A well-known local character often to be found in yellow wellies with his two cocker spaniels – Gertie & Peggy – in tow, Simon is originally from Northumberland, just south of the Scottish Border. Having spent many happy summer childhood holidays stalking the Scottish hills with his parents, grandparents and siblings Simon always knew he wanted to live here full time. For over 21 years he managed Invercauld estate (the large estate by Braemar, stretching from south of Glenshee to east of Ballater and north towards Strathdon) until his retirement.

More recently Simon has been found stalking the corridors (sometimes in Jacobite or other disguise) and entertaining visitors at Braemar Castle, Scotland’s first community run castle and he is chair of Braemar Community Ltd who are responsible for the castle’s management as well as many other projects around the village.

An Elder at Crathie Kirk, Simon can tell you many behind the scenes stories as well as showing you the grave of Queen Victoria’s favourite, John Brown, in the old kirk yard.

Simon has unparalleled knowledge of the locality and its traditions, is a Braemar Local History Group guide and sits on the board of VisitAberdeenshire, the destination organisation covering the north east of Scotland. A tour with him will leave you informed, entertained, well versed in local folklore and can show you some of our local hidden gems.