Corse Castle

 

Discover Corse Castle

A Scottish Stronghold Steeped in Clan Rivalry & History

Nestled in the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire near Lumphanan, Corse Castle stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin, whispering tales of Scotland’s turbulent past. Built in 1581, this tower house has witnessed clan feuds, religious strife, and political upheaval. Let’s journey through its storied past!

🏰 The Founding of Corse Castle 

Commissioned by Sir John Forbes, a stalwart of the powerful Forbes clan, Corse Castle was both a home and a fortress. Constructed during the reign of James VI (later James I of England), its five-story tower blended medieval strength with Renaissance elegance. The rooftop’s unique corbelled parapet and courtyard walls symbolized the Forbes’ prestige—and readiness for battle against rivals like the Gordon clan.

👑 Key Inhabitants Through the Centuries

Sir John Forbes (1581–1600): Founder of the castle, a loyal Protestant supporter during Scotland’s Reformation. 

Alexander Forbes (17th century): Oversaw repairs after the castle was damaged during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1640s). The Forbes backed the Covenanters against Royalists, aligning with Parliamentarian forces.

Forbes Baronets (18th century): The family shifted loyalty to the Hanoverians during the Jacobite Risings. After the 1745 defeat, they abandoned the castle for a nearby mansion, distancing themselves from Jacobite ties.

⚔️ Corse Castle in Scottish & English History

Clan Conflicts: The Forbes-Gordon feud mirrored Scotland’s broader religious divides (Protestant vs. Catholic) and political rivalries.

Wars of the Three Kingdoms: The castle’s strategic role saw it damaged by Royalist troops, later restored as a symbol of resilience.

Jacobite Uprisings: The Forbes’ support for the Hanoverians highlighted shifting alliances in the lead-up to the 1707 Union. Their post-1745 departure marked the castle’s decline, echoing the fall of Highland clan culture.

🌿 Legacy & Preservation

Abandoned by the 18th century, Corse Castle now stands as a romantic ruin under the care of Historic Environment Scotland. Its crumbling walls tell stories of ambition, conflict, and adaptation—a microcosm of Scotland’s journey through union, rebellion, and transformation.

📸 Visit Corse Castle

Wander through history where clans once clashed and kings plotted! Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of wild Scottish landscapes, Corse Castle offers a poignant glimpse into the past.

👉 Like, Share, and Tag a friend who’d love this slice of Scottish heritage!

Let the echoes of the past inspire your next adventure! 🏴✨

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corse_Castle

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 Armadale Castle

Echoes of the Lords of the Isles & Guardian of Gaelic Heritage 

Nestled on the lush Sleat Peninsula of the Isle of Skye, Armadale Castle stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin amid 20,000 acres of gardens and woodlands. Once the seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat, this estate weaves a tale of medieval might, Jacobite defiance, and a modern renaissance of Scottish culture. Let’s journey through its storied past!

📍 Location

Armadale Castle graces the southern coast of Skye, overlooking the Sound of Sleat toward the Knoydart Peninsula. Just a 30-minute drive from the Skye Bridge and a stone’s throw from the Mallaig-Armadale ferry, it’s a gateway to Skye’s dramatic landscapes and Gaelic soul.

📜 A Timeline of History

Medieval Power & Clan Donald’s Reign (13th–16th Century)

The MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, ruled the Hebrides from the 13th century until their forfeiture in 1493 by James IV of Scotland, who sought to crush their autonomy.

The Sleat branch of Clan Donald emerged as key players, balancing alliances with Scottish kings and rival clans.

Rise of Armadale (18th–19th Century)

Built in 1815 by Lord MacDonald, the castle replaced older clan strongholds. Its neoclassical design symbolized the family’s integration into British aristocracy post-1707 Union.

The MacDonalds of Sleat controversially avoided major Jacobite risings (1715/1745), focusing instead on consolidating land and political influence.

Decline & Cultural Revival (20th Century–Present)

Abandoned in 1925, the castle fell into ruin.

1984: The Clan Donald Lands Trust transformed the estate into a cultural hub, home to the Museum of the Isles and restored gardens.

👑 Key Inhabitants

Clan Donald (MacDonald) Lords of the Isles: Medieval rulers who challenged Scottish kings.

Sir James MacDonald, 8th Baronet (1741–1766): Reformed the estate, shifting from feudalism to agrarian improvement.

The Clan Donald Centre: Modern stewards reviving Gaelic language, music, and history.

⚔️ Significance in Scottish & British History

Lords of the Isles: Clan Donald’s semi-independent rule shaped Highland politics, defying central authority until the 15th-century forfeiture.

