Meet the Instagran: Karen Ellington, 70, of Towie Barclay Castle in Aberdeenshire

After a lifetime spent caring for old buildings, antiques, and gardens, horticulturalist Karen Ellington, 70, of Towie Barclay Castle in Aberdeenshire, now finds it refreshing and rewarding to spend quality time with her three young grandchildren, whom she absolutely adores.

Here, she shares her favourite photographs…

Snap happy

One of the few photos of myself that I actually like, taken by my late brother-in-law Eric Ellington, who had a gift for getting the best from everyone.

A renowned photographer who captured precious slices of Highland life, Eric died at 59 in February 2010.

Newspaper tributes described him as “a remarkable man whose work extended beyond photographic record” and “an artist.”

Queen of the castle

After searching all over Scotland to find a castle ruin to buy and restore, my husband Marc and I were able to purchase Towie Barclay, near Turriff. It had lain empty for more than 200 years.

Now, after almost 50 years looking after a place we have always cherished, we can say confidently that it has been a labour of love.

My terrific trio

The boys are the jewels in our family crown. They’re so precious. Time with them is time well spent as each is so very different.

Archie, aged six, is the budding wordsmith and scholar, Angus the sportsman and diplomat, and Hugo the pragmatist and machinery expert. They are both three-and-a-half.

Watching them grow and learn the ways of the world is a truly amazing journey.

Up for a challenge

As our two girls Iona and Kirstie were growing up and becoming more independent, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime by distillers Chivas Brothers: to take on the restoration of their 27-acre landscape garden at the Glen Grant Distillery in Rothes. The restoration was completed after four years, and attracted three major design and environmental awards. Now more than 30,000 visitors enjoy the gardens every summer.