Craigengillan Estate & Scottish Dark Sky Observatory Coach Tour
Craigengillan Estate & Scottish Dark Sky Observatory Coach Tour
Please join the Strathclyde Group for a coach tour to Craigengillan House & Estate and the Scottish
Dark Sky Observatory.
Venue: Craigengillan Estate & Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Time: 9.15
Cost: £35 (£20 for under 18s accompanied by an adult) to include coach travel, all entries, morning coffee and lunch.
Craigengillan House-
Origionally a laird’s house which was remodelled in the 1770s and then added to in 1802-05 and c.1825, Craigengillan House and Estate by Dalmellington, Ayrshire had been in the possession of the McAdam/Cathcart family from the 17th century until its purchase by our hosts, Mark GIbson and Fi McLelland, in 1999. Its compact and fairly plain, grey-harled exterior contrasts with the completely unexpected French 18th century Revival interior, executed c.1905 by the Paris company, Maison Jansen- the only known example of their work in Scotland and their earliest known documented scheme of work. As such, the interiors at Craigengillan are of international significance.
Craigengillan Garden & Estate-
The estate comprises of 3,000 acres, encomposing a designed landscape, woodlands, wetlands, pasture, heath, lochs and two sites of Special Scientic Interest. We will be visitng a couple of cottages, now restored as holiday accomodation and the spectacular Dalcairnie Falls. Closer to the house- and part of the extensive resotration work embarked upon by Mark- is the Pulham Rock and Water Garden; this was created about a hundred years ago by James Pulham, whose other work includes gardens at Buckingham Palace, Sandringham and Mount Stuart.
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory-
The Observatory, on a hill opposite Craigengillan House, is situated at the edge of the Galloway Forrest Dark Sky Park; designed by G.D.Lodge Architects, it was opened in 2012. Although housing state-of-the-art astronomical equipment and educational resources, its larch-clad exterior sits comfortably in the local landscape.
The bus pick-up point will be at the bus stance on North Hanover Street across the road from the side entrance to Queen Street Station; departing at 9.15am prompt.
To book your place please email the National Office- nationaloffice@ahss.org.uk