This was probably the cruellest and saddest episode in the history of the house. In spite of this great loss, the views from the house are spectacular.

These have now been enhanced with the planting of 100,000 woodland trees in the park and around 150 rare specimens in the immediate policies to mark the Queen’s golden jubilee in 2002.

Major-General Thomas Gordon, who was in love with Greece, was also a great botanist. He planted at Cairness one of the most beautiful gardens in the area, with many Mediterranean varieties.

His plantation of shrubberies at the back of the house together with the specimen trees had all disappeared, but most of these have now been faithfully replaced.

Lord Byron, who apparently came to the house in 1820s, planted the Wych Elm that grows by the east wing of the house. This is locally known as "The Byron Elm".

The walled garden was a jungle of brambles and bomb weed, but luckily the magnificent ancient yews have survived together with almost a mile of box hedging. With its romantic hidden setting, in time it will become again one of the outstanding gardens of Scotland.