Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Camping In Scotland, Culzean Castle, A Site Set In Castle Grounds By Peter Lennon Platinum Quality Author
Culzean Castle Fortify yourself with a stay at a site set in castle grounds
The site is in the grounds of the 18th-century Culzean (pronounced Cul-lane) Castle. The castle has elegant Adam interiors, a visitor centre and a country park claimed to be "the most magnificent in Britain". From the shore you can see across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran and the superb sunsets.
* Along the coast is Ayr, the county town of Ayrshire. It is also the capital of "Burns Country" -home to Burns Cottage, the Burns National Heritage Park and the Burns Monument at nearby Alloway.
* For lovers of Scotland's industrial past there is the maritime museum at Irvine, and Clydebuilt at Braehead near Glasgow. Here you can take the role of a Glasgow merchant, load your cargo and steer your ship into harbour.
* Children love the animals and all the other activities - some are for adults as well - at the Heads of Ayr Farm Park. Call In at Electric Brae on the way back to the site.
* From Ardrossan there is a ferry to the Isle of Arran, from Stranraer sailings to Belfast.
* Activities in the school holidays and a playground in the castle grounds keep children happy.
* There is a full programme of events taking place at Culzean Castle and Country Park throughout the year. These include jousting, Scottish country dancing and various music festivals.
* Every Saturday you can find a farmers' market selling local produce, on the Kyle Shopping Centre car park. On Sundays there is a large car boot sale and market on Ayr racecourse
* The site shop is well stocked. Maybole has a small supermarket, Ayr has larger supermarkets and shops. There are a number of good local restaurants.
* Campers who are not members of The National Trust can use their camp site till receipt to gain access to Culzean Country Park, but not the castle.
A visitors' opinion:
"There is plenty to do in the country park and a very good play area for children. We really enjoyed our stay." Mr and Mrs J Holbrook
Did you know?
Culzean Castle site was once the railway station. The site office is on what was the platform.
A nice way to enjoy a tour of Scotland is by motorhome. By doing so you can explore at your leisure and 'wild camp' if you like or find a wonderful campsite such as this one. If you wish to do this, there are many motorhome rental companies throughout England and Scotland who can supply campervans, motorhomes or even large american RVs.
Typically their motorhomes are less than 12 months old and are easy to drive.
If you wish to buy a motorhome, one website with an excellent range of motorhomes for sale is http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk.
This website is also a great resource for finding private motorhome hire.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lennon
Peter Lennon - EzineArticles Expert Author
The site is in the grounds of the 18th-century Culzean (pronounced Cul-lane) Castle. The castle has elegant Adam interiors, a visitor centre and a country park claimed to be "the most magnificent in Britain". From the shore you can see across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran and the superb sunsets.
* Along the coast is Ayr, the county town of Ayrshire. It is also the capital of "Burns Country" -home to Burns Cottage, the Burns National Heritage Park and the Burns Monument at nearby Alloway.
* For lovers of Scotland's industrial past there is the maritime museum at Irvine, and Clydebuilt at Braehead near Glasgow. Here you can take the role of a Glasgow merchant, load your cargo and steer your ship into harbour.
* Children love the animals and all the other activities - some are for adults as well - at the Heads of Ayr Farm Park. Call In at Electric Brae on the way back to the site.
* From Ardrossan there is a ferry to the Isle of Arran, from Stranraer sailings to Belfast.
* Activities in the school holidays and a playground in the castle grounds keep children happy.
* There is a full programme of events taking place at Culzean Castle and Country Park throughout the year. These include jousting, Scottish country dancing and various music festivals.
* Every Saturday you can find a farmers' market selling local produce, on the Kyle Shopping Centre car park. On Sundays there is a large car boot sale and market on Ayr racecourse
* The site shop is well stocked. Maybole has a small supermarket, Ayr has larger supermarkets and shops. There are a number of good local restaurants.
* Campers who are not members of The National Trust can use their camp site till receipt to gain access to Culzean Country Park, but not the castle.
A visitors' opinion:
"There is plenty to do in the country park and a very good play area for children. We really enjoyed our stay." Mr and Mrs J Holbrook
Did you know?
Culzean Castle site was once the railway station. The site office is on what was the platform.
