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Glasgow, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Lanarkshire - Castles, Cathedrals,
Monuments,
Stately Homes & Palaces
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Since the stone age, man has been
creating majestic structures that we still marvel at
today.
Whether you are interested in ancient monuments,
battlefield sites, re-enactments,
Roman and Norman forts and castles, Stately Homes, Country Houses, Historic
Cathedrals, Ruined Abbeys etc, this is the page that
should give you the information you need.
Here we try to list properties in
private ownership but open to the public (even if only
occasionally) as well as those in the care of the
National Trust or English/Scottish Heritage.
We know that not all the
properties in Glasgow, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Lanarkshire are listed. Please help us
make this guide comprehensive by giving details of
missing attractions
here.
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STIRLING CASTLE
Tel: 01786 450000
Web site:
Historic Scotland
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Built on a
volcanic outcrop with spectacular views
over the surrounding countryside,
Stirling Castle is probably the grandest
of all Scottish castles.
It towers over
the famous battlefields of Stirling
Bridge and Bannockburn.
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In 1297,
William Wallace fought and beat the
English at Stirling Bridge. In 1314 at
nearby Bannockburn, the same fate awaited
the English at the hands of Robert the
Bruce.
Of particular interest are The Great Hall and the
Gatehouse of James IV, the marvellous Palace of
James V, the Chapel Royal of James VI and the
artillery fortifications of the 16th to 18th
centuries. The Great Hall has recently been
restored to how it would have looked around 1500.
There are displays on the castle’s history,
medieval kitchen, and it also houses the
regimental museum of the Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders.
Bookshop, gift shop and café. Open all year seven
days a week.
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DUMBARTON CASTLE
Tel: 01389 732167
Web site:
Historic
Scotland
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Located south of the
town of Dumbarton, the 240ft high twin volcanic
plugs of Dumbarton Rock, with the River Clyde on
one side and the River Leven curling round on
two others, must surely be one of the most ideal
natural locations for a fortress.
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Archaeological evidence
suggests that this was the site of a settlement
as early as the 4th century. By AD450 the site,
known as Alcluith, was the capital of Ceretic,
the British King of Strathclyde and it was still
used as a military base up to World War II.
In 870, still the capital of Strathclyde and a
British fortress, Dumbarton Rock was attacked by
the Vikings who laid siege for over 3 months
before capturing and destroying the settlement.
It is recorded that all the loot was taken to
Ireland along with and the survivors, as slaves
in a fleet of over 200 Viking longships. Records
show a new castle built on the site by 1222 but
little is known of its development between 1200
and 1600 although during this period it served
as a fortress, royal palace and prison.
Although the portcullis arch over the guardhouse
dates back to the 1300s and the guardhouse
itself to 1580, most of the structures on the
site today were built between 1670 and 1795. The
castle's last military attack came in May 1941
when a German aircraft dropped four bombs on
Dumbarton Rock during a raid on the Clyde.
Regrettably with 547 steps throughout the castle
the property is not suitable for visitors using
wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
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Achnabreck Cup and Ring
Marks
1.5 miles (2.4km) northwest of Lochgilphead, on
A83/A816
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Well preserved Bronze Age cup
and ring marks.
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Auchagallon Stone Circle
Near Macrie, Arran, off the A841
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Bronze Age burial cairn
surrounded by circle of 15 standing stones.
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Ballygowan Cup and Ring
Mark
1 mile (1.6km) southwest of Kilmartin,
Strathclyde, on A816
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Bronze Age cup and ring marks
on natural rock faces.
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Bothwell Castle
At Bothwell, but approached from Uddingston,
Strathclyde, off M74/A725 near Glasgow
Tel: 01698 816894
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Largest and finest 13th century stone castle in
Scotland; part of the original circular deep
survives; much of castle dates from 14th and
15th centuries.
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Carn Ban
3.5m north east of Lagg on the west side of
Arran off the A841
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
In remote countryside 3.5 miles (5.8km)
northeast of Lagg, Arran, on A841; reached by
foot. Historic Scotland. One of the most famous
Neolithic long cairns in the southwest.
