In the words of Percy Bysshe Shelly: “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair.”
Abergeldie Castle in Scotland, dating from the 16th century and situated close to the royal residence of Balmoral, is facing destruction after the bank of the Dee river gave way. Now frantic work is
underway to stop the erosion and prevent the castle from falling into the river. Check this splendid link to see the how precarious the situation is:
The baron who lived in the castle until very recently has had to move out for the time being. He views the situation as an unspeakable tragedy, largely because it involves his own place of residence. But others too, who don’t live in the castle, have noted that if it cannot be saved by engineering work meant to stop the erosion, its loss will represent a loss for all of us. Our shared cultural heritage, as it were, will be swept away.
Well, let’s hope they can save the castle. And if it cannot be saved, let us at least hope that it becomes the residence of mermaids and other aquatic creatures such as river nymphs and, yes, selkies.
CEU Medieval Radio 