A group of yews stand outside the courtyard wall of an original 15th century fortification. The location has been held in the Arbuthnott family for 800 years. Seven yews were recorded with at least one likely to be over 400 years old. The yew hedging and topiary here was created in the 1700’s and well maintained since.
The lands of Arbuthnott or Aberbothenoth were documented before the 13th century. Although Hugh de Swinton is recognised as the true current family ancestor who changed his name to Arbuthnott in 1190. Originally there was a 13th or 14th century castle here, but the present building dates from the 15th Century with various additions and re-modellings over the subsequent centuries. Refs: Rias.org.uk and thecastlesofScotland.co.uk.