The Ante Room |
To the east of the Flag Room a door leads to the Ante Room. This door
represents the boundary of the original Castle. All beyond is post-1884. The
Ante Room, which is the Mess drawing room, was the Beveridge's dining room. The
alcove with its solid oak sideboard is original; the present entrance to the
Mess bar was a matching alcove giving a symmetry to this elegant room. The clock
on the mantelpiece, set in the boss of a wooden aircraft propeller, is from the
"Wardroom, H209, Lerwlck" and came to us from the long-defunct flying boat
squadron that served with distinction in the war years. |
The Mess bar adjoining the ante room, kitchens and dining room below are all
modern, dating from 1938, and contain little of historical or architectural
interest. |
The Main Corridor |
On the walls of the main corridor between the Ante Room and the Air Officer's
offices may be seen several items of interest. The first is a local version of
the history of the castle, including an account of the Battle of Pitreavie that
some may find a little improbable. Would the retreating Scots really have taken
time out to attack the Wardlaws? |
The silver cabinet displays part of the Mess collection, including items held
on behalf of 603 Squadron, the City of Edinburgh fighter squadron which fought
with courage and distinction in the 39-45 war. On the north wall is a
print of the Coastal Command Memorial Window in the Royal Air Force church of St
Clement Danes, while an original painting by a serving officer commemorates the
activities of the Banff Wing during the war. |
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