Kellie Castle Traditional Cache
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The cache is not within the grounds of the castle itself. It is situated where you can get good views of the back of the castle. Should be a nice easy cache and dash.
The first record of Kellie dates as far back as 1150 when Malmure, thane of Kellie, witnessed a charter from King David I. The next known owner was Robert of London, an illegitimate son of King William the Lion (who was on the throne from 1165 to 1214). By 1266 Kellie had passed to the Siward family (who had earlier come from Northumbria and assisted King Malcolm "Canmore" to overthrow Macbeth). Richard Siward lost Kellie after supporting the English king but his daughter retained the castle. She signed over the estate to a relative, Walter Oliphant and that family lived in Kellie for 250 years, during which time additional apartments were added to the original tower house.
Kellie was abandoned early in the 19th century but Professor James Lorimer took it over and restored it.
The castle is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland who have kept the building looking as it was during the Lorimer ownership. Unlike many a grand castle it looks like a family home - with toys and a rocking horse in the nursery and cooking pots in the kitchen as well as the grander apartments with lovely ceilings and paintings. There is a walled garden and the Trust are replanting this to be a charming Scottish Kitchen garden.
The castle is open to the public and during the Pittenweem Festival (August) plays are held in the drawing room. I would thoroughly recommend attending one if possible.
Initially the cache contained. A stapler, candle, bleed key, cable ties, a cone and a ball valve washer - all useful things!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgbarf
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