A former housekeeper at Inverewe has travelled back down memory lane by returning to the historic Wester Ross property more than 60 years on.
Annie MacKintosh worked on the estate in the 1940s and 1950s tending to Mairi Sawyer – the daughter of Osgood Mackenzie, the owner of the estate.
The estate was first built between 1862 and 1864 for Mackenzie and his mother; however, in 1914 the property was destroyed by a devastating fire.
In 1937 Mackenzie’s daughter, Mrs Sawyer, had a new white-harled house built on the previous house site and it became Mrs MacKintosh’s second home.
Following a £2million investment by the National Trust for Scotland, Mrs MacKintosh was joined by her husband Billy, her daughter, her niece and son-in-law to tour the grounds and relive her memories of what life was like there in the 1950’s.
Her niece Jacqui Maclennan currently works in the catering team at the award-winning attraction.
Meeting her on her arrival at Inverewe was Operations Manager Kevin Frediani and the current Head Housekeeper Fiona Fraser and her team.
Mr Frediani said: “We were delighted to welcome Annie and her family back to Inverewe after all these years and we know that they very much enjoyed their time looking around the house.
“It is wonderful that Annie has come back down memory lane to see the house in all its former glory. Annie spent a long time reminiscing the past and capturing memories! We are so grateful that Annie took time to visit us and reinforce the fact that Inverewe House is back to its former glory – and this is first-hand knowledge from someone who knows! This is fast becoming a ‘must see’ experience for our visitors and the many visitors heading for the Highlands.”
“Inverewe House has just been recognised nationally by winning the Gold Award for the Interpretation of Inverewe House in the Marketing Society Star Awards 2018. This is yet another top award, hot on the heels of being awarded the BBC Garden of the Year last year.”
