HISTORY
THE CASTLE
Birkhill Castle was completed in 1858 by the renowned Scottish Baronial architect David Bryce. The current house is an elaboration of a structure which has foundations dating back to 1780.
Birkhill Castle has been the seat of the Earls of Dundee since the eighteenth century. The Earldom was created in 1660 for John Scrymgeour, 3rd Viscount Dudhope and Constable of Dundee.
THE FAMILY
The Scrymgeour Clan have been the Royal Standard Bearers for Scotland since the 13th Century. Sir Alexander Scrymgeour was awarded the title of Constable of Dundee by none other than William Wallace, The Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland, for his gallant service.
Subsequently, Robert the Bruce made the title hereditary by Royal Charter in 1324. Thus Sir Alexander’s son Nicholas assumed the mantle and fought for Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
In the centuries since, the family have persevered in upholding the highest standards in recognition of their great responsibility.
SIOBHAN’S TRUST
Siobhan’s Trust was founded in 2020 to commemorate the late Lady Dundee by supporting young people and the environment. The registered Scottish charity runs its own projects and fund partners working in these areas. The Trust has the ability to respond rapidly to emerging disasters.
Current Projects (Updated 29th June 2022)
Working with the UN on the Ukrainian side of the Polish/Ukraine border where the queues are worse and the need is greatest.
Working with trusted polish contacts to feed refugees taking shelter within Poland. For example Poland Welcomes is housing 500 refugees and we are supporting their food bill for a month - supplying them with fresh fruit and veg. We are getting more mobile and can deliver food within Poland to a number of places.
Supporting agencies going right into the heart of Ukraine where the aid is most needed. We give supplies of food, blankets and other items to a number of organisations that have the ability to do this. We are also in touch with a number of orphanages in Ukraine and finding ways to help them.
We’re also in touch with LoveBristol working from the Przemysl depot which is the place people are bused to from the Medyka border. There they provide information and support to a small number of refugees who want to come to Scotland.
Scottish Charity Number SC049842
“We fight not for glory, nor for wealth, nor honour but only and alone for freedom which no good man surrenders but with his life.”
— Robert the BRUCE
