Littlejohn's Wood, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Where the Trees Hide a Lot like Littlejohn's Plot!

Introduction:

Littlejohn’s Wood – noo there’s a name that fairly gars ye smile. It soonds like it could belong tae a cheeky loon fa appears in bairns’ storybooks, or maybe that slightly daft uncle fa still thinks socks an’ sandals is a bold fashion statement. The name itsel’ invites aa kinds o’ wild guesses. Wis Littlejohn a local hero, or jist a wee chiel wi’ a muckle love o’ trees? Did he plant the first saplin’ an’ declare, “Aye, this is mine, an’ I’m namin’ it efter masel’!”? Weel, the possibilities are as endless as the wood is green.

But let’s nae get ower carried awa wi’ oor imaginations – though it’s easy tae picture a band o’ merry mischief‑makers hidin’ in the undergrowth. Littlejohn’s Wood is a bonnie, peaceful spot, mixin’ nature, history, an’ that wee bit o’ Aberdeenshire charm that makes ye chuckle an’ think at the same time.

Toponymy:

Let’s tak a closer look at the name:

Littlejohn – A queer wee moniker that could mean a “little” John, or maybe a muckle lad wi’ a sense o’ humour an’ a fondness for the outdoors. The name brings tae mind somebody humble, earthy, an’ aye happy tae wander aboot the trees. But fa exactly wis Littlejohn? Wis he a woodsman, a landowner, or jist somebody fa wis terrible at namin’ things?

Wood – Nae mystery here. It’s a wood. Nae a forest, nae a glen, nae a grove. Jist a wood. Simple, honest, an’ exactly fit ye’d expect tae find: birds chitterin’, leaves rustlin’, an’ the occasional squirrel chuckin’ an acorn at ye for trespassin’.

Pit the twa thegither an’ ye get a name that makes folk pause before sayin’ it oot loud, wonderin’ if they should be mair formal an’ call it “Mr Littlejohn’s Wood”.

Historical Context:

Like mony places in the North‑East, the origins o’ Littlejohn’s Wood are wrapped in a bit o’ mystery. The name appears in local records tied tae the Littlejohn family, a surname that’s been in Aberdeenshire for centuries, especially roon the Don Valley. Some say the wood wis named efter a tenant farmer or land steward fa worked the area near Monymusk. Others think it wis simply a descriptive nickname that stuck, as stubborn as a thistle in yer sock.

Whatever the truth, Littlejohn’s Wood keeps visitors wonderin’ if logic ever played a pairt. Maybe it wis a cartographer havin’ a laugh, or maybe it wis named efter a local character fa never made it intae the history books.

Either wye, it’s a name that brings a grin tae onybody brave enough tae say it wi’ a straight face.

Points of Interest:

If ye’re in the area, dinna miss:

• Crathes Castle – A stunning 16th‑century castle wi’ world‑famous gardens. Perfect for a wander efter ye’ve explored the woods. Rumour has it the Green Lady ghost still keeps an eye on fowk fa canna find their wye oot o’ the maze.

• Loch o’ Skene – A bonnie loch popular wi’ birdwatchers, paddleboarders, an’ picnic‑lovin’ families. Ye might even spot an osprey if ye’re lucky. Bring yer pieces, but guard them fae the gulls.

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum – A deep dive intae the North‑East’s seafarin’ past, fae sail ships tae the oil rigs. Watch oot for the model ships – they look innocent, but they judge ye silently.

• Banchory – A lovely wee toon on the Dee, perfect for a cuppie, a scone, an’ a browse roon the independent shops. Pretend ye’re a local – jist say “fine day the day” an’ ye’ll blend right in.

• The Fetternear Estate – Near Kemnay, this historic site includes the remains o’ the Bishop’s Palace an’ miles o’ woodland paths. Ideal for a quiet stroll, though the local deer will eye up yer snacks like they paid for them.

Notable Figures:

Fowk associated wi’ Aberdeenshire (even if nae directly wi’ Littlejohn’s Wood) include:

• William Wallace – Nae proof he ever set foot in Littlejohn’s Wood, but he’d hae appreciated a quiet place tae hide fae the English, nae doot.

• John Buchan – Author o’ The 39 Steps. His stories roam aa ower Scotland, an’ ye can easily imagine his characters leggin’ it through a wood like this.

• Alexander Graham Bell – Inventor o’ the telephone, born tae Aberdeenshire parents. He’d likely hae been the first lad shoutin’, “Can ye hear me noo?” through the trees.

• J.K. Rowling – Spent time in Scotland, an’ it’s easy tae imagine she drew inspiration fae places like this for her magical forests.

• Sir Walter Scott – The man could turn a hillside intae poetry, so imagine fit he’d hae written aboot a place wi’ a name like Littlejohn’s Wood.

Conclusion:

So, next time ye find yersel’ at Littlejohn’s Wood, tak a wee moment tae admire how the North‑East manages tae mix beauty, daftness, an’ history aa in one place – while leavin’ ye wonderin’ if the name wis ever meant tae make sense in the first place.

An’ if ye’re needin’ a laugh or a place name that’ll raise an eyebrow at a dinner table, hae a keek at www.strangeplacenames.com – the UK an’ Ireland are fair stuffed wi’ oddities that’ll tickle yer fancy an’ mak ye ask, “Fit on earth were they thinkin’?”

Och aye, it’s a rare treat.

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