The Scottish castle where William Wallace was taken following his capture in 1305 is set to reopen following repairs.
27.12.2022 - 14:53 / dailyrecord.co.uk
Aberdeenshire is home to some of Scotland's top attractions and most stunning natural sights, from Dunnottar Castle to Loch Muick.
One destination that you may not have heard of, but that has a fascinating history, is Burn O'Vat — a pothole close to Loch Kinord near the village of Dinnet.
Journeying back nearly 16,000 years ago, the surrounding area was covered by a glacial ice sheet. A few thousand years later, the ice began to melt.
It is believed that Burn O'Vat was formed after a rock became embedded on the river bed, which led to a torrent of water spiralling around and carving out the granite bedrock beneath. Over the years, this led to the creation of a pothole measuring 13 meters deep and 18 meters wide.
Burn O'Vat has been a popular tourist attraction ever since Victorian times, as it can be easily accessed via a narrow passage. It is even said that Queen Victoria herself would retreat here to escape her royal duties.
A more notorious historical figure who is also said to have hidden in Burn O'Vat was Scottish outlaw Rob Roy. While it was previously believed that Roy used the pothole to hide from authorities, this has since been confirmed to be a myth.
However, another Scots outlaw who has been established to have sought sanctuary in Burn O'Vat is Patrick Gilroy Macgregor. Best known as Gilderoy, he was a cattle raider and leader of a band of robbers, and is often compared with popular outlaw Robin Hood.
Gilderoy used Burn O'Vat as a hiding place to evade capture in the 17th century, though he was caught and eventually executed in 1636.
Aside from the pothole's historical significance, it is worth a visit for its stunning flora and fauna. It even has its own visitor centre that provides further historical information.
D
The Scottish castle where William Wallace was taken following his capture in 1305 is set to reopen following repairs.
Three men have been jailed for a total of 14 years after pleading guilty to running a county drugs line from London to Scotland.
The life expectancy for both men and women across the UK has been revealed in new research - and one area in Scotland has the shortest in the nation.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has refused to rule out blocking new controversial gender recognition laws passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Rishi Sunak met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this evening as he visited Scotland to announce a new funding package.
Schools across Stirling have faced more disruption this week as teachers continue their ongoing walkout over a pay deal.
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of a hate-related sexual assault in a popular gay village. Police report that a woman was assaulted and threatened with a knife in the early hours of the morning.
Police Scotland have announced that their training headquarters is to reopen after its closure following traces of Legionella bacteria being discovered in the water system last month.
Shocking footage from yesterday's Old Firm game shows a fan being struck with a missile.
Scots are bracing for snow across the country as up to eight inches of flurries could fall on Friday.
The ongoing cost of living crisis has made 2022 a challenging year for millions of households across Scotland. Soaring energy bills along with higher food and fuel prices brought about by record-breaking inflation means budgets are continually being pushed to breaking point.
A Dumfries and Galloway social worker was applauded by dozens of councillors and officials for her national achievements.
Firefighters in Scotland have been urged to vote in favour of strike action which could see fire stations across the UK temporarily closed.
After a white Christmas, Scots will be treated to more snow in the lead up to the new year.
Two children in Scotland have died from the Strep A infection. Figures from Public Health Scotland (PHS) show that two children under the age of 10 died from the infection between October and December.
There is no doubt that nowhere celebrates New Year's Eve quite like Scotland, with a number of unique and historic traditions that are still followed to this day across the country.
Social Security Scotland is celebrating one year of providing in-person support designed to help people access devolved benefits. The service is now available for free in all 32 local authorities across the country.
Scots are set to be lashed with rain as the Met Office has issued a fresh yellow rain warning for later this week.
If you're headed to the Outer Hebrides, you are likely familiar with the more well-known attractions such as Luskentyre and the Calanais Standing Stones.