Places to Visit

[Geoff]

Quite a few places of interest within Burns Corridor with some new ones planned.

[Geoff]

Fort Carrick, Craigengillan Est. Off A713

FUTURE JOBS FUND AIDS FORT CONSTRUCTION

Musket Fire rang out over Dalmellington as a posse of soldiers converged on Craigengillan Estate recently. They were just part of the entertainment lined up to mark the completion of the estate’s latest attraction, “Fort Carrick” a massive wooden replica Fort for use by Cadets, Scouts and youth organisations throughout East Ayrshire.

In a dramatic opening ceremony a Sea King Helicopter on a training flight from HMS Gannet made a low level dive, complete with saluting crew, over the fort just as a bugle call announced the raising of the Fort’s flag.

The Musket Volley, organised by Alan Birbeck of Glasgow University featured four “Musketeers” in traditional uniforms. Mr Birbeck was instrumental in providing technical advice on the fort design and specification and was delighted to see the new fort completed.

Lt Commander Donald Briggs MBE who oversaw the construction said” Construction began 12th April this year and reached this stage a few weeks ago, on 19th November. To have completed the project in just 7 months was only possible, thanks to the generosity and support of many people and organisations.

Craigengillan Estate’s owner Mark Gibson said “The fort is an example of how a dream can be achieved when you have vision and perseverance and everyone comes together. It is a landmark and a symbol of the great new future being created by the people and communities of East Ayrshire.

“The fort will be able to be used by the Cadets and Scouts who already use Craigengillan Estate for training, fieldcraft, kayaking, rock climbing and orienteering and also by other organised youth groups from across Ayrshire.’

From www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/corpres/news/showNews.asp?p=2925 on 22nd Dec. 2010

[Geoff]

Dumfries House Estate Off A76
Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire, KA18 2NJ opened its doors to the public in 2008. Designed in the 1750s by the Adam Brothers, it was saved for the nation in 2007 by HRH Prince Charles.
Dumfries House has an unrivalled collection of furniture by Thomas Chippendale, Alexander Peter, Francis Brodie, and William Mathie.
Walk around the estate or/and have a guided tour of the house followed by lunch in the coffee shop.
The House hosts weddings, banquets, meetings and conferences.

The Estate has a working farm, run in partnership with Morrisons.
www.dumfries-house.co.uk/

[Geoff]

Crawick Artland Project A76
"The aim is to have Crawick Artland open to visitors in 2012."

"Crawick Artland will support economic development in Upper Nithsdale, an area of economic deprivation with high unemployment, by providing jobs and emplo...yment both for the building of the site and the works and as a new permanent visitor destination, which draws more people to the area and increases income for local businesses and services.

"Visitor packages will be developed which link with, for instance, Drumlanrig, Leadhills Mining Museum, DUMFRIES HOUSE, in order to offer tourists an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of art and non-art experiences.

"The project will be a major part of the tourism strategy which is currently in development for the Nith Valley.

Downloaded 15th Jan. 2011 from: www.crawickartlandtrust.org/index.html