Doug Paton, local resident, and author of the Mitchell and Gilmore series, has just published his latest book. Secrets of Dunnottar Castle is a step back in time to the events surrounding the siege of Dunnottar Castle from 1651-52, and the saving of the Honours of Scotland. This dramatised account weaves together many of the well-established historical events, with the more personal histories of some of the key players.
In 1651 the castle was besieged by General George Monck on behalf of Cromwell, and defended by Lieutenant-General George Ogilvie on behalf of the royalists. The Countess Marischal “walked a razor thin line” as she tried to reconcile her private support for the royalists with her desperation to secure the release of her imprisoned son, the 9th Earl Marischal.
The saving of the crown, sceptre and sword of state, and their burial within Kinneff Church by the minister Mr Granger and his wife, form the core of the story, but Doug has elaborated on the bare bones of the history and pulled in a wide range of historical characters. He also introduces the King’s Dagger as a means to incorporate the Knights Templar and their local connections.
However, what makes this account interesting is the perspectives of the local participants – particularly Isla Mackenzie and Jamie Devereaux. Their role in the removal of the Honours from the castle, and their subsequent efforts to solve the puzzle of the King’s Dagger, turns this into a classic adventure story, with murder, intrigue, smugglers, betrayal and mystery.
The locations range from Kinneff in the south to Maryculter in the north, and inland to Strachan and Glen Dye, and suggest that Doug has undertaken significant research. As Isla and Jamie made their way towards Kinneff they passed keeps and castles which are now long gone.
Overall this was a very interesting read, which gave a picture of what may have been happening in Stonehaven and the surrounding area in 1652, but in an easy to read format. It can be purchased via Amazon, by searching for Secrets of Dunnottar Castle by Doug Paton, and will shortly also be available in a paperback edition.