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Carnasserie Castle
On the A816, two miles (3km) north of Kilmartin,
Strathclyde
Tel: 01698 816894
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Combined tower house and hall with fine
architectural details of late 16th century.
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Castle Sween
Loch Sween, Knapdale, Strathclyde
Tel: 01698 816894
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Located within an isolated and scenic setting
about 10 miles down a minor road off the B841,
on the east shore of Loch Sween. One of the
earliest Scottish stone castles, possibly of the
mid 12th century, with a later tower house and
angle tower.
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Craignethan Castle
Off A72, 5 ˝ miles (8.9km) northwest of Lanark,
Strathclyde
Tel: 01555 860364
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Picturesque setting. Oldest part is 16th century
tower house; stone vaulted artillery chamber.
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Dundonald Castle
Winehouse, Yett, Dundonald, Ayrshire, KA2 9HD
Tel: 01563 851489
E-mail:
info@dundonaldcastle.org.uk
Web:
www.dundonaldcastle.org.uk
Large stone castle overlooks the village. Built
by Robert II in the 1370's. Two halls with great
vaults beneath. Remains of earlier castle
visible. Dundonald Castle is owned by Historic
Scotland.
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Dunfallandy Stone
1 mile (1.6km) south of Pitlochry, Tayside, on
the A9
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Pictish sculptured stone.
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Dunstaffnage Castle
Off the A85, 3 ˝ miles (5.6km) north of Oban by
Loch Etive
Tel: 01631 562465
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Built before 1275 above the Firth of Lorn,
Dunstaffnage was the stronghold of the
MacDougalls, before its capture by Robert the
Bruce in 1309.
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Glebe Cairn
By Kilmartin on the A816
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Early Bronze Age burial cairn
with tow burial chambers
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Kilchurn Castle
On the A85, 2 ˝ miles (3.8km) west of Dalmally,
Strathclyde
Tel: 01786 431 323
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
A square tower built about 1550, enlarged in
late 1600's. Spectacular views of Loch Awe. A
ferry service operates summer only. Call
01838 200440 for times.
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Kilmichael Glassary Cup
and Ring Marks
Near the schoolhouse at Kilmichael, on A816
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Bronze Age cup and ring
carvings on a natural rock outcrop.
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Lochranza Castle
On the A841 at Lochranza on the northern tip of
Isle of Arran, Strathclyde
Tel: 0131 668 8600
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
16th reconstruction of an earlier tower house.
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Machrie Moor Stone Circle
Off the A841 near Macrie, Arran. 1 ˝ mile walk
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Remains of 5 Bronze Age stone
circles considered one of most important sites
of its kind in all of Britain.
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Moss Farm Road Stone
Circles
3 miles (5km) north of Blackwaterfoot, Arran on
A841
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Remains of Bronze Age cairn
surrounded by stone circle.
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Nether Largie Cairns
Near Kilmartin on the A816
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Two Bronze Age cairns and one
Neolithic cairn (3000BC).
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Newark Castle
In Port Glasgow, Strathclyde on the A8
Tel: 01475 741858
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Description to follow
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Ri Cruin Cairn
1 mile (1.6km) south of Kilmartin on the A816
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Bronze Age burial cairn with
covering removed to view 3 large burial chambers
(cists).
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Rothesay Castle
Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Strathclyde, on A844
Tel: 01700 502 691
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
13th century castle, circular in plan, with 16th
century forework. A favourite residence of the
Stuart Kings. Catch the ferry at Wemyss Bay on
A78.
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Skipness Castle
On B8001, Skipness, on east coast of Kintyre,
Strathclyde
Tel: 0131 668 8600
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Early 13th century castle with a chapel.
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Temple Wood Stone Circles
South of Kilmartin on A816
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Circle of upright stones and
remains of earlier circle. Date approximately
3000BC.