A nice way to enjoy a tour of Scotland is by motorhome. By doing so you can explore at your leisure and 'wild camp' if you like or find a wonderful campsite such as this one. If you wish to do this, there are many motorhome rental companies throughout England and Scotland who can supply campervans, motorhomes or even large american RVs.
Typically their motorhomes are less than 12 months old and are easy to drive.
If you wish to buy a motorhome, one website with an excellent range of motorhomes for sale is http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk.
This website is also a great resource for finding private motorhome hire.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lennon
Peter Lennon - EzineArticles Expert Author
Turnberry, Scotland - What Would Pinehurst Have Done? By Jacqueline White
Several years ago, actually the year that an unlikely professional, Ben Curtis, won the British Open, we enjoyed a holiday golf experience at Turnberry, Scotland. My husband played in a PGA Partner's sponsored tournament and the attendees played and walked seven courses with a caddie including the Alisa Course at Turnberry, St. Andrews Old and New, Royal Troon Old and Portland, Prestwick and Kings Barn in five days. No easy feat!
We decided to go ahead of our group to spend a few extra days playing golf and enjoying the experience you can only have in Scotland. Arriving at the Turnberry Hotel you are instantly meet with gracious, accommodating staff and magnificent views of the Western Coast of Scotland. The world famous Turnberry Hotel stands high atop a headland looking out across the Firth of Clyde towards Ireland. It sits at the southern end of a strip of classic links land along the Ayrshire coast some 50 miles southwest of Glasgow, easy transportation is available. The hotel is magnificent with its white facade and red russet roof, truly an imposing sight on this quiet stretch of the west coast countryside. From this vantage point, you look down on one of the great championship golf courses of the world, the Alisa Course.
After our arrival, we were shown to one of the smaller buildings that is intended to house "groups" of golfers. The building is a short walking distance from the main hotel. There are approximately eight guest rooms in each building along with a common area to share for drinks, golf stories, etc. We settled in. The rooms are nicely appointed and carefully maintained. On the second night of our stay, we heard something in the wall behind the fireplace, each bedroom had a fireplace. What we were hearing was the distress cries of a bird that had fallen down the chimney. In addition, there were other birds on the top of the building "communicating" with the fallen and trapped bird. The cries of the birds were painful to hear and very distressing. Management was awesome, they came immediately to access the problem and tried to determine if the bird could be removed. There are several endangered species in the area, so they had to obtain information from ornithologists in the community.
After several unsuccessful attempts, they determined that the bird could not be removed and that they would have to open the fireplace in order to remove the "most probably" dead little bird. So for us, they had staff help to pack up our belongings, move us comfortably to another building and provide all the care and support that we needed to make this a truly happy and awesome experience. I have often wondered if something like this had happened at a stateside hotel, like Pinehurst, would they have been as gracious and willing to "evacuate" an entire building or a section of a building to solve this type of situation. I am sure that this was very costly with an entire eight rooms being declared "uninhabitable". Would American might have overplayed an attempt of resolving this type of situation as graciously?
But. back to now. Turnberry has a chequered history. During both the First and Second World Wars, the golf courses were dug up to make way for airfields for the Royal Air Force. After the Second World War, there were serious doubts that the courses would ever be rebuilt and it took a persistent campaign by Frank Hole, the then managing director of British Transport Hotels, owners at the time, to force the British Government into paying out compensation to enable reconstruction to be undertaken at all. The world of golf owes Mr. Hole a debt of gratitude who, with the help of course architect, Mackenzie Ross, created one of the great championship links courses, the Ailsa Course.
Some new renovations have been recently added to make the "Alisa" as formidable as any in the rotation.
Turnberry is 247 yards longer than the when the last "Open" was played there in 1994. The course will play at 7,204 yards adding six new tee locations and 21 bunkers to toughen the par-70 course. The seaside layout will be far tougher than when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus played there in 1977, Turnberry's first Open Event. Watson shot a 12 under par score to beat Nicklaus by a stroke. In 1986, after the R&A tightened the fairways and let the rough grow, Greg Norman's par score won. With the new changes, the course promises to be a "very stiff par 70". Of course, we never know what the weather will be like and if the weather turns bad, windy with lots of rain, then these elements will certainly affect the playability of the course.
