Achi news desk-
But at its heart is a curious puzzle that has puzzled staff for years – the identical ones behind two initials carved in stone above the fireplace.
The carving is known to be a wedding stone – an old custom to celebrate the marriage and residence of a couple who died in the Victorian era.
READ MORE: More than 20 historic sites across Scotland to welcome visitors back
Ever since the building came into the care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1963, the conservation charity’s heritage specialists have been fascinated by the ‘MP and HP’ identities, which are worked into the wedding stone alongside the date 1681.
Now Black Island historian Dr Jim Mackay has helped solve the puzzle. Through his extensive research, Dr Mackay, who is chairman of the Kirkmichael Trust in the Black Isle, discovered that the daughter of the minister of Cullicudden, the Reverend Charles Pape, had married a sea captain and merchant from Inverness, Alexander Stewart – and that they lived in what is now Abertarff. House.
It is thought that Alexander married Helen Pape, and they lived in the house from 1681 until his death in 1720. Afterwards his son John, the subject of the antiquarian history The Letter-book of Bailie John Steuart, lived in Abertarff House until his death . in 1751.
It was finally sold in 1771 on the death of Bailie John’s daughter Margaret. The Stewart family owned the building for three generations during a period of unrest and turmoil, notably the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715.
READ MORE: Scotland’s only round castle reopens to visitors
Gail Cleaver, National Trust for Scotland Operations Manager for Culloden, Tŷ Abertarff and Hugh Miller’s Cottage, said: “We are grateful to Dr Mackay who has helped us solve a puzzle over 300 years old, adding further color to the history of this significant building and the stories we share with our visitors.
“As Scotland’s largest conservation charity, it is our privilege to protect, care for and share the heritage of places like Tŷ Abertarff, which have witnessed huge moments in our country’s history: the age of the Covenanters, the Jacobite rebellions and two world wars. ”
Ms Cleaver added: “An example of 16th and 17th century Scottish domestic architecture, it makes an important contribution to the historic streetscape of Church Street in Inverness and to what we know about the city’s heritage.
“We look forward to welcoming our visitors, members and supporters as we reopen the doors to Abertarff for the coming season.”
Tŷ Abertarff is open from Friday 29 March over the Easter weekend from 10am to 4pm, and thereafter from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.