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Torr a'Chaisteal Fort
4 miles (6km) south of Blackwaterfoot, Arran on
A841
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Circular Iron Age fort on a
ridge
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Torrylin Cairn
Southeast of Lagg, Arran on southern tip of
island on A841
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Historic Scotland. Neolithic chambered
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Ardchattan Priory
On shore of Loch Etive, 7 miles (11.3km) east of
Oban, Strathclyde, (A816)
Tel: 0131 668 8600
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Founded about 1230, it is Scotland's second
oldest inhabited religious house. Parts of the
church and domestic buildings remain. Situated
in Ardchattan Garden.
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Crossraguel Abbey
Two miles (3km) beyond the village of Maybole,
Strathclyde, on A77
Tel: 01655 883113
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
A small roofless Cluniac monastery founded in
1244. Extensive ruins including church,
chapterhouse, gatehouse, cloister and tall tower
house.
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Glasgow Cathedral
off Castle Street, Cathedral Square, Glasgow,
Strathclyde, G4
Tel: 0141 552 8198
E-mail:
info@glasgowcathedral.org.uk
Web:
www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk
Gothic Cathedral built during 13th-15th
centuries. Only Scottish mainland medieval
cathedral surviving the Reformation undamaged
(except for western towers). Elaborately vaulted
crypt, rich moulded arches in nave, timber roof,
unique stone screen. Choir and lower church are
of First Pointed style with finely worked
details. Lower Church has tomb of St Mungo,
Glasgow's patron saint.
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Iona Abbey
On the island of Iona, Strathclyde
Tel: 01681 700512
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Reached by ferry from Oban, then overland by bus
or car on Mull Island, then by passenger-only
ferry to Iona.
www.calmac.co.uk (for Caledonian Ferries and
bus information).
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Kilwinning Abbey
Kilwinning, Strathclyde, on A737
Tel: 0131 668 8600
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Benedictine Abbey founded between 1140/1162. A
rich, flourishing abbey for 400 years, it once
covered several acres. The great west doorway,
south wall of nave and the gable of the south
transept are preserved.
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Largs Old Kirk
Largs, Strathclyde
Tel: 01475 672450
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
1636 monument in church with elaborate carved
stone tomb, painted timber ceiling.
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Paisley Abbey
Abbey Close, Paisley, Renfrewshire, PA1 1JG
Tel: 0141 889 7654
E-mail:
info@paisleyabbey.org.uk
Web:
www.paisleyabbey.org.uk
15th century restoration. West front doorway is
13th century, unusual corbelled galleries.
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St. Blane's Church
At south end of Isle of Bute, Strathclyde
Tel: 0131 668 8600
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
12th century Romanesque chapel within a Celtic
monastery. Bell from the monastery is at
Dunblane.
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St. Brides Church
Douglas, Strathclyde, 18 miles southeast of
Glasgow on the A70
Tel: 01555 851657
Web:
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
A 14th century church with 16th century clock
tower with the oldest working clock in Scotland.
The mausoleum contains the grave of Sir James
Douglas, known as the "Black Douglas" and also
that of the 5th Earl of Angus, known as "Bell
the Cat".
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St. Conan's Church
On south-eastern slopes of Ben Cruachan on A85
at Loch Awe, Strathclyde
Built from 1881 through 1931. Elaborate
carvings, woodwork, unusual mixture of styles
and fragments from Iona Abbey.
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HILL HOUSE
Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh G84 9AJ.
Tel: 01436 673900 Fax:
01436 674685
E-mail :
information@nts.org.uk
Web site:
National Trust for Scotland
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Hill
House, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh
in 1902 for W Blackie the publisher, sits
on a hillside in Helensburgh with
extensive views over the Clyde estuary.
Despite being
over 100 years old, it still has a very
modern appearance. Blackie was obviously
impressed with Mackintosh's work to have
entrusted such an important project to
him but he went further and commissioned
Mackintosh to design the gardens,
furniture and interior of the house. |
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Now Hill House is a property of National Trust for Scotland.
More info ...