The British Open is always a great venue to watch and, believe me, we will be watching and remembering what a phenomenal and breathtaking site. For those of you who will visiting Turnberry, they have an awesome golf shop. Enjoy.
My husband and I are avid golfers. We live in LaQuinta, California. We have had the joy of playing at many of the world's best courses both at home and in Europe. Our passion for golf recently translated into our website, http://www.golfbags4U.com offering top quality, high end American made men's golf bags and high end women's contemporary golf bags and accessories. We have something for every golfer at a price to meet your needs and desires.
Jacqueline White
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_White
We decided to go ahead of our group to spend a few extra days playing golf and enjoying the experience you can only have in Scotland. Arriving at the Turnberry Hotel you are instantly meet with gracious, accommodating staff and magnificent views of the Western Coast of Scotland. The world famous Turnberry Hotel stands high atop a headland looking out across the Firth of Clyde towards Ireland. It sits at the southern end of a strip of classic links land along the Ayrshire coast some 50 miles southwest of Glasgow, easy transportation is available. The hotel is magnificent with its white facade and red russet roof, truly an imposing sight on this quiet stretch of the west coast countryside. From this vantage point, you look down on one of the great championship golf courses of the world, the Alisa Course.
After our arrival, we were shown to one of the smaller buildings that is intended to house "groups" of golfers. The building is a short walking distance from the main hotel. There are approximately eight guest rooms in each building along with a common area to share for drinks, golf stories, etc. We settled in. The rooms are nicely appointed and carefully maintained. On the second night of our stay, we heard something in the wall behind the fireplace, each bedroom had a fireplace. What we were hearing was the distress cries of a bird that had fallen down the chimney. In addition, there were other birds on the top of the building "communicating" with the fallen and trapped bird. The cries of the birds were painful to hear and very distressing. Management was awesome, they came immediately to access the problem and tried to determine if the bird could be removed. There are several endangered species in the area, so they had to obtain information from ornithologists in the community.
After several unsuccessful attempts, they determined that the bird could not be removed and that they would have to open the fireplace in order to remove the "most probably" dead little bird. So for us, they had staff help to pack up our belongings, move us comfortably to another building and provide all the care and support that we needed to make this a truly happy and awesome experience. I have often wondered if something like this had happened at a stateside hotel, like Pinehurst, would they have been as gracious and willing to "evacuate" an entire building or a section of a building to solve this type of situation. I am sure that this was very costly with an entire eight rooms being declared "uninhabitable". Would American might have overplayed an attempt of resolving this type of situation as graciously?
But. back to now. Turnberry has a chequered history. During both the First and Second World Wars, the golf courses were dug up to make way for airfields for the Royal Air Force. After the Second World War, there were serious doubts that the courses would ever be rebuilt and it took a persistent campaign by Frank Hole, the then managing director of British Transport Hotels, owners at the time, to force the British Government into paying out compensation to enable reconstruction to be undertaken at all. The world of golf owes Mr. Hole a debt of gratitude who, with the help of course architect, Mackenzie Ross, created one of the great championship links courses, the Ailsa Course.
Some new renovations have been recently added to make the "Alisa" as formidable as any in the rotation.
Turnberry is 247 yards longer than the when the last "Open" was played there in 1994. The course will play at 7,204 yards adding six new tee locations and 21 bunkers to toughen the par-70 course. The seaside layout will be far tougher than when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus played there in 1977, Turnberry's first Open Event. Watson shot a 12 under par score to beat Nicklaus by a stroke. In 1986, after the R&A tightened the fairways and let the rough grow, Greg Norman's par score won. With the new changes, the course promises to be a "very stiff par 70". Of course, we never know what the weather will be like and if the weather turns bad, windy with lots of rain, then these elements will certainly affect the playability of the course.
The British Open is always a great venue to watch and, believe me, we will be watching and remembering what a phenomenal and breathtaking site. For those of you who will visiting Turnberry, they have an awesome golf shop. Enjoy.
My husband and I are avid golfers. We live in LaQuinta, California. We have had the joy of playing at many of the world's best courses both at home and in Europe. Our passion for golf recently translated into our website, http://www.golfbags4U.com offering top quality, high end American made men's golf bags and high end women's contemporary golf bags and accessories. We have something for every golfer at a price to meet your needs and desires.
Jacqueline White
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_White
Girvan - A Small Place of Interest By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author
If you like traveling and want to know about a great place that is surrounded by beautiful beaches and coast lines, you should check out Girvan. The town of Girvan is located in Scotland and located near the great south Ayrshire. The general population of Girvan is low compared to most places in the land of Scotland. When you travel to Girvan, you might be in for a surprise with the nice ocean views and resorts that's on the beaches.
The town is a fishing port, just like most towns near the coast line in Scotland. The places of interest can be found all over town and one will be the Culzean castle that's located north of the main town. The Culzean castle was constructed during the medieval era and still stands today. Tourist come from all over the world to see the medieval buildings that's located in the mid town.
The Girvan area has many chip shops and pubs that can make your fancy for fine dinning and activities. You will find that the royal hotel that's there off the coast has been known to serve the finest foods and real ale to drink.
The railway station also serves as a good place for traveling town to town throughout the country of Scotland. The services for cabs, buses and tour guides can be ordered or found in town. The transportation isn't a real factor in this town.
If you want a fine place to stay and enjoy the beaches, you should check out the latest places that are in town. The town has a lot to offer for shopping and eating. In town you will find that the guest houses have a lot to offer you for your relaxing time. A vacation in Girvan will be the time of your life. You can count on countless hours of fun and lovely beaches to surf and walk.
To find a hotel in Girvan just click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
The town is a fishing port, just like most towns near the coast line in Scotland. The places of interest can be found all over town and one will be the Culzean castle that's located north of the main town. The Culzean castle was constructed during the medieval era and still stands today. Tourist come from all over the world to see the medieval buildings that's located in the mid town.
The Girvan area has many chip shops and pubs that can make your fancy for fine dinning and activities. You will find that the royal hotel that's there off the coast has been known to serve the finest foods and real ale to drink.
The railway station also serves as a good place for traveling town to town throughout the country of Scotland. The services for cabs, buses and tour guides can be ordered or found in town. The transportation isn't a real factor in this town.
If you want a fine place to stay and enjoy the beaches, you should check out the latest places that are in town. The town has a lot to offer for shopping and eating. In town you will find that the guest houses have a lot to offer you for your relaxing time. A vacation in Girvan will be the time of your life. You can count on countless hours of fun and lovely beaches to surf and walk.
To find a hotel in Girvan just click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
Ailsa Craig, South West Scotland By Gordon Mcculloch
The Island of Ailsa Craig.
What is Ailsa Craig? Ailsa Craig is a very well known landmark in Scotland and is a renowned bird sanctuary. The island is home to one of the largest gannet colonies on the world, with more than 70,000 birds, and is designated as a European Special Protection Area.
Ailsa Craig, in the Firth of Clyde, is an Island rising abruptly from the sea to an elevation of 1,110 feet. It is a volcanic plug which lies in the firth of Clyde, being active about 500 million years ago.
Who owns Ailsa Craig? Ailsa Craig is owned by the Kennedy family, whose title was taken from Marques of Ailsa. Ailsa Craig had been part of the lands of Crossraguel Abbey; the dispute of ownership of these lands had formed the background to the notorious "Roasting of the Abbot" in the 16th century. The Kennedy family were also the owners of Culzean Castle, who is now owned by the National Trust.
Where is Ailsa Craig? The distinctive dome-shaped island-rock lies approximately 8 miles from Girvan, and approximately 12 miles from Maidens on the coast of South Ayrshire. It rises sharply from the Firth of Clyde to a height of 340m (1114 feet). Its position is: Latitude 55° 15.1'N, Longitude 5° 06.4'W
It has a conical summit and is very precipitous except on the North East Side where it slopes more gently and is accessible. It can be seen from Girvan for miles in either direction along the Ayrshire coast. The shape appears to change as you move along the coast, viewing it from different angles.
The Background of Ailsa Craig. Ailsa Craig comes from the Gaelic for 'Fairy Rock', is 1200m (1300 yards) long and 800m (900 yards) wide, with an area of 100 Ha (245 acres). It is also known as Paddy's Milestone owing to its position as a landmark en route from Ireland.
What is Ailsa Craig made from? The island was the heart of an ancient volcano, its rock exhibiting fine columnar structure and was renowned as the source of a superior micro-granite used to fashion curling stones.
Indeed, most curling stones still in use today were made from Ailsa Craig granite. It was here that the curling stones used by the Scottish Women's Curling Team, winter 2002 Olympic Gold medal winners, were made.
The Living History of Ailsa Craig. By the late 19th Century the island had a population of 29 people, working in the quarries or the lighthouse. In 1881, petitions were received by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses from Lloyds and the Scottish Shipmasters Association requesting the erection of two fog signals and a lighthouse on Ailsa Craig. The Board of Trade and Trinity House both agreed to the proposal and work commenced the following year. The construction was supervised in 1883-6 by Thomas and his nephew David Stevenson, Engineers to the Board. (Thomas was the father of Robert Louis Stevenson). The light was first exhibited on the night of 15 June 1886, an oil burning light which remained in use until 24 January 1911, when it was converted to incandescent.
Siren fog signals were erected on the North and South ends of Ailsa Craig and were powered by gas engines until 1911, when they were replaced by oil driven engines.
These fog signals were permanently discontinued in November 1966, and replaced by a Tyfon fog signal, which had a character of 3 blasts, each of three seconds duration every 45 seconds. It was sounded from a position close to the South East of the Lighthouse tower and not at either of the previous siren signals sites.
This fog signal was discontinued in 1987. Until wireless telephone communications were established on Ailsa Craig in 1935, the light keepers and employees of Ailsa Craig Granites Ltd used to depend on pigeons for the conveyance of messages.
A pigeon house was established at Girvan Green, where the town council established a parking place for cars and buses in 1935.
The Upgraded Light House on Ailsa Craig. The lighthouse was automated in 1990 and is now remotely monitored from the Northern Lighthouse Board's offices in Edinburgh. In 2001 as part of the refurbishment and de-gassing programme Alisa Craig Lighthouse was converted to solar-electric power.
Local sayings. "When Ailsa Craig has on its coat, The Weather will be very hot, (hoat). When Ailsa Craig has on its hat, You can be sure it will be wet, (wat). When Ailsa Craig has on its tie, That's a sign its going to be dry" The 'coat', 'hat' and 'tie' are the clouds or mist often seen at Ailsa Craig.
There is only one harbour to Ailsa Craig. It is adequate to land, but only just. The water here gets deep very quickly.
At one time, you were discouraged from landing on Ailsa Craig, but now the freedom of the country side act, allows you full access, as long as you act responsibly.
Please feel free to use this article in any way you wish. It appears on my website at www.keelbilge.com [http://www.keelbilge.com], where I have included many photos to give a flavour of the island. All I ask is that you include my website URL address, preferably attributing it to myself, Gordon McCulloch.
I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have by contacting me at GCCMCCULLOCH@aol.com.
About the Author. Gordon McCulloch is a professional engineer and teacher. He has worked and sailed in boats all his life. He was brought up near the coast, served with the Merchant Marine, and now occupies himself with all forms of water sports, in which he has developed his skill as a webmaster. Feel free to visit and comment on his website site at [http://www.keelbilge.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordon_Mcculloch
Gordon Mcculloch - EzineArticles Expert Author
What is Ailsa Craig? Ailsa Craig is a very well known landmark in Scotland and is a renowned bird sanctuary. The island is home to one of the largest gannet colonies on the world, with more than 70,000 birds, and is designated as a European Special Protection Area.
Ailsa Craig, in the Firth of Clyde, is an Island rising abruptly from the sea to an elevation of 1,110 feet. It is a volcanic plug which lies in the firth of Clyde, being active about 500 million years ago.
Who owns Ailsa Craig? Ailsa Craig is owned by the Kennedy family, whose title was taken from Marques of Ailsa. Ailsa Craig had been part of the lands of Crossraguel Abbey; the dispute of ownership of these lands had formed the background to the notorious "Roasting of the Abbot" in the 16th century. The Kennedy family were also the owners of Culzean Castle, who is now owned by the National Trust.
Where is Ailsa Craig? The distinctive dome-shaped island-rock lies approximately 8 miles from Girvan, and approximately 12 miles from Maidens on the coast of South Ayrshire. It rises sharply from the Firth of Clyde to a height of 340m (1114 feet). Its position is: Latitude 55° 15.1'N, Longitude 5° 06.4'W
It has a conical summit and is very precipitous except on the North East Side where it slopes more gently and is accessible. It can be seen from Girvan for miles in either direction along the Ayrshire coast. The shape appears to change as you move along the coast, viewing it from different angles.
The Background of Ailsa Craig. Ailsa Craig comes from the Gaelic for 'Fairy Rock', is 1200m (1300 yards) long and 800m (900 yards) wide, with an area of 100 Ha (245 acres). It is also known as Paddy's Milestone owing to its position as a landmark en route from Ireland.
What is Ailsa Craig made from? The island was the heart of an ancient volcano, its rock exhibiting fine columnar structure and was renowned as the source of a superior micro-granite used to fashion curling stones.
Indeed, most curling stones still in use today were made from Ailsa Craig granite. It was here that the curling stones used by the Scottish Women's Curling Team, winter 2002 Olympic Gold medal winners, were made.
The Living History of Ailsa Craig. By the late 19th Century the island had a population of 29 people, working in the quarries or the lighthouse. In 1881, petitions were received by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses from Lloyds and the Scottish Shipmasters Association requesting the erection of two fog signals and a lighthouse on Ailsa Craig. The Board of Trade and Trinity House both agreed to the proposal and work commenced the following year. The construction was supervised in 1883-6 by Thomas and his nephew David Stevenson, Engineers to the Board. (Thomas was the father of Robert Louis Stevenson). The light was first exhibited on the night of 15 June 1886, an oil burning light which remained in use until 24 January 1911, when it was converted to incandescent.
Siren fog signals were erected on the North and South ends of Ailsa Craig and were powered by gas engines until 1911, when they were replaced by oil driven engines.
These fog signals were permanently discontinued in November 1966, and replaced by a Tyfon fog signal, which had a character of 3 blasts, each of three seconds duration every 45 seconds. It was sounded from a position close to the South East of the Lighthouse tower and not at either of the previous siren signals sites.
This fog signal was discontinued in 1987. Until wireless telephone communications were established on Ailsa Craig in 1935, the light keepers and employees of Ailsa Craig Granites Ltd used to depend on pigeons for the conveyance of messages.
A pigeon house was established at Girvan Green, where the town council established a parking place for cars and buses in 1935.
The Upgraded Light House on Ailsa Craig. The lighthouse was automated in 1990 and is now remotely monitored from the Northern Lighthouse Board's offices in Edinburgh. In 2001 as part of the refurbishment and de-gassing programme Alisa Craig Lighthouse was converted to solar-electric power.
Local sayings. "When Ailsa Craig has on its coat, The Weather will be very hot, (hoat). When Ailsa Craig has on its hat, You can be sure it will be wet, (wat). When Ailsa Craig has on its tie, That's a sign its going to be dry" The 'coat', 'hat' and 'tie' are the clouds or mist often seen at Ailsa Craig.
There is only one harbour to Ailsa Craig. It is adequate to land, but only just. The water here gets deep very quickly.
At one time, you were discouraged from landing on Ailsa Craig, but now the freedom of the country side act, allows you full access, as long as you act responsibly.
Please feel free to use this article in any way you wish. It appears on my website at www.keelbilge.com [http://www.keelbilge.com], where I have included many photos to give a flavour of the island. All I ask is that you include my website URL address, preferably attributing it to myself, Gordon McCulloch.
I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have by contacting me at GCCMCCULLOCH@aol.com.
About the Author. Gordon McCulloch is a professional engineer and teacher. He has worked and sailed in boats all his life. He was brought up near the coast, served with the Merchant Marine, and now occupies himself with all forms of water sports, in which he has developed his skill as a webmaster. Feel free to visit and comment on his website site at [http://www.keelbilge.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordon_Mcculloch
Gordon Mcculloch - EzineArticles Expert Author
Stranraer - Isn't That Just Where You Catch the Ferry to Belfast? By Michael P Harrison
There are many places in the British Isles that have now become dated, mainly due to the decline of industry and the rise in tourism, and could do with some TLC. Some of these towns and cities have taken the initiative to draw up plans for regeneration and Stranraer is one such place. If you ask most people what they know about about Stranraer, they'll probably say something like "isn't that just the place where you catch the ferry to Belfast" or "I've been through there on the way to Ireland but never stopped". These comments make me cringe every time, because Stranraer has so much more to offer than that, however these assets need to managed and promoted properly. Here's my summary of what these assets are and how they could be used as tourist attractions:
Loch Ryan - Stranraer is at the end of a large sea-loch called Loch Ryan which is, in geographical terms, one in a million. Scenically it is stunning, with views beyond to Ailsa Craig and Arran on the clearest days. But very few people stop and walk round it. What I would like to see is something like what they have a Loch Leven (Kinross) with a path/cycleway all the way round, and heavy promotion of this by Visit Scotland. This has already began with the Loch Ryan Coast Path, which starts in Stranraer and meets up with the Ayrshire Coast Path all the way up to Ardrossan. However, this is already severely under-promoted (there's not even a website) and needs to go all the way round Loch Ryan (perhaps even extending right round the Rhins of Galloway), not just half of it.
Wildlife - Wildlife is often forgotten by Councillors as a tourist attraction and goodness knows why because it's fast becoming big business in the tourism sector and really easy to set something up to harness it. Just look at the Red Kite Trail near Castle Douglas - this has generated hundreds of thousands of pounds in revenue for the local economy. Loch Ryan is particularly important for the only colony of Pale Bellied Brent Geese (that arrive in the winter) in Scotland as well as the thousands of waders and Terns in summer. Loch Ryan already attracts a number of birdwatchers every year because it's such a great spot for it - all we need to do is attract more by providing facilities such as hides, a visitor centre and a network of footpaths. Loch Ryan also hosts many types of fish - from pipefish to grey mullet and I'm positive that a glass bottom boat would go down well (though this may have to wait until Stena Line move's its port further up the coast). Another locally suggested idea is a Sealife Centre displaying creatures from the loch and the Irish Sea.. In all honesty, why isn't Loch Ryan a nature reserve?
History - this area is steeped in history. Heard of the Supermarine Stranraer? These were the flying boats used in World War II and named after, you guessed it, Stranraer, though they were actually stationed up the coast by Kirkcolm. On the other side of Loch Ryan is Cairnryan - named as "military port no.2" in the second world war (in case Southampton or Glasgow were destroyed), this was also where the Mulberry (floating) Harbour was built for use in Normandy in 1944. This is why Stranraer would be an ideal location for a Military/Maritime Museum.
So you can see that Stranraer and surrounding area has quite a lot to offer - it all just needs focus and dedication. The next time your on your way to Belfast, think about stopping over a night in Stranraer and checking it out for yourself.
Mike Harrison is a web professional and photographer, who also happens to be webmaster for the Visit Stranraer and the Rhins tourist information site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_P_Harrison
Loch Ryan - Stranraer is at the end of a large sea-loch called Loch Ryan which is, in geographical terms, one in a million. Scenically it is stunning, with views beyond to Ailsa Craig and Arran on the clearest days. But very few people stop and walk round it. What I would like to see is something like what they have a Loch Leven (Kinross) with a path/cycleway all the way round, and heavy promotion of this by Visit Scotland. This has already began with the Loch Ryan Coast Path, which starts in Stranraer and meets up with the Ayrshire Coast Path all the way up to Ardrossan. However, this is already severely under-promoted (there's not even a website) and needs to go all the way round Loch Ryan (perhaps even extending right round the Rhins of Galloway), not just half of it.
Wildlife - Wildlife is often forgotten by Councillors as a tourist attraction and goodness knows why because it's fast becoming big business in the tourism sector and really easy to set something up to harness it. Just look at the Red Kite Trail near Castle Douglas - this has generated hundreds of thousands of pounds in revenue for the local economy. Loch Ryan is particularly important for the only colony of Pale Bellied Brent Geese (that arrive in the winter) in Scotland as well as the thousands of waders and Terns in summer. Loch Ryan already attracts a number of birdwatchers every year because it's such a great spot for it - all we need to do is attract more by providing facilities such as hides, a visitor centre and a network of footpaths. Loch Ryan also hosts many types of fish - from pipefish to grey mullet and I'm positive that a glass bottom boat would go down well (though this may have to wait until Stena Line move's its port further up the coast). Another locally suggested idea is a Sealife Centre displaying creatures from the loch and the Irish Sea.. In all honesty, why isn't Loch Ryan a nature reserve?
History - this area is steeped in history. Heard of the Supermarine Stranraer? These were the flying boats used in World War II and named after, you guessed it, Stranraer, though they were actually stationed up the coast by Kirkcolm. On the other side of Loch Ryan is Cairnryan - named as "military port no.2" in the second world war (in case Southampton or Glasgow were destroyed), this was also where the Mulberry (floating) Harbour was built for use in Normandy in 1944. This is why Stranraer would be an ideal location for a Military/Maritime Museum.
So you can see that Stranraer and surrounding area has quite a lot to offer - it all just needs focus and dedication. The next time your on your way to Belfast, think about stopping over a night in Stranraer and checking it out for yourself.
Mike Harrison is a web professional and photographer, who also happens to be webmaster for the Visit Stranraer and the Rhins tourist information site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_P_Harrison
The History of Stranraer By Adam Singleton Platinum Quality Author
Stranraer may not be one of the most famous Scottish destinations but the town in the south west of Scotland has an abundance of history to interest visitors.
The town grew out of the settlement around Stranraer Castle - or the Castle of Saint John - which was built around 1510. The four-story, L-plan tower was designed and built by the Adairs of Kilhilt and over the years has served several different purposes - a home, a court, a prison, a garrison and, as it stands now, as a museum showing the history of justice from the Middle Ages to the present day. The castle has been open to the public since 1990.
It's not only the castle in Stranraer that has historic relevance. The town's football team - who play their home games at Stair Park near the centre of town - is the third oldest club in Scotland, having been formed in 1870. In the 2008/09 season they were relegated to the Scottish Third Division meaning that for the eighth successive season they will have played in a different league to the previous year. Despite the relegation, fans of the club are relieved that they still have a team to support as in January 2009 their chairman revealed that there was a 50-50 chance of the club folding due to financial difficulties. However, in March, the club was saved by a local business consortium who took over the club and its debts.
Stranraer's port played an important role in World War II with many submarines and flying boats built there, including the Supermarine Stranraer which was named after the town. Sir Winston Churchill visited Stranraer in 1942 and made his second visit of the war to the United States from the Scottish port.
Travelling from Northern Ireland to Stranraer by ferry has its roots in history as it was used as the droving route for farmers taking their animals to market in Dumfries. Nowadays the ferry to Stranraer service is used by travellers and tourists wanting to make the trip across the Irish Sea. Stranraer's port was the first in Great Britain to offer a roll on, roll off service giving the town a boost in popularity.
As well as being full of history, Stranraer has beauty from the modern era. The town displays this in abundance with its easily recognisable centre, full of colourful buildings and houses which help brighten up any day and look particularly picturesque on a sunny day.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Singleton
The town grew out of the settlement around Stranraer Castle - or the Castle of Saint John - which was built around 1510. The four-story, L-plan tower was designed and built by the Adairs of Kilhilt and over the years has served several different purposes - a home, a court, a prison, a garrison and, as it stands now, as a museum showing the history of justice from the Middle Ages to the present day. The castle has been open to the public since 1990.
It's not only the castle in Stranraer that has historic relevance. The town's football team - who play their home games at Stair Park near the centre of town - is the third oldest club in Scotland, having been formed in 1870. In the 2008/09 season they were relegated to the Scottish Third Division meaning that for the eighth successive season they will have played in a different league to the previous year. Despite the relegation, fans of the club are relieved that they still have a team to support as in January 2009 their chairman revealed that there was a 50-50 chance of the club folding due to financial difficulties. However, in March, the club was saved by a local business consortium who took over the club and its debts.
Stranraer's port played an important role in World War II with many submarines and flying boats built there, including the Supermarine Stranraer which was named after the town. Sir Winston Churchill visited Stranraer in 1942 and made his second visit of the war to the United States from the Scottish port.
Travelling from Northern Ireland to Stranraer by ferry has its roots in history as it was used as the droving route for farmers taking their animals to market in Dumfries. Nowadays the ferry to Stranraer service is used by travellers and tourists wanting to make the trip across the Irish Sea. Stranraer's port was the first in Great Britain to offer a roll on, roll off service giving the town a boost in popularity.
As well as being full of history, Stranraer has beauty from the modern era. The town displays this in abundance with its easily recognisable centre, full of colourful buildings and houses which help brighten up any day and look particularly picturesque on a sunny day.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Singleton
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