Did You Know?

*Guisachan is the Gaelic word for pine forest. It is pronounced “yoush- a gan”

*Lord Tweedmouth planted several species of exotic trees on the estate including giant Sequoias and Douglas Fir. Three of his trees were cut to replace the masts on Sir Robert Scott’s ship the RRS Discovery.

*When Guisachan House was built, the foundation on the right-hand side had to be set back when a stone age burial ground was discovered during excavations.

*Stones from the Guisachan House ruins were sold for many purposes including this, the bridge at Drumnadrochit .

*The Guisachan tweed came about because each estate had its own tweed so that the staff could be identified. Usually the men wore a full suit of their tweed.

*Nous, sire of the first litter of puppies in 1868, is often seen in photos with something in his mouth. That was his favorite toy – his “clothie” or blankie, if you wish.

*Nous is derived from the Greek word meaning inner wisdom

*Belle means beautiful – the first litter of puppies were named for yellow flowers – crocus, cowslip & primrose.

*Important terms in Guisachan House Usage:

Factor: The manager of the estate

Guillies: Scottish term for an attendant on a fishing trip

Keepers: Scottish men who stalked deer for hunting parties

*Lord Tweedmouth’s Tame Grouse:

Red grouse, if taken young, make excellent pets, and are extraordinarily fearless. A tame cock grouse at Lord Tweedmouth’s place, Guisachan, in Ross-shire, made great friends with one of the dogs, and used to frequently ride on its back. He was once taken to Oxfordshire, but seemed while there to be depressed and out of spirits, so much so that he was never heard to crow. Sent back to Scotland again, and released from his box at his native home in the Highlands, he instantly ran up a grassy hillock and crowed loudly.

Evening Telegraph

23 February 1889