East Ayrshire Highlights: Dean Castle, Newmilns Conservation Area & Lamlash House

Dean Castle, Kilmarnock: Arrive for 10.00am

Following morning coffee in the Treehouse Café, Dean Castle Park, KA3 1VB, we will walk over to the Castle itself.

Dean Castle was the home and stronghold of the Boyd Family for over 400 years;  it takes its name from The Dean or wooded valley in which it sits.  The complex of buildings include the 14^th Century keep and 15^th Century palace, both restored at the beginning of the 20^th Century by the 8^th Lord Howard de Walden.  His work on the castle also added on a completely new gatehouse, carefully based on real 16^th Century buildings.

Within the castle are collections of arms and armour, 16^th Century tapestries and a nationally significant collection of musical instruments.  Our guided tour will include areas of the keep and palace not normally open to the public.

Lunch Arrangements: 12.30pm

A two-course lunch will be at The Urbanist, 14 London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7AD.

Newmilns Conservation Area: A Walking Guided Tour: 2.00pm

Throughout the 19^th Century, Newmilns was a centre for weaving and lacemaking;  indeed, its history of weaving goes back to the arrival of Huguenot refugees in the late 16^th Century.  Despite the decline of these industries, Newmilns is still home to two lace-making factories, and some of the former factory buildings still survive, though converted to residential use.  The town’s most significant buildings—18^th and 19^th Century—are clustered around The Cross, and not far away is the 16^th Century keep, or Newmilns Tower.  Our short walk through the town will take in some of the architectural highlights of the Conservation Area.  Parking is available opposite Lamlash House, on Brown’s Road, Newmilns, KA16 9AS.

Lamlash House: 3.00pm

Built in 1889-1890 as Bank House by local bank agent, Robert Carmichael Mitchell, this fine red sandstone B-listed property, which boasts five Stephen Adam stained glass windows, has been lovingly restored by our hosts, Gordon McDonald and Johnathan Muirhead.  Afternoon tea, scones and an illustrated talk will end our day.

Travel: The visits will be by car; please indicate on the form if you can offer a space (or spaces) in your car or if you require a space (or spaces).

The booking fee of £35.00 includes all visits, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.