New Discoveries

We arrived here at the Dowans already aware that it had an extensive history. The details of that history  were somewhat unnecessary before we arrived however as so many other items on our 'list' appeared to be of greater significance. Yet, with each passing guest and their seemingly unending tales about the varying stages that this magnificent building has traversed, there has been a growing desire each day to discover more and more. Each of us has reached this sense of fascination at various stages of our time here and as a consequence of differing events although the end result remains the same: an eagerness to become Tony Robinson-esque historians. (Steph has already developed an East Coast enthusiasm in her accent, Neil Oliver eat your heart out).

Sean, torch in hand, began his hesitant (remember the ghosts) interest in the history of the Dowans when he discovered two 'hidden' rooms in the eaves of the 'servant' wing (aptly named as that is where Sean, Lauren and Steph currently reside) a few days ago when we were discussing refurbishment of room 16 which was started by the previous owner and which we will finish as one of our first renovations. For all who know Sean and his intense passion when discovering a new 'toy', it will be easy to imagine his sudden interest in bankrupting the already small refurbishment 'kitty' with ideas of new passageways, steel enforced beams and mezzanine en-suite bathrooms for the superior rooms that exist below. Michael, with pound signs flashing in his eyes, swiftly stopped Sean's imagination in its flow before we were extending the building onto a new site.

Lauren and Marie, in purchasing the recently released 'Old Aberlour' book (written and notated by Fraser Dyer) which provides a history of the area at its bi-centennial with added pictures of varying events and locals throughout its ages, were disappointed that there was not more information on the Dowans itself. However, by way of some local informants, it was revealed that landed gentry were once regular guests at the Dowans and this has certainly proved to be the start of a determined interest to get them back..."Do you think that we could get Wills and Kate to come up??" was Lauren's exclamation. Not so much. But with Marie's newfound friendship with some of the local dignitaries, you should never say never.

Local dignitaries, however, are not the only interest of Steph who has taken up an additional role as font of village knowledge. Some may say that this is a role that is actively pursued but Steph would like to claim, for the record, that it is through no fault of her own that local guests that have come to visit have been open with providing her with as much information as she can absorb over the course of lunch, dinner or a dram. 

Although these village affairs may certainly be of interest, it is also with eagerness that Steph is awaiting some contact from Aberdeen University about the specific affairs of the Dowans hotel and its life before as Princess Margaret Nurseries and Army Officer's mess during World War 2. Hopefully, this and some further conversations with those locals who are aware of its history will bring the opportunity of collating this information into a detailed memoir.

Watch this space.