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: Foxes

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

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A Kinrowan Estate story: All Hallows’ Eve

Gus, here. All Hallow’s Eve is eight days away, and the Staff is deep in preparations. Mind you, a lot of those are just fun and games: putting up decorations and scurrying around with secret costume plans. Some of the … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate Story: Kedgeree, or Khichari You If Prefer

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

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What’s New for the 4th of September: A Rivers of London novella, a Piece of Pulp gets the Film Treatment,Ice Cream, Jethro Tull’s ‘The Hunting Girl’

Crop handle carved in bone; sat high upon a throne of finest English leather. The queen of all the pack, this joker raised his hat and talked about the weather. All should be warned about this high born Hunting Girl. … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: You’re Invited to A Pig Roast

You’re invited to a last pig roast which is coming up this weekend. Needless to say, you need a pig. Figure two pounds of meat per person. More if you’re feeding them all day long, as properly cooked pig — I swear … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Dolmens

I was passing by the Robert Graves Memorial Reading Room when Iain was lecturing the Several Annies on a subject that was dear to his heart: ‘There are a number of  dolmens — ceremonial standing stones — scattered about the … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Foxes

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

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Our Greensward

One part of the greensward is set aside for a cricket field. We just refurbished this area last year as it was showing its age after nearly a decade since the last spruce up. Yes, I know that Scots aren’t … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate Story: Strawberry Ice Cream

During the early Victorian Era, the Head Gardener at the time, Jacob Niles, persuaded the Steward, Allison MacPhee, to invest in a conservatory. According to the Journals kept by him and the Steward, the deciding factor was that it could … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate Story: Cranachan

Good Evening Ekaterina, Ingrid sends her love and hopes your trip to Canada is going well. Mrs. Ware cooked the traditional Scottish dessert that you love earlier tonight — cranachan, which you know is made with oats, cream, whisky and … Continue reading

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