🥾 Walking Tour: In the Shadow of Elphame – Aberdeen’s Darkest Love Story

Distance: ~2.5 miles
Time: 2–2.5 hours at a relaxed pace
Start: St Machar’s Cathedral
End: Donmouth Sands (Tillydrone)
Best Time: Twilight or early morning (for mist and mood)
Bring: A notebook, camera, and courage

---

🔮 Stop 1: St Machar’s Cathedral

📍 The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen AB24 1RQ

Begin at this magnificent medieval kirk, where Andras Macilroy once lived in a humble stone cell at the edge of Seaton Wood. Wander the grounds, breathe the chill air under the yews, and peer through the gothic windows where saints watch and shadows gather.

🕯 Myth Link: This is where Andras mixed his healing draughts, and perhaps where he first whispered the Queen’s name into the world.

Look For: The ornate ceiling bosses inside—one is said to depict a crowned woman beneath a crescent moon.

---

🌳 Stop 2: Seaton Park & the Edge of Elphame

📍 Northern gate near St Machar Drive

Walk down into Seaton Park, but leave the main path. Take the winding trail along the Don, where the trees grow denser and the river bends. This woodland was Andras’s realm—the place where he first met the Queen, where deer froze in reverence and the air turned blue with enchantment.

🕯 Myth Link: Her court is said to still dance beneath these roots. Step lightly.

Tip: Stop at the half-hidden bench overlooking the river and recite a line from the story aloud—just once.

---

🌉 Stop 3: Brig o’ Balgownie

📍 Old Bridge over the River Don, accessible via riverside path

Cross the narrow, ancient arch of this legendary bridge. Dating back to the 13th century, it is one of the oldest in Scotland. At moonrise, locals say, the river below reflects not this world—but hers.

🕯 Myth Link: Here, Andras followed a blue-lit stag and slipped into Elphame’s embrace.

Reflection Tip: If the water is still, watch long enough—you may glimpse something you shouldn’t.

---

🕯 Stop 4: The Mercat Cross & Castlegate

📍 Near Union Street and Castle Street junction

Now leave the riverside and walk into the city centre. The Mercat Cross, a striking hexagonal monument, was once the place of proclamations and punishments. Beneath it lies a network of tunnels and vaults, long sealed.

🕯 Myth Link: Andras was dragged here in chains and accused before the people. Some believe the Queen of Elphame used the Cross as a gateway.

Dare: Whisper her title at the base of the stone. Not her name—just “Queen of Elphame.” Then walk on.

---

⚖️ Stop 5: The Tolbooth Museum (Former Prison)

📍 Castle Street AB11 5BB

Visit the grim cellars where Andras was held, tortured, and interrogated. The wood panels are warped. The air is wrong. Inside, there’s an original iron collar and branding irons on display.

🕯 Myth Link: This is where he confessed not to devilry—but to love. Unholy, sacred, eternal love.

Haunting Tip: Ask the museum staff if they’ve seen the violet smoke or heard weeping in the lower chamber.

---

🌸 Stop 6: St Nicholas Kirkyard

📍 Back Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1AP

Just west of the Tollbooth lies this sprawling, time-worn graveyard. Foxglove and hemlock grow thick in the corners. Dozens of plague graves lie beneath your feet. Find the western wall—there, folk once left offerings of silver pennies to ward off fae attention.

🕯 Myth Link: This is where Andras harvested “the midnight herbs” taught to him by his Queen.

Quiet Moment: Place a coin or flower at the base of a mossed gravestone. Say nothing. Move on.

---

🔥 Final Stop: Donmouth Sands (Tillydrone)

📍 Near Donmouth Local Nature Reserve

Finish at the place of execution. Here, where the River Don meets the sea, Andras was tied to a pyre of green wood and salt. But he did not scream—he sang. And when the flames turned violet, she came.

🕯 Myth Link: It is said violets bloom here out of season. That tides whisper in Elphame’s tongue. And that, sometimes, you can see a shadow walking the shore beside yours.

Closing Ritual: Light a candle (or phone torch), place it in the sand. Let it burn until the tide threatens to take it. Then turn away, without looking back.

---

🧭 Route Summary: