Friday 31 July 2009

Sliddery, Kilmory & Kildonan & Arran - A Golfers Paradise

We are now approaching the south west of the island. Here you will find the tiny village of Sliddery, the tiny hamlet of Lagg, Kilmory, and Kildonan.

Sliddery is a tiny hamlet located on the Southwest coast of the
Isle of Arran in Scotland. The village is situated near the Ross road between Blackwaterfoot and Lagg. The name Sliddery is thought to have been derived from the Old Irish for "field of slaughter", as it was here that a band of marauding Vikings were butchered when attempting to settle in Sliddery Water valley. Nowadays, the hamlet sits is on the hill high above the estuary, about half a mile from the shore. Various lanes lead down to a pebble beach, which offers views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Ireland and Ailsa Craig.

The tiny hamlet of Lagg has one claim to fame, and that is the Lagg Inn – one of the oldest on the island, dating back to 1791. The inn also has some lovely gardens. There are also a few houses and a small shop/Post Office here.





The gardens at the Lagg Hotel


Kilmory is the main settlement in the south west of the Isle of Arran. Actually, if you look closely at a map, what usually passes for a single village actually comprises three distinct parts. These are Torrylinn, Kilmory and Lagg.
Torrylinn and Lagg both sit astride the main A841 as it circumnavigates the island, at this point about half a mile inland from the sea. For the visitor touring the island, two things are immediately striking. The first is the previously mentioned Lagg Hotel while the other is the Torrylinn Creamery. The creamery, was established in 1946 by the Milk Marketing Board, and is home to the famous Isle of Arran Cheese. It has a viewing gallery, from which you can see production taking place, and a cheese shop.






Kildonan is situated on a small loop road which runs alongside the coast, and can be quite easily overlooked, which would be a shame for it is a little gem. Named after the Irish monk Saint Donan, who is believed to have lived here in the sixth century, Kildonan lies at the south eastern extremity of the Isle of Arran. The village stands out for two reasons.
The first is that it is home to an excellent beach which offers stretches of sand, and many opportunities to view the seal population...




The second is more immediately obvious as you approach it. The views south over the village to the Ayrshire coast and the islands of Pladda, and Ailsa Craig (known as “Paddy’s Milestone”) are simply superb.




Kildonan also boasts a castle, standing out on the old raised beach behind and above the village. It was once, with Lochranza Castle and Brodick Castle, one of three fortresses guarding Arran's strategically important position in the approaches to the Clyde. Today's Kildonan Castle is only a shadow of its former self, but still reflects its origins as a 13th Century keep.
Kildonan Castle has long been ivy clad and unstable, making close examination a dangerous proposition. It also stands in the garden of a house, meaning that it can only be seen from a nearby right of way leading to the beach.





The village itself is strung out along the shore, with, near its west end, the village hall complete with a memorial bell set in a wall. Not far from the hall is one of Scotland's more unusual war memorials, a plaque fixed to a prominent rock standing above the beach.
In recent years the village has become rather more substantial with the construction of a number of large houses ideally suited to enjoy the views. And, without doubt it is the views from Kildonan that draw your attention time and again.






A key focal point when looking south from Kildonan is the island of Pladda, which lies a kilometre or so offshore; its name comes from the Norse for "Flat Isle". The lighthouse on the island was built by the Stevenson family in the 1820s, and was manned until it was automated in the 1980s.




A GOLFERS PARADISE
There is no doubt about it. Arran is a Golfers Paradise. Within its 167 square miles there are no less than seven golf courses. These are situated at Brodick, Corrie Golf Club at Sannox, Lochranza, Machrie Bay, Shiskine, Whiting Bay and Lamlash.

