest Lecturer

Posted on 14th July 2024 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Several Annies, do pay attention now as there will be a quiz afterwards! Well, now. Mackenzie has asked me in as tonight’s guest lecturer. He likes to keep these seminars going through the summer months, you know, when otherwise the … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate Stoty: A Guest Lecturer

A Kinrowan Estate story: Foxes

Posted on 21st April 2024 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Though fox hunting by the gentry was common in Scotland for centuries, this Estate never allowed them to be hunted here, so the Estate foxes have thrived. Even when we had a Gameskeeper here, before we abolished that position and … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate story: Foxes

A Kinrowan Estate story: Designing Trolls

Posted on 7th April 2024 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Dear Anna, Imagine an old forest witch, a crone with a cackle and gnarled hands. Well Justina did one of those when she was here the first time. Alas the Troll proved more elusive in design. Much more elusive. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate story: Designing Trolls

A Kinrowan Estate story: A Cookbook (A Letter to Anna)

Posted on 24th March 2024 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Dear Anna, I’m going to pitch a book for that culinary folklore seminar you’re teaching next Winter here for those visiting food writers, as I really think it’ll be a good addition to that endeavour. One of Several Annies, Iain’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate story: A Cookbook (A Letter to Anna)

What’s New for the 24th of December: The Heist; Seasonal music and books; The Polar Express; winter ales; and Christmas Revels

Posted on 24th December 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Wassail! wassail! all over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl, we’ll drink unto thee. First stanza of the ‘Gloucestershire … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Comments Off on What’s New for the 24th of December: The Heist; Seasonal music and books; The Polar Express; winter ales; and Christmas Revels

A Kinrowan Estate story: Hrafnfreistuor (A Letter to Anna)

Posted on 3rd December 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Dear Anna, Did I tell you that Local 564 of the Ancient and Venerable Guild of St. Nicholas, which represents Santas, Santa’s helpers, department store elves, tree trimmers, candle lighters, professional gift wrappers, goose stuffers, roast chestnut vendors, plum pudding … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories | Tagged | Comments Off on A Kinrowan Estate story: Hrafnfreistuor (A Letter to Anna)

What’s New for the 26th of November: Music we’re thankful for; fairy tales and myths; a graphic novel about a pandemic; an Old Hag, a Piglet, Canadian television, and hot chocolate!

Posted on 26th November 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Comments Off on What’s New for the 26th of November: Music we’re thankful for; fairy tales and myths; a graphic novel about a pandemic; an Old Hag, a Piglet, Canadian television, and hot chocolate!