This is one in a series of Geocaches hidden within local museums, visitors centres and other hidden gems that I've come across in the North East of Scotland over the years - places that I'd like to share with others. Placed with kind permission of the Banchory Museum staff.
I love a local museum! They contain all sorts of fascinating stories and the staff are always a fund of local knowledge. In the Banchory museum you'll find displays on local culture and traditions, (The CO's mug is up there somewhere!), tartans, Deeside natural history, Aberdeenshire archaeology and Victoriana, but there are many other quirky items on display that have been donated to the museum over the years. You can also find out about James Scott Skinner, Banchory’s most famous son who was a musician and composer, also known as “the Strathspey King.” The museum can also help with genealogy and local history queries.
Generally, the Banchory Museum opening times are Monday, Friday and Saturday 11am to 3pm. However if you intend visiting over holiday periods, please check their web page for more details - https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/museums/visit-a-museum/banchory-museum/
Finding the cache will be easy enough - the museum staff know it is there, but you do not need to speak to them to get your hands on it.
You'll need to do a wee bit of work though to get it open -
- How many words are there on the second line of the James Scott Skinner Memorial Plaque at the Virtual Waypoint? = A
- How many spindle whorls are there in the prehistoric display case? = B
- Look at the time on the Grandfather clock near the Neolithic cup stone. The hour hand is pointing to which hour? = C
- How many Scottish Tourism stars does the museum have? = D
- Look at the beautiful carved doors to the museum. How many stones are there in the stone circle? Include the recumbent and flankers. Do not include the sheep ;) = E
- There is a photo of a hoeing match. How many men are in the photo? = F
- Have a look at the Provost’s chain of office. Look at the pendant which sits within the chain. How many green leaves are there in total? = G
And also on the pendant, how many horns are there either side of St Ternan? = H
To open the cache, A + B, C – D, E – F, G+ H