BRODICK GOLF COURSE – 18 Holes
Brodick Golf Club, on the Isle of Arran, is a beautiful location for a challenging and enjoyable day's golf. Alone among Arran's marvellous and varied golf clubs, Brodick's parkland and links course is entirely at sea level, making it accessible for golfers of all ages and capabilities.Arriving on the mid-morning ferry from Ardrossan, day visitors can walk from the pier to the golf course and still be on the first tee by 11am. This leaves ample time for an enjoyable round of golf, followed by anything from a light snack to a full meal in the Brodick Clubhouse before catching the late-afternoon boat back to the mainland. For the more energetic, arriving at 8am on the first boat of the day and leaving on the last, at 7:20pm, allows for a full 36 holes with lunch in-between and plenty of relaxing, friendly and well-earned Clubhouse time afterwards at the '37th'! Brodick is a great course for golfers of all handicaps. From its opening hole, the longest Par 4 on the course, to its three tough cross-water Par 3s, a tricky dogleg Par 5, and deceptive Par 4s at the turn. It presents challenges and obstacles which are great to take on -- and hopefully conquer!



Brodick Golf Course








CORRIE GOLF COURSE AT SANNOX – 9 holes
Visitors Comments
I’ve played Corrie many times and I can safely say it is the best 9-hole I have ever played. It has a great variation in short par 3's and 4's with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including the superb devils punchbowl. Only the first and ninth holes are straightforward and relatively easy to play. The other holes give you a great challenge which is very enjoyable. A gem of a course.




A most challenging course!


Not forgetting the odd heron!

Corrie Golf Course

Action shot at Corrie Golf Course



LOCHRANZA GOLF COURSE – 9 holes – 18 Tees
There is a whole story behind the evolution of Lochranza Golf Course but I’ll leave that for another time. Suffice to say that something radical was needed and something special has been created. Here is a golf course which has been developed within the existing landscape in much the same way as the original Scottish seaside courses were created over 100 years ago but with the benefit of hindsight and a fertile imagination. The result is something quite unique, different from probably any other golf course in the World, and in this setting is really quite spectacular.
Research indicated the need for an 18 hole course with longer holes and higher par, preferably 70+, lots of interest and testing for any regular golfer of whatever handicap, yet it had to be equally attractive, interesting, and not too difficult for the many inexperienced golfers, including young golfers, seeking to play. Located as it is Lochranza Golf Course had to be special if golfers were to be persuaded to travel to it.
The setting of Lochranza Village and the Golf Course within it is idyllic. Steep mountain slopes surround three sides with the fourth opening to the Kilbrannen Sound. Playing on the Golf Course in these surroundings with a spectacular view in every direction and the relaxing company of the multitude of wildlife is surely the nearest thing to Heaven?



A different kind of hazard here!

How It Plays
The front nine are usually set up to play a little easier to encourage our golfers to settle into a game before they are asked the more serious questions of the back nine.
To summarise the play we would emphasise the need to place drives accurately. Any drive out of line or off the fairway is likely to cost a shot. There are many opportunities and enticements to ‘go for it’ and we would simply suggest these be left for the second time around as the first time is likely to be expensive.On the longer holes the second shot becomes just as critical as the drive, more so if the drive is less than perfect, and on the shorter holes inaccuracy to the green can be punishing. Once on the greens the requirement to get down in two from anything up to 50 or 60 yards can be daunting.
Lochranza is a golf course for people who understand the deeper elements of playing golf in beautiful locations. Many find it demanding and challenging, some even tricky, while most enjoy its many natural features. Those who have the necessary self control can manage their round and achieve a rewarding score while those who lose the place can easily hit the 100. Some quite low handicappers have failed miserably when others have shown that practised skills and good course management will do the business.
Older golfers, ladies and gents, juniors and novices all enjoy the Lochranza experience. The level ground, there are no hills to climb, and the stunning scenery makes it special.



Regular visitors to Lochranza Golf Course


MACHRIE BAY GOLF COURSE - 9 holes

The Course is beside the sea with fantastic views over the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Kintyre Peninsula. The 9 hole Course is ideal for golfers of all abilities & welcomes everybody, especially families. It is fairly flat, and has improved vastly in recent years.

