Discover Kirkton Of Skene

For planning a trip to Kirkton Of Skene, there are two distinct areas of interest: the landscape around Loch of Skene and the local architecture and history reflected in Skene Parish Church, Proctor’s Orphanage and Kirkton House. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider which of these themes best suits your plans. The following highlights give you a concrete impression of the destination’s nature and history.

Loch of Skene and seasonal wild birds

Loch of Skene lies approximately one kilometre west of Kirkton Of Skene. The large, shallow loch is edged by reed beds and birch and willow woodland and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. The protected status and landscape complement each other: alongside its designation, its shallow depth and shoreline vegetation shape its natural character.

In autumn and winter, Loch of Skene supports significant concentrations of wild birds. If wild birds are one of your travel interests, you can take this seasonal connection into account when planning your trip. The birdlife offers a different perspective on the loch from its permanent features as a shallow body of water with reed- and woodland-lined shores.

Skene Parish Church and places of remembrance

Skene Parish Church was built in 1801 in the Gothic style and is listed as a Category B building. Its bell dates from 1735, making it older than the church building. The two dates mark distinct historical points of reference: the date of the bell and the construction date of the church.

The church has a large cemetery with high boundary walls and a gated entrance. Skene War Memorial stands at the church entrance. The cemetery also contains a red-granite chest tomb dated 1890, commemorating the McCombies of Easter Skene and Lynturk. Alongside the building’s history, there is therefore both a war memorial and a tomb monument with a specific family connection.

Special services are held at Skene Kirk, including harvest and remembrance services. As service arrangements may change, check the latest information on dates in advance if you are interested.

Proctor’s Orphanage and Kirkton House

Proctor’s Orphanage is a two-storey villa built in 1891 that has retained its original location and form. The novelist and playwright Jessie Kesson lived there as a resident. Historically, the house could accommodate between ten and twelve boys and girls who attended Skene School. Its architecture, biographical connection and former function give the building several different historical facets.

Kirkton House features a Greek Revival design. The house dates from 1825; its north wing dates from 1848. Compared with the Gothic design of Skene Parish Church, this reveals a range of architectural styles. The two dates also help place the house and its north wing in their own historical context.

There is a clear landmark for finding your way to Kirkhill Forest: the entrance is opposite the turn-off signposted for Kirkton Of Skene.

Discover more destinations: Pitmedden, Westhill, Tarland, Fordyce, Auchenblae, Monymusk, Ellon, Inverbervie.

For the broader travel overview: Aberdeenshire.