Union & Assimilation: The MacDonalds of Sleat’s embrace of British norms post-1707 Union reflects Highland elites’ complex loyalty shifts.

Jacobite Caution: Unlike many MacDonalds, the Sleat branch avoided rebellion, prioritizing survival over Stuart loyalty—a pragmatic but divisive choice.

Cultural Rebirth: The estate’s modern role in preserving Gaelic traditions counters the erasure of Highland culture post-Culloden.

🌟 Why Visit Armadale Today?

Museum of the Isles: Uncover 1,500 years of Clan Donald history through artifacts, maps, and interactive displays.

Enchanted Gardens: Stroll Victorian woodlands, rhododendron trails, and wildflower meadows with views of the Cuillins.

Ruins & Reflection: Photograph the castle’s roofless grandeur, framed by Skye’s ever-changing skies.

Workshops & Events: Join Gaelic music sessions, genealogy research, or the annual Skye Festival.

🗨️ Plan Your Visit

Open: April–October; check Clan Donald Centre for hours.

Nearby: Explore Dunscaith Castle (mythic training ground of warrior queen Scáthach) or the Talisker Distillery.

Stay: Book a cottage on the estate for a true Highland escape!

Have you traced your roots to Clan Donald or wandered Armadale’s timeless gardens? Share your Skye stories below! 👇

📍 Fun fact: The castle’s library once held the 15th-century Book of the Dean of Lismore, a priceless Gaelic manuscript now in Edinburgh!

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/armadale-castle-gardens-museum-p248481 https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Invergarry Castle

Sentinel of the Great Glen & Heart of Jacobite Defiance

Perched on a wooded promontory overlooking the serene Loch Oich in the Scottish Highlands, Invergarry Castle’s haunting ruins whisper tales of clan loyalty, rebellion, and the fierce spirit of the MacDonnells of Glengarry. A cornerstone of the Great Glen, this fortress once commanded strategic control over the Highlands’ most vital routes. Let’s uncover its turbulent legacy!

Location

Invergarry Castle lies near the village of Invergarry, 8 miles northeast of Fort William in the Caledonian Canal corridor. Framed by the Great Glen Way hiking trail and the shimmering waters of Loch Oich, its ruins offer a picturesque stop for explorers delving into Scotland’s Jacobite history.

 

A Timeline of History

Clan Donald Stronghold (16th–17th Century)

Built in the 1540s by the MacDonnells of Glengarry, a branch of Clan Donald (MacDonald), to replace an earlier fortification. 

Strategically vital for controlling trade and military movements through the Great Glen.

Jacobite Loyalty & Destruction (18th Century)

1715 & 1745 Risings: The MacDonnells staunchly supported the Jacobite cause, sheltering rebels and storing arms.

1746: After the Battle of Culloden, government troops burned the castle to crush Jacobite resistance. Its ruins became a symbol of Hanoverian retribution.

19th–20th Century: Romantic Ruins

The MacDonnells relocated to Glengarry Castle House, while the old fortress decayed into a ivy-clad relic.

Now a scheduled monument, preserved for its historical significance.

 

Key Inhabitants

Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry: Fierce Jacobites known for their motto “Creag an Fhitich” (“The Raven’s Rock”).

Alastair MacDonnell, 16th Chief: Led the clan during the 1715 Rising; his descendants fought in 1745.

Colonel Alexander MacDonnell: Last chief to occupy the castle before its destruction.

 

Significance in Scottish & British History

Jacobite Stronghold: A nerve center for rebellions, reflecting Highland resistance against the 1707 Union and British Crown.

Clan Power Dynamics: The MacDonnells’ feuds with rivals like the Campbells and Frasers underscored the fractious politics of the Highlands.

Post-Culloden Suppression: The castle’s ruin mirrored the broader dismantling of clan culture—disarming acts, banned tartan, and cleared lands.

Strategic Chokepoint: Its location along the Great Glen made it critical for controlling military movements between Inverness and Fort William.

🌟 Why Visit Invergarry Castle Today?

Atmospheric Ruins: Wander among moss-covered walls and imagine clan gatherings in the vaulted great hall.

Scenic Walks: Follow the Great Glen Way or stroll to the Well of the Seven Heads, a 17th-century monument to a bloody clan feud.

Historical Reflection: Contemplate the castle’s role in Scotland’s struggle for identity and autonomy.

Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for ospreys soaring over Loch Oich!

 

Plan Your Visit

Access: Free entry; park at the layby off the A82 and follow the woodland path.