1st Hole 270 Yards Par 4 SI 9 / 12 "Kilbrannan "


The 1st at Machrie is a great hole beside the sea. It is the “signature” hole of the course & can easily ruin a good score - before you have reached the second tee! There is Out of Bounds (OB) on both sides of the fairway - running the entire length of the hole - you have to hit a straight one from the tee or reload! Watch out you don't hit a passing car on the road. Once you have hit your tee shot you will face an enticing pitch onto the green. You can feed the ball in from the left, but don't be long & look out for the gorse on the right. Once on the green 3 putts can easily be taken, especially if the pin location is on the left slope. All in all it is a tough start, but a joy to play.




SHISKINE GOLF COURSE – 12 holes (one of only two 12 hole courses in Europe!)

The unspoiled seaside links of Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club is set in magnificent scenery overlooking the Kilbrannan sound with splendid views to the Mull of Kintyre. Nestling below Drumadoon Cliffs at Blackwaterfoot, Shiskine's challenging and picturesque 12-hole layout is truly one of the hidden gems in the world of golf.


Machrie Golf Course layouts



WHITING BAY GOLF COURSE – 18 holes


Whiting Bay Golf Course is an 18 hole Parkland, 4,063yards, 63 par, 63 SSS. 64 Ladies

Over the last four years the Club has invested time and resources into achieving a course that will satisfy all levels of player with the springy turf of a true links golf course. Professional advice and guidance, staff training have all led to a course that ensures an exciting game.
Both the ambience and views of the course ensure the stresses of everyday life are quickly diminished replaced by a sense of achievement and enjoyment.
After a short practice in the practice area a gentle climb from the 1st to the 4th tee bring you to the staggering views across Holy Isle, Ailsa Craig and the mainland beyond. Breathe the clean air as you decide how to tackle the 6th and 7th preparing you for the delights or hell of the 8th. If you felt the 8th was hell then be prepared for the devil in 10 and 11. Your efforts are rewarded when you reach the 16th whilst holding something in store for your trials at the 17th.
If you decide to stay awhile then the 18th is a beautiful spot for a picnic…Scottish Salmon sandwiches, a glass of cool wine….thoughts of the pleasures to come….






LAMALSH GOLF COURSE – 18 holes


Lamlash Golf Course is a delightful Par 64 - 18 hole, golf course. Although quite short in distance, measuring at some 4,640 yds, it offers a serious challenge for golfers of all abilities. An example of the challenge set can be seen in the fact that it has many long Par 3's, including two measuring over 220 yds. In addition to these lengthy Par 3's, Lamlash offers many tricky Par 4 holes where an off-centre tee shot will more than likely never be seen again. Set on the hillside above the village of Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, there are some spectacular views overlooking the Clyde Estuary and the Ayrshire coast, including famous courses such as Royal Troon & Turnberry. With its lush fairways and beautiful greens, Lamlash Golf Course stands head and shoulders above the other courses on Arran and really is a must play course in the west of Scotland



Lamlash Golf Course



THE ARRAN GOLF PASS


The bonus is you can play all seven courses with an Arran Golf Pass. The Arran Golfing Pass is £105 - save up to 30% on your Arran Golfing Experience. The Arran Golf Pass entitles the bearer to one round of golf on each of Arran's seven popular courses: Brodick, Corrie, Lamlash, Lochranza, Machrie Bay, Shiskine, & Whiting Bay.



















Wednesday 29 July 2009

Blackwaterfoot

Blackwaterfoot (Scottish Gaelic: Bun na Dubh Abhainn) is located in the Shiskine valley in the south-west of the island. It is one of the smaller villages of Arran and home to one of Europe's two 12 hole golf courses. The little fishing village is set round the attractive Drumadoon Bay and is formed by a collection of buildings focused on Blackwaterfoot Harbour, which in turn is where the Clauchan Water drops over natural rock weirs and flows under a stone bridge into the sea. Actually, you need to look quite hard to find the harbour itself. which is barely visible even from the village's main car park that is almost alongside it.




