Strathclyde Midsummer Party & walking tour of Kirktonhill
Strathclyde Midsummer Party & walking tour of Kirktonhill
Join us for a midsummer party organised by our Strathclyde Group!
Venue: Kirktonhill Conservation Area & Helenslee House
Time: 14.30 – 18.00
Cost: £20 per person
The Kirktonhill conservation area in Dumbarton lies across the river Leven from the main town on the promontory forming the estuary junction with the river Clyde. It is an area, like most of Dumbarton, which has historic links with the ancient history of Scotland, including Robert the Bruce. There are a number of significant listed buildings of varying styles within the area with the largest being Helenslee House and estate connected with the Denny shipping family. The later history of the house was as Keil School and following its closure the estate was sold to a developer with consent to convert it into flats along with an enabling development in the grounds. The first phase of the high-end development has been completed with the construction of modern large detached villas. Unfortunately, Helenslee House, like many similar buildings, has suffered the ravages of fire by vandalism and is currently on the Buildings at Risk Register.
Levengrove Park has recently been restored under a £2.8m Heritage Lottery Fund “Parks for People” initiative which has seen the restoration of the park’s heritage features including the main entrance gates and pillars, work to St Serf’s Church, Shiers Well, the Kilmahew Fountain and the Cenotaph along with the introduction of a new café facility.
Our guided walk around the area will include a tour the park and the buildings of Kirktonhill before ending the day at the converted former stables of Helenslee House. In Gothic style the stables are the work of John Honeyman and date from 1865 and feature an asymmetrical L-shaped block with arched openings, corbelled oriel, supported on shaft with cusped lights at one end and a turret clock tower at the other enclosing a courtyard flanked by gate piers.
Mr John B Wright has kindly given permission for us to hold our Midsummer Party at his home/garden where a buffet meal and refreshments will be available.
In regard to travel to Dumbarton, reasonable public transport is available and details will be circulated to participants following booking. If you are travelling by car please advise if you can provide spaces.
Download your booking form HERE and return it by 17th May 2019 along with your payment to Hamish Macbeth, 3 Kirklee Quadrant, Glasgow G12 0TR.
BACK