The Countess of ErrollMy journey encapsulates a three year mystery that began in Edinburgh, Scotland in October 2006 in which I was led by a variety of mysterious historical symbols to learn about the life and challenges of Lady Mary Hay in Cruden Bay, Scotland, who was the 14th Countess of Errol during the years of 1711-1758. Mary Hay was the Senior Great Officer, Royal Office of Scotland and Chief of the King's Household in Scotland. She succeeded to the title in 1717 when she became Lady Hay and Baroness of Stain, 23rd Chief of the Hays (since 1171) and Mac Garaidh Mhar (a Celtic title). In 1727 she nominated John Duke of Roxburgh, to act as Her Deputy and walk in the procession for the coronation of George II. In 1745 she raised an army of Buchan men who stood for "Bonnie Prince Charlie"-Prince Charles Edward Stuart. She was close to sixty years of age at the time. At this time, Mary was a practicing Episcopalian and as this faith was persecuted by the Hanoverians she fitted out a grain store as a place of worship. This was known in Cruden Bay as `Countess Mary's Girnal'. It was burnt to the ground in 1746 by English Dragoons. She succeeded her brother, Charles Hay, and was succeeded by grandnephew Lord James Boyd Kilmarnock, the grandson of her late sister Margaret. |
Contents
Chapter1Off to Edinburgh in a quick flash | 1 |
Chapter3Arriving in Edinburgh | 14 |
Chapter4Looking back at lifes journey through | 29 |
Chapter5December 2006A magnificent pulling force | 42 |
Chapter6Seeking guidance from my siblings | 53 |
Chapter7Arrival into Edinburgh New Years Eve 2006 | 59 |
Chapter8Day out in the highlands | 70 |
Chapter11In limboJanuary 2007June 2007 | 103 |
Chapter12Discovery of the Gentlemans Architect | 114 |
William Adam and Mary Hay | 149 |
Chapter 16December 2007A reply from a priest | 181 |
Chapter17February 28March 1 2008 interlude | 190 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
14th Countess able afternoon amongst appeared architectural asked beautiful began Blue Ridge Mountains Bridge brother Buchan region café calendar Charles Edward Stuart Chattanooga church city of Edinburgh clues coach colleague Countess Mary Hay Countess of Erroll country of Scotland Cruden Bay Duff House Duke of Roxburghe Earl of Erroll Elizabeth England Floors Castle Flying Scotsman gentleman with silver grave Greyfriar's happened Hay family husband Jacobite Jamie Fleeman journey Kirkcaldy knew Lady Blanche Murphy Lady Mary Hay lands lived located looked Lord High lunch meet morning night onward painting parish priest period questions reply Reverend Royal Mile Scottish seemed seemingly sense of knowing silver hair sister sitting Slains Castle somehow stared story street thought three hundred throughout tour town train village of Cruden walked walls William Adam woman wondered