Built in 1650, Leith Hall was very much a family home, lived in, used and altered to meet the family’s needs for nearly three hundred years. The Hall, gardens, wider estate and much of the original collection came to the Trust in 1945. Never having been sold and remaining in the same family for ten generations, it offers a rare glimpse of the changing aspirations, needs and tastes of the middle-ra
nking gentry and a fascinating insight into the Leith-Hay family. The stunning gardens here are one of the Trust’s hidden gems. From the top of the garden there are spectacular views of Aberdeenshire and the surrounding hills. At 186m above sea level it is the highest altitude garden in the National Trust for Scotland's care and boasts a coldest recorded temperature of -28oC! But the south-facing slope of the garden makes it an ideal location for many plants from all over the world to thrive. The remarkable herbaceous and catmint borders that run either side of the zigzag path are one of the longest of their kind in Scotland, at nearly 100m. Other features include the rock garden, vegetable garden and the Moon Gate – a rare focal point along the wall of the east garden. Leith Hall estate also has a lot to offer any visitor with three well marked trails through gorgeous scenery packed full of wildlife that is easy for you to see at any time of year. Take a relaxed walk around the pond and take a minute to sit and enjoy the view or take a detour up to the bird hide to see the upper pond where ducks like Teal overwinter. Make sure to look out for signs of the Otter that occasionally visits. For a longer walk the Kirkhill trail will take you out to some of the surrounding countryside and you'll have a chance to explore the history of the Leith-Hay family in the old kirkyard. A trip up the Craigfall trail will treat you to an overall view of the Leith Hall estate along views over to Tap o'north, Dunnydeer hill and Bennachie. Keep an eye out on this page for all the events that are happening over the coming season!
