Scotland’s mazes have a unique shape that reflects decades of family history and are now a favorite destination for many, especially during the spring and summer months.
The Murray Star Maze at Scone Palace in Scotland was planted in 1991 in the shape of a pentagram to pay homage to the history of the Murrays, one of Scotland’s ‘great families’.
The Scone Palace website points out that “as soldiers, politicians, ambassadors and MPs, they have remained close to the heart of Scottish affairs for centuries”.
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According to Scone Palace, the maze contains 2,000 beech trees and is approximately half a mile long.
Adrian Fischer, an international maze designer, created the palace’s unique architecture, which includes a statue representing the water nymph Arethusa at its center.
Located in Scotland’s historic Scone Palace, the Murray Star Maze is half a mile long. There are 2,000 beech trees planted in the maze. (SWNS)
Scone Palace points out that the shortest distance to the center of the maze with views of Arethusa is only about 30 feet from the starting point. But good luck finding a way to manage it.
However, Scone Palace said the maze’s distinctive star shape resembles the tartan of the Earls of Mansfield, which is formed by five dots that are part of the family’s historic coat of arms.
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In addition, the area where the maze is planted has a mix of copper trees and green beech trees.
Brian Cunningham, head gardener at Scone Palace, told British news agency SWNS that he had been tending the maze for the past 13 years.
In the center of the maze is a statue of the water nymph Arethusa. (SWNS)
“I could blindfold myself and spin around and get out of the left half,” he joked.
“But I have to admit that I still tend to get lost on the right side,” he added.
Cunningham said there’s only one way into the maze and one way out, adding that’s a little secret.
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As for maintenance, Cunningham said it takes about two weeks to trim the hedges because the roads are narrow.
“You have to take a wheelie bin to remove hedge clippings,” he said.
The star maze contains thousands of plants and hedges. (SWNS)
Cunningham and his team of gardeners are working on other projects throughout the palace, noting that the maze is “amazing.”
Cunningham told SWNS the palace was built 220 years ago but was abandoned during World War I.
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“For the last 20-odd years it’s been just a lawn, so we’re now starting an ambitious project to bring it back to life,” he added.
“We maintain and develop this wonderful garden and grounds surrounding the palace.”
Scone Palace’s gardeners work throughout the year on the grounds, including the maze. (SWNS)
During the summer months, the public can visit Scone Palace seven days a week.
There is a garden on site as well as coffee and food spots.
Here, “a rich natural environment awaits,” says the palace’s website. “While there are no formal gardens at Scone, our 100 acres of woodland gardens with borders, flowering shrubs and trees create a wonderfully tranquil setting perfect for walks and picnics.”
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To learn more about visiting Scone Palace in Perthshire, Scotland and its over 1,000 year history, visit scone-palace.co.uk.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Scone Palace for further comment.
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