Arthur Duff of Orton
Arthur Duff of Orton was the youngest son of William Duff, 1st Earl Fife, and is buried in the Duff House Mausoleum. He was beloved by all and has a bridge and chapel built in his memory.
Entries by Ian Williams
Deveronside collapse 1906
Today the River Deveron heads in a fairly straight line into Banff Bay, but it used to divert west and run along the sea wall of what is today Deveronside, in 1906 nearly destroying some properties.
Little Fan
Little Fan was clearly much admired, even by a previous handmaid of the Countess (Little Fan’s grandmother) who wrote “a charming and young creature”.
General Sir Alexander Duff
Alexander, the brother of James, 4th Earl Fife was brought up in Banff, travelled the world as a soldier, lived at Delgaty, and is interred in the Duff House Mausoleum.
Banff Brass Band circa 1913
A rare photo shows some members of a Brass Band in the grounds of Duff House. From various clues it is believed to be Banff Brass Band in 1913.
Not the first Duff House Christmas Tree
At the present time, in the Grand Salon in Duff House, is a magnificent Christmas Tree; however it seems it may be only a pale reflection of the tree that stood in the same room 155 years ago.
Lady Jane Tayler
This name Tayler was introduced to the Duff family when the elder daughter, Jean or Jane Duff, of the 3rd Earl Fife married William Alexander Francis Tayler in 1802.
October 1874 Hurricane
This Story was written while looking out the window at a wet and windy day. Almost 149 years ago to the day, there was an even worse storm, described nationally as a hurricane.
Antigua?
Alexander is very important in the history of Macduff. In 1699 Alexander purchased “Doune” (ie Macduff after it’s name was changed in 1783). “Antigua” is not a Caribbean link, but part of the history that has resulted in the great town of Macduff!
Gaveny Brae Stone Circle
One of the pieces of evidence that humans were here 3000 years ago is Gaveny Brae Stone “Circle” about a mile south of today’s Banff Bridge.