Nearby: Explore Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, or the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge.

Have you traced Jacobite footsteps at Invergarry or felt the echoes of clan pride? Share your Highland tales below! 👇

 

Fun fact: Local lore claims the ghost of a headless piper haunts the ruins, playing a lament for the fallen Jacobites!

 

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://great-castles.com/invergarry.html

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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🏰 Glengorm Castle

Where Victorian Ambition Meets Highland Majesty 🏰

Perched on the rugged northern coast of the Isle of Mull in Argyll and Bute, Glengorm Castle offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Inner Hebrides, and the dramatic peaks of Ben Nevis. A blend of Victorian grandeur, turbulent history, and modern sustainability, this castle invites you to explore its storied past and breathtaking landscapes. Let’s delve in!

📍 Location

Glengorm Castle crowns a hilltop 3 miles northwest of Tobermory, Mull’s colorful harbor town. Surrounded by 12,000 acres of working farmland, ancient woodlands, and coastal trails, it overlooks the Treshnish Isles and the iconic Ardnamurchan Peninsula. A paradise for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and history seekers!

📜 A Timeline of History

Victorian Origins & The Clearances (19th Century)

Built in 1863 by James Forsyth of Quinish, a Lowland Scots merchant who acquired the land after the brutal Highland Clearances.

Forsyth evicted tenant farmers to create a sheep-grazing estate, renaming the area Glengorm (“Blue Glen”) despite local resistance to the displacement. The castle’s construction symbolized Victorian wealth and the era’s stark social inequities.

20th Century: From Turmoil to Stewardship

Forsyth’s descendants faced financial strife, and the estate changed hands multiple times.

World War II: The castle housed soldiers and later served as a children’s retreat.

1980s–Present: Restored by the Nelson family, it now operates as an eco-conscious boutique hotel and organic farm, championing sustainability and community ties.

👑 Key Inhabitants

James Forsyth (1809–1889): Controversial builder whose Clearance policies left a painful legacy.

The Nelson Family: Modern custodians who revitalized the estate, balancing heritage with environmental ethics.

Wildlife: The estate shelters red deer, golden eagles, and rare white-tailed sea eagles.

⚔️ Significance in Scottish History

Highland Clearances: Glengorm’s origins are entwined with this dark chapter, where tenants were displaced for profit—a stark reminder of 19th-century land exploitation.

Victorian Colonialism: Forsyth’s wealth stemmed from global trade, reflecting Scotland’s role in the British Empire’s economic networks.

Modern Reconciliation: The Nelsons’ focus on sustainability and community honors Mull’s heritage while healing past wounds.

🌟 Why Visit Glengorm Today?

Architectural Grandeur: Admire the castle’s Scottish Baronial design—turrets, crow-stepped gables, and ocean vistas.

Eco-Friendly Retreat: Stay in luxury rooms furnished with local materials, and savor farm-to-table meals.

Wildlife Wonders: Join guided walks to spot puffins, seals, and dolphins along the coast.

Ancient Sites: Explore Iron Age forts, standing stones, and the Maclean’s Cross on the estate.

🗨️ Plan Your Visit

Stay: Book a room at the castle or a cozy cottage.

Explore: Hike the Glengorm Coastal Trail or visit Tobermory’s famed whisky distillery.

Learn: Visit the on-site Farm Shop for local produce and artisan crafts.

Have you wandered Glengorm’s cliffs or uncovered its layered past? Share your stories below! 👇

📍 Fun fact: The castle’s original name was “Sorne Hill,” but locals refused to use it—forcing Forsyth to adopt “Glengorm”!

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glengorm_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Blair Castle

The Highland Fortress of Jacobite Legends & Victorian Grandeur

Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, Blair Castle stands as a majestic testament to 750 years of power, rebellion, and aristocratic splendor. Home to the Dukes of Atholl and their private army, this iconic whitewashed fortress invites you to step into Scotland’s turbulent past. Let’s journey through its storied halls!

Location

Blair Castle dominates the Strath of Garry, 8 miles northwest of Pitlochry and 35 miles from Perth. Surrounded by lush forests, rugged hills, and the serene River Garry, its setting epitomizes the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands. A must-visit on the North Coast 500 route!

 

A Timeline of History

Medieval Origins (13th–16th Century)

Built in 1269 by John I Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, a rival of Robert the Bruce.

Passed to the Murray family in 1629 through marriage, becoming the seat of the Dukes of Atholl.

 

Jacobite Turbulence (17th–18th Century)

1689: The 1st Duke supported William of Orange, but his son, the 2nd Duke, backed the Jacobites, leading to the castle’s occupation by government troops during the 1715 Rising.