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Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow, Argyll, PA26 8BH
Tel: 01499 600261 Fax:
0
E-mail:
info@ardkinglas.com
Web:
www.ardkinglas.com
At the head of Loch Fyne, just off the A83, at
Cairndow, Strathclyde. Woodland gardens of
horticultural and scenic value and fine specimen
trees. House not open to the public.
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Arduaine Garden
Arduaine, Oban, Argyll PA34 4XQ
Tel/Fax: 01852 200366
E-mail:
mwilkins@nts.org.uk
Web:
www.arduaine-garden.org.uk
National Trust for Scotland. 20-acre garden with
spectacular rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias,
Tibetan poppies, Himalayan lilies and other
temperate zone plants. Woodland garden, ponds.
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Benmore Botanic Garden
Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 8QU
Tel: 01369 706261 Fax:
01369 706369
E-mail:
benmore@rbge.org.uk
Web:
www.rbge.org.uk
An outstation of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic
Garden. Magnificent collection of rhododendrons,
avenue of tall redwoods, trails and hillside
woodlands with scenic overlooks.
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Blairquhan
Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland, KA19 7LZ
Tel: 01655 770239 Fax: 01655
770278
E-mail:
enquiries@blairquhan.co.uk
Web:
www.blairquhan.co.uk
˝ mile (.8km) south of Kirkmichael, Strathclyde,
off B7045, A77. Historic Houses Association. The
turreted ashlar stone mansion, built by William
Burn, is approached by a three-mile drive set
with an avenue of lime trees along the River
Girvan. Elegant entrance hall, picture gallery
and furnishings. Walled gardens.
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Botanic Gardens
730 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0UE
Tel: 0141 334 2422/3354 Fax:
0141 339 6964
E-mail:
gbg@land.glasgow.gov.uk
Web:
www.glasgow.gov.uk
Renowned internationally for the glass houses
and extensive tropical and temperate plant
collections.
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Brodick Castle
Isle of Arran, KA27 8HY
Tel: 01770 302202 Fax: 01770
302312 Countryside walks & events:
01770 302462
E-mail:
brodickcastle@nts.org.uk
Web:
www.nts.org.uk
National Trust for Scotland. Red sandstone
castle dates from the 13th century (extended
twice) and became the property of the Dukes of
Hamilton in 1500's. Silver, porcelain,
paintings, fan collection, gilded heraldic
ceiling in the drawing room. Victorian garden
and outstanding rhododendron garden. Country
park.
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Culzean Castle
Maybole, South Ayrshire, KA19 8LE
Tel: 08701 181945 Fax:
01655 884503
E-mail:
culzean@nts.org.uk
Web:
www.culzeanexperience.org
National Trust for Scotland. Situated on a cliff
top on the water's edge. Remodelled by Robert
Adams in 1772-1790 for the 10th Earl of
Cassillis. Noted for its elegant oval staircase,
circular saloon, painted ceilings and friezes.
Collection of pictures, 18th century furniture
and armoury. 565 acre park contains deer park,
courtyards, ponds, gardens, orangery, woodland
walks, extensive Visitor Centre.
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Duart Castle
Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland, PA64 6AP
Tel/Fax: 01680 812309
E-mail:
duartguide@isle-of-mull.demon.co.uk
Web:
www.duartcastle.com
Historic Houses Association. Perched on remote
Black Point with spectacular sea views. A
MacLean stronghold. The oldest part dates from
13th century, razed in 1756 by the English.
Rebuilt as a home in 1911.
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Finlaystone
Langbank, Renfrewshire, PA14 6TJ
Tel/Fax: 01475 540505
Web:
www.finlaystone.co.uk
Historic Houses Association. Seat of Earls of
Glencairn (William, the 9th Earl was Lord High
Chancellor of Scotland under Charles II) for 400
years, now a MacMillan family home. Robert Burns
often visited here. It dates from the14th
century, rebuilt in mid 1700's. Purchased by the
chair of Clyde Shipping Co. and repaired in 1900
but kept 18th century facade. Marble pillars and
chimney pieces, decorated plasterwork ceilings.
Fine furniture and paintings. Doll and Toy
Museum, formal and walled gardens.
