Il Professore

Il Professore

For this edit we have used a friend of Kafka. Professor Paul Mitchell. Paul is probably the most enlightened of men that we know, and knows just about anything worth knowing. He truly is both a Gentleman and Scholar. We thought Craigievar on a crisp Autumnal morning would be an apt setting. Craigievar nestles in the Aberdeenshire countryside and commands spectacular views across the gentle rolling hills.

The history of Craigievar goes back to at least the 14th century, but it was not until 1575 that Sir John Mortimer began the process of transforming the house into the impressive residence we see today. Sir John was rising in society, and he wanted a house that befitted his rank of baron. The story of Craigievar really begins in 1610, when it was purchased by William Forbes of Menie, brother of the Bishop of Aberdeen. Forbes, though a young man, had made a fortune by importing wood from the Baltic region. In the course of his merchant efforts he visited the port of Danzig so many times that he became known as 'Danzig Willie'. Danzig Willie wanted Craigievar to reflect his wealth and status, so he removed the upper floors and rebuilt them on a grand scale.

If ever a Scottish castle deserved the moniker 'fairy tale', it is Craigievar. In fact, rumour has it that Walt Disney used Craigievar as the model for the Disney castle. Certainly there is something magical about the proliferation of towers and turrets that spring from the earlier foundations of this attractive fortified house. And make no mistake, this is a tower 'house' rather than a castle in the traditional sense.

The Ghost ( There has to be a ghost story)
One of the most famous descendants of Danzig Willie to leave his mark on Craigievar was 'Red' Sir John, his grandson, whose moniker referred both to his red hair and his violent disposition. Red Sir John was said to be responsible for Craigievar's resident ghost. According to the tale, as related to me by one of the very friendly guides, Sir John's daughter fell in love with a young member of the Gordon family, old enemies of the Forbes clan. The young man came to call on his love, climbing to the Blue Bedroom on the fourth floor, only to be met by Red Sir John. The enraged father put a sword to the young man's throat and forced him to leap from the window. The fall was too great, and the young man died. Ever since, according to the tales, ghostly footsteps can be heard, crossing the Blue Room to the window behind the bed.