A RARE 17th-century map of the world found hidden by a chimney on the Castle Fraser estate has been returned home to Aberdeenshire.
The document, one of only three created by Dutch engraver Gerald Valck, was discovered during the 1980s in Drumnahoy House, which was at the time part of the castle estate, owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), Scotland’s largest conservation charity.
The map was in very poor condition. It was thought to have been stuffed under floorboards close to a chimney for many years. It was eventually taken to the National Library of Scotland where it underwent intricate conservation work before going on display in Edinburgh.
NTS property manager at Castle Fraser, Paula Swan said: “We are honoured to welcome this amazing map back to the Castle Fraser estate. It is a fascinating piece and of such historical significance.
“We are very grateful to the National Library of Scotland for giving us the opportunity to share and celebrate this fascinating story with visitors this summer.”
Drumnahoy House owner Robert Paterson and his daughter, who slept in the room where the map was discovered, were at Castle Fraser to welcome it back home as it was piped into the castle.
Paterson said: “I am absolutely delighted that the restored chimney map is coming home to Aberdeenshire for display.
“The chance discovery of the map – hidden in my home for so many years – and its subsequent restoration make for an interesting story. However, it is really the quality and detail of the map which takes your breath away.
“I see something new every time I see it, whether it is the intricate coastlines, lakes and rivers, or the finely drawn pictures of plants, animals, people, ships and cities. Looking at this map is a hugely rewarding experience and one I will always treasure.”
The map will be on display at the historic castle throughout the summer. The team will be working with local schools and the community to uncover more of its fascinating story over the coming months.
Swan said: “How the map came to Aberdeenshire is unclear. One theory is that it was owned by Andrew Fraser, the 4th Laird, who was known to have Jacobite sympathies. However, we do not know how he would have paid for such an expensive item.”
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