1745: Briefly held by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces before the Battle of Culloden.

Victorian Renaissance (19th Century)

Queen Victoria stayed here in 1844, granting the Murrays the right to retain Britain’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders.

Renovated in Scottish Baronial style, blending medieval roots with Georgian elegance.

Modern Era (20th Century–Present)

Opened to the public in 1936; today, it’s a thriving estate with gardens, museums, and Highland Games.

 

Key Inhabitants

The Murray Family: Dukes of Atholl since the 17th century, shaping Scotland’s political and military history.

John Murray, 2nd Duke of Atholl: Jacobite sympathizer whose actions sparked conflict.

James Murray, 4th Duke: Hosted Queen Victoria, cementing the castle’s royal ties.

Significance in Scottish & British History

Jacobite Heartbeat: A strategic stronghold during the 1715 and 1745 risings, reflecting the Highlands’ divided loyalties.

Political Pivot: The Murrays’ shift from Jacobite rebels to loyal British peers mirrored Scotland’s integration post-1707 Union.

Royal Endorsement: Queen Victoria’s visit symbolized the Crown’s reconciliation with Highland culture, boosting the castle’s prestige.

Military Uniqueness: The Atholl Highlanders—a living relic of feudal privilege—parade annually, a tradition since 1844.

Why Visit Blair Castle Today?

Time Capsule Interiors: Wander 30 lavishly furnished rooms, from the Victorian Ballroom to the Cumming Tower’s medieval core.

Hercules Garden: Stroll 9 acres of Georgian landscaped gardens, dotted with follies and tranquil ponds.

Adventure Estate: Hike ancient trails, spot red deer, or attend the Atholl Gathering (May) for caber-tossing and pipe bands!

Museum Treasures: Discover Jacobite relics, military uniforms, and the Duke’s ceremonial key to Edinburgh.

 

Plan Your Visit

Open: Seasonal hours; check ahead. Guided tours reveal hidden tales!

Nearby: Explore Pitlochry’s Whisky Distilleries, Killiecrankie Battlefield, or the Queen’s View over Loch Tummel.

Have you marched with the Atholl Highlanders or wandered Blair’s ancient halls? Share your Highland stories below! 👇

Fun fact: The castle’s clock has run 15 minutes late for centuries—tradition says it’s to give workers extra time!

 

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blair_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Huntingtower Castle

A Fortress of Intrigue, Art, and Royal Drama

Perched just 3 miles from Perth in the heart of Perth and Kinross, Huntingtower Castle is a captivating blend of medieval power struggles and Renaissance elegance. With its iconic twin towers and haunting history, this fortress offers a window into Scotland’s turbulent past. Let’s unravel its secrets!

📍 Location

Huntingtower Castle lies on the outskirts of Perth, Scotland, surrounded by lush countryside near the River Tay. Easily accessible from Edinburgh or Glasgow, it’s a perfect stop for history lovers exploring central Scotland’s castles and battlefields.

📜 A Timeline of History

15th–16th Century: The Ruthven Dynasty

Originally named Ruthven Castle, it was built in the 1480s by the Ruthven family, a clan of immense political ambition.

1544: Hosted Mary, Queen of Scots during her reign, marking its royal connections.

1582: The Ruthven Raid—teenage King James VI (later James I of England) was kidnapped here by Protestant nobles led by the Ruthvens, aiming to control the crown.

17th Century: Fall & Rebirth

1600: The Gowrie Conspiracy—another alleged plot against James VI by the Ruthvens—led to the family’s execution and the castle’s forfeiture to the Crown. Renamed Huntingtower (“hunting tower”) by James VI

1607: Granted to the Murray family, later Earls of Tullibardine and Dukes of Atholl, who maintained it as a residence until the 18th century.

18th–20th Century: From Ruin to Restoration

Fell into decline post-1745 Jacobite risings but was rescued by Historic Environment Scotland, which now preserves its legacy.

👑 Key Inhabitants

The Ruthvens: Scheming nobles who shaped Scotland’s Reformation-era politics.

Mary, Queen of Scots: Briefly stayed here during her tumultuous reign.

King James VI: Central figure in the castle’s most infamous dramas.

The Murrays: Loyal Jacobites who expanded the estate before its decline.

⚔️ Significance in Scottish & British History

Power Struggles: The Ruthven Raid and Gowrie Conspiracy epitomized the volatile relationship between Scottish nobles and the monarchy.

