Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Lochranza, Isle of Arran, Scotland

Today, we enjoyed a stunning diversity of experiences including geology, prehistory, a castle, flora, whisky making and beautiful shoreline scenery. All of this was found in a relatively compact area in and around Lochranza on the north of the Isle of Arran off the west of Scotland.

Here is a video of Lochranza whilst immediately below is the castle which probably dates from the late 16th to early 17th century.

Lochranza Castle, Arran, Scotland

Here is one of the most important sites in the history of the science of Geology, Hutton’s Unconformity. James Hutton discovered in 1787 the first ever unconformity. An unconformity is formed by two sedimentary rocks of very different periods which have all the rocks between them missing through erosion. At Lochranza the older green Cambrian schists deposited as sea mud some 550 million years ago now lean outward towards the sea and are covered with red deposits from the end of the Carboniferous laid down some 350 m years ago and leaning inland. All rocks in the intermediate 200 million years are missing. By good fortune we came across a party of geology students who were able to pinpoint the location.

Hutton's Unconformity, Lochranza, Arran

Here is a prehistoric stone circle close to the shore and near Hutton’s Unconformity as adverted to above.

Prehistoric Stone Circle, Lochranza, Arran

Here is an early primrose spotted close to the beach at Lochranza

Primrose, Lochranza, Arran

Learning about whisky making at Isle of Arran Distillery, one of Scotland’s smallest whisky producers.

Whisky Making at Arran Distillery, Scotland

Overall, a very satisfying day which has whet

Greenbank House, Clarkston, Glasgow

• Dates from around 1771 when built on behalf of local merchant, Robert Allason but architect unknown. It is believed that Allason’s wealth was acquired through thee expansion of trade, including tobacco dealing, which drove prosperity in and around Glasgow up until the time of the American Revolution.
• A classic Georgian country house with a walled garden stretching to the south.
• Allason died 1785 having sold Greenbank as a function of the downturn in trade due to American Independence.
• Greenbank House subsequently underwent various changes of ownership as fortunes of the owners ebbed and flowed.
• Then acquired by local man (from East Kilbride), John Hamilton who became the first of four generations of Hamiltons to own the property.
• Greenbank was acquired by W.P. Blyth from Busby in 1962 who incepted the ornamental garden.
• In 1977 Greenbank was transferred to the National trust for Scotland on condition it should serve as a garden advice centre, an objective which has been faithfully adhered to. The garden contains 4000 named cultivars and holds major collections of bergenias and narcissus.

The images shown cover the house at different seasons. Here is a video clip of the front elevation. A fascinating site for students of architecture and/or horticulture.

Greenbank House, Clarkston, Glasgow

 

 

Greenbank House, Clarkston, Glasgow

 

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland

 This evening, I am posting information on Culzean Castle, which is one of the top visitor attractions in the south-west of Scotland being located on the Ayrshire coast, about 1 hour drive south of Glasgow. Culzean (pronounced  ‘cullane‘) offers a combination of extensive parkland with deer, well maintained gardens, seaside caves and glorious coastal views. The unusual name is derived from Old Gaelic and translates as ‘bird corner’.

Summary facts:

• The castle stands atop cliffs looking out to sea over the Firth of Clyde on one side and historic gardens on the other.
• Built in Scottish Gothic Revival style. David, 10th Earl Cassilis commissioned leading Scottish architect Robert Adam to build the impressive late 18th century mansion but bankrupted himself in the process.
• Interior is a neo classical Georgian home.
• Ranks as one of the finest examples of Enlightenment architecture in Europe.
• Contains an apartment gifted to General Dwight Eisenhower in 1945 .

The sheltered coastline supplemented by the humid and mild climate facilitates the growth of warm-climate and other plants. The gardens at Culzean are extensive and include:

• A walled garden with restored glass-houses.
• Grassy orchard.
• Herb garden.
• Conservatory.
• Peach house
• Elegant Camellia House dating from 1818.
• The formal Fountain Court ( see image below) backed by flower filled terraces.
• Orangery
• A woodland walk known as ‘Happy Valley’

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland

Clearly, Culzean has much to offer the visitor including students of architecture, history and horticulture. Guided walks are also available. The Visitor Centre includes National Trust shops, a second-hand book shop, restaurant, exhibition and toilet facilities.