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Greenbank Garden
Flenders Road, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 8RB
Tel: 0141 616 5126
Web:
www.nts.org.uk
National Trust for Scotland. 2 ˝ acre walled
garden built around a Georgian house. Ornamental
plants, annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.
Of particular interest to owners of small
gardens.
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Holmwood House
61-63 Netherlee Road, Cathcart, Glasgow G44 3YG
Tel/Fax: 0141 372129
E-mail:
holmwood@nts.org.uk
Web:
www.nts.org.uk
National Trust for Scotland. Designed in
classical Greek style by Alexander Thomson in
1857-8. Wood, plaster and marble decorations.
Conservation in progress.
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Inveraray Castle
Inveraray, Strathclyde, PA32 8XE
Tel: 01499 302203 Fax:
01499 302421
E-mail:
enquiries@inveraray-castle.com
Web:
www.inveraray-castle.com
Historic Houses Association. Headquarters of
Clan Campbell (Dukes of Argyll). Built in mid
1700's, example of Gothic revival, partially
burned in 1877 fire, repaired with some
alterations to style. Great Hall, State Dining
room with plasterwork ceiling, old kitchen and
armoury. Elaborately painted rooms, gilded
chairs, and tapestries. Campbell genealogy room.
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Kelburn Castle
Fairlie, Strathclyde, KA29 0BE
Tel: 01475 568204 Fax:
01475 568328
E-mail:
isabelglasgow@aol.com
Web:
www.kelburncastle.com
Historic Houses Association. Home of the Earls
of Glasgow, continuously occupied since 1140.
Picturesque setting. Originally a tower house.
Impressive staircase. Gardens. Craft workshops.
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McCaig's Folly
At Oban, Strathclyde, on the A85
Built between 1897 and 1900. Perched on a hill
overlooking the town. A supposed copy of the
Coliseum. A public garden is located inside the
hollow shell. Steep steps climb to the top of
the hill.
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Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute, PA20 9LR
Tel: 01700 503877 Fax:
01700 505313
E-mail:
contactus@mountstuart.com
Web:
www.mountstuart.com
Historic Houses Association. Ancestral home of
Marquess of Bute. High Victorian Gothic house
built of deep red Corsehill sandstone with four
storey central block. 60ft. (18 metres) high
central hall with marble columns and stained
glass windows. First house to contain a heated
pool and first in Scotland to be lit by
electricity. Architectural detail in carved
decoration, vaulted ceilings. Chapel lined in
white Carrara marble. Outstanding collection of
18th century portraits, clocks, furniture. 300
acres of beautiful woodland, arboretum and
gardens.
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Pollok House
Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road,
Glasgow G43 1AT
Tel: 01416 166410 Fax:
01416 166521
E-mail:
pollokhouse@nts.org.uk
Web:
www.nts.org.uk
Mid Georgian house extended in early 1800's.
Pollok House contains Stirling Maxwell
collection of Spanish and European painting
including works by El Greco and Goya. Porcelain,
silver and glass displayed in furnishings
appropriate to the Edwardian period. 360 acres
of parkland.
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Sorn Castle
At Sorn, 4 miles (6km) east of Mauchline,
Strathclyde, on B743
Tel: 01290 551555
Web:
www.sorncastle.co.uk
Historic Houses Association. Situated on cliff
on River Ayr. Built of pink sandstone, it
originally dates from 15th century, with 18th
and 19th century additions. Old oak ceilings,
Scottish artefacts and paintings.
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Torosay Castle
Craignure, Isle of Mull, PA65 6AY
Tel: 01680 812421 Fax:
01680 812470
E-mail:
info@torosay.com
Web:
www.torosay.com
On Duart Bay, reached from the ferry dock by
narrow gauge railway or special launch service
from Oban. Tel. 01680 812421. Historic
Houses Association. Scottish baronial style
built in mid 1800's. Formal terraces and gardens
with 2 mile footpath to Duart Castle. The Statue
Walk has life size limestone figures. Collection
of rhododendrons. Walled garden, oriental
garden.
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