Reformation Politics: The Ruthvens, staunch Protestants, used the castle to counter Catholic influence, aligning with broader European religious conflicts.

Royal Revenge: James VI’s renaming of the castle symbolized his triumph over rebellious nobles, reinforcing royal authority pre-Union of the Crowns (1603).

Jacobite Links: The Murrays’ ownership tied it to Jacobite sympathies, though the castle saw no major battles during the 1715 or 1745 risings.

🌟 Why Visit Huntingtower Castle Today?

Twin Towers: Explore the rare Eastern and Western Towers, once separate residences linked by a painted gallery—ideal for clandestine meetings!

Painted Ceilings: Marvel at 16th-century floral and heraldic frescoes in the Queen’s Chamber, among Scotland’s finest surviving examples.

Ghostly Tales: Whispered legends of the “Maiden of Ruthven” haunt its halls.

Panoramic Views: Climb to the rooftop for sweeping vistas of Perthshire’s countryside.

🗨️ Plan Your Visit

Open: Managed by Historic Environment Scotland; check seasonal hours.

Nearby: Pair with Scone Palace, Perth Museum, or the Battle of Bannockburn site.

Have you explored Huntingtower’s towers or uncovered its royal secrets? Share your stories below! 👇

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/perth/huntingtower/index.html

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Airthrey Castle

Where Neoclassical Elegance Meets Modern Education 🏰

Nestled on the picturesque grounds of the University of Stirling in central Scotland, Airthrey Castle is a stunning blend of 18th-century grandeur and 20th-century innovation. Overlooking the serene Airthrey Loch, this architectural masterpiece has evolved from a private estate to a symbol of Scotland’s educational ambition. Let’s uncover its story!

Location

Airthrey Castle lies just 2 miles north of Stirling city center, surrounded by the lush woodlands and walking trails of the university campus. Its idyllic setting near the Ochil Hills offers panoramic views of the loch and the iconic Wallace Monument, making it a haven for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

A Timeline of History

Neoclassical Beginnings (18th Century)

Designed in 1791 by Robert Adam, Scotland’s visionary neoclassical architect, the castle was built for Robert Haldane, a theologian and influential figure in Scotland’s religious reforms. Its elegant symmetry and Roman-inspired details reflected Enlightenment ideals.

19th Century: The Graham Dynasty

Acquired by the Graham family in the 1800s, Airthrey became a lavish country estate. The Grahams expanded the grounds, adding landscaped gardens that complemented Adam’s original design.

20th Century: War, Hospitality & Education

During World War II, the castle served as a military hospital, aiding wounded soldiers.

Post-war, it briefly operated as a hotel and maternity hospital before being purchased in 1967 to form the nucleus of the newly established University of Stirling.

Key Inhabitants

Robert Haldane (1764–1842): The castle’s first owner, a leader in Scottish evangelical movements and missionary work.

The Graham Family: Wealthy landowners who elevated Airthrey’s status as a cultural and social hub.

University of Stirling: Transformed the estate into a center of learning, preserving its heritage while fostering modern academia.

Significance in Scottish & British History

Architectural Legacy: Robert Adam’s design bridges Scottish and English neoclassical traditions, showcasing the cultural exchange of the Georgian era.

Religious Reforms: The Haldanes’ ties to evangelicalism influenced Scotland’s religious landscape, promoting education and missionary endeavors.

WWII Contributions: Its role as a hospital highlights Scotland’s homefront efforts during the war.

Educational Revolution: The castle’s integration into the University of Stirling symbolizes post-war Britain’s push to expand higher education, democratizing learning in Scotland.

Why Visit Airthrey Castle Today?

Architectural Splendor: Admire Robert Adam’s craftsmanship, from the grand portico to the ornate interiors (accessible during university events).

Nature Trails: Walk around Airthrey Loch, a haven for swans and otters, or hike the Ochil Hills for breathtaking vistas.

Campus Culture: Explore the university’s blend of historic and modern architecture, including the iconic Pathfoot Building.

Historical Layers: Reflect on the castle’s journey from private estate to wartime hospital to vibrant academic hub.

 Plan Your Visit

Access: The castle exterior and grounds are open to the public year-round; interior tours may be available during university open days.

Nearby Gems: Combine your trip with visits to Stirling Castle, the Battle of Bannockburn Centre, or the Stirling Smith Art Gallery.

Have you studied at Stirling or wandered Airthrey’s lochside paths? Share your memories below! 👇

📍 Fun fact: The castle’s clock tower was added in the 19th century—look closely to spot its blend with Adam’s original design!

 

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airthrey_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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