The Burn#

Goodenough College owns a lovely estate in Scotland called The Burn. A visit to The Burn during your time at the College is highly recommended. It is a unique and special place, situated in the Highlands of Scotland on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park. The Burn was gifted in 1948 to Goodenough College by Mr. and Mrs. George Herbert Russell in memory of their son James who was killed in action during the Second World War aged just 21. Since 1950, The Burn has been operating as an academic retreat and student holiday centre and it continues to welcome students, graduates, university staff and alumni from all over the world. Its name comes from the Scottish word for a stream or small river and, in the case of The Burn, refers to a stream, originally providing a source of fresh water, which flows past the house and through the grounds.

The mansion house (pictured), originally built in 1791 and recently the subject of an extensive refurbishment programme, contains a large drawing room, dining room, library, conference room, indoor games room and twenty bedrooms. It stands at the centre of a wonderful 190-acre estate, consisting of gardens, parkland and ancient woodland. A dramatic gorge and the River North Esk flows along the boundary of the estate and is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Burn is an ideal location to escape the demands and distractions of modern life and the perfect place to relax or study undisturbed.

Visiting The Burn#

The College organises regular trips to The Burn for groups of Members, including some trips with a specific theme or academic focus, often with a distinguished guest participant. College members are also welcome to organise their own group visits, or private visits with friends and family. The main house sleeps up to 35 people (some bedrooms sleep up to four people) or, for small groups, it is possible to book one of the cottages on the estate grounds. There is much to see and do in this beautiful part of Scotland, and children of all ages are very welcome.

Because The Burn is also used by a wide range of university and study groups, Members planning a trip to Scotland are advised to book early to avoid disappointment The Burn website (https://theburn.co.uk/) provides additional information - or call The Burn office on 01356 648281. There is a direct rail link between London King’s Cross and Montrose (just a 20-minute taxi journey from The Burn). Or Aberdeen airport is just one hour from The Burn by car.

Leisure activities#

Tennis (hard court), croquet, bowls and even football can be played in the gardens surrounding Burn House. Indoor games available include snooker, pool, darts and table tennis.
Edzell Golf Course is just 1.5 miles away and green fees are offered at a reduced rate to residents of The Burn. There are numerous other golf courses within easy reach and the championship courses at St Andrews and Carnoustie can be reached by car within an hour.
Salmon fishing is available on the River North Esk during the season, which runs from February to October.
The famous “Blue Door Walk” runs through The Burn estate, following the River North Esk. It is acknowledged as one of the most lovely riverside walks anywhere in Scotland. September and October are the best months for watching salmon leap the waterfalls.
Enjoy walking the quiet, unspoilt and beautiful estate - and discover the labyrinth and the very unusual underground cattle tunnel.
In summer, spend a day on the unspoilt and uncrowded beaches at the holiday resorts of Montrose, Stonehaven and Arbroath.
The Burn is an ideal base for visiting the famous Castles of Mar (Castles Fraser, Drum, Crathes and Balmoral, only half an hour away by car over the picturesque Cairn O’Mounth Rd). The world-renowned Glamis Castle is just 30 minutes away - and close to The Burn are Edzell Castle and the Fettercairn Distillery.