Blackwaterfoot from the air


Besides the small selection of shops and other tourist facilities, Blackwaterfoot is also home to one of the larger hotels on Arran.

A short walk from Blackwaterfoot is Drumadoon Point, home to the largest Iron Age fort on Arran.




Two miles north along the coast are the King's Caves, where, according to legend, Robert the Bruce watched a spider try, try and try again and was thus inspired to secure his own and Scotland's destiny. It's a 45-minute walk from where you leave the car in Blackwaterfoot to the cathedral-like main cave, which has an iron gate to keep out wandering sheep.








King's Cave



TOMORROW: Sliddery, Kilmory, Kildonan & "ARRAN - A GOLFERS PARADISE"

Tuesday 28 July 2009

Lochranza, Catacol & Pirnmill

Leaving the villages of Corrie and nearby Sannox behind, we travel over the mountains to Lochranza. Lochranza is situated at the north end of the island, and is located on the loch, Loch Ranza, from which it takes its name. Surrounded on three sides by hills and facing the imposing grey ruin of its castle placed dramatically on a shingle spit sticking into the Loch, a visit is an essential part of any trip to the Isle of Arran.







Lochranza itself lays along both sides of the loch it is named after, though the main focus of activity is on the south western side. The mouth of the loch on this side is home to the ferry slipway, and as you progress along the shore from here you pass a string of cottages, hotels and guest houses and the village hall. Beyond the head of the loch is the field centre, St Bride's Church, a caravan and camping site, and the
distillery. The north east side of the loch is home to a narrow road backed by cottages, while Lochranza Golf Club occupies the land at the very head of the loch itself.

Amongst the hazards you might expect on a golf course are others you might not. The area around Lochranza is home to a large population of red deer, and these can often be seen grazing on the golf course itself. The mountainous surroundings also make this an ideal location for golden eagles, while the shore of Loch Ranza is the place to look for the seals that are often on view, and the otters that can sometimes be glimpsed by the more observant.










Lochranza Castle enjoys a superb location on a spit of land projecting out into Loch Ranza from its south west side. As a result it provides a focal point for much of the village of Lochranza as it wraps around the loch, and features in many views of different parts of the village.
The castle you see today looks to be a fairly typical L-plan tower house with a single small entrance facing west towards the land access from the village along the spit. Internally the ruin has three distinct parts. The main block of the castle was divided in two, with the south end providing a single large room on each of three floors. The north end provided rather smaller rooms on its four levels. At first floor level the floor in the south end of the castle has long gone, but this would have been the castle's great hall, while the first floor of the north end was home to the kitchen. The third main element of the castle is its tower, attached to the west side of the south end and originally standing five storey’s high.
Today it is possible to access the ground and part of the first floor of the north end of the castle and the ground floor of the south end.











A major recent development in Lochranza was the formal opening by the Queen in 1997 of the Visitor Centre for the Isle of Arran Distillery. The distillery itself had begun production in 1995 and was the first (legal!) distillery on Arran for 160 years. It can be found in purpose built premises at the southern end of the village. There is a visitor centre, tours of the distillery can be taken, and a restaurant.









Lochranze is also the pick up point for the Claonaig – Lochranza car ferry, which will take you across to the Mull of Kintyre. The Ro-Ro ferry, which holds approximately 10 cars and 100 passengers takes about 30 minutes to cross to Claonaig.












Catacol is a tiny village approximately 2 miles south of Lochranza.

Catacol's main feature is the row of
cottages called the 'Twelve Apostles'. They were built to house those people cleared from the surrounding countryside, when much of the interior of the island was set aside for deer. The theory was these former farmers would turn to fishing, and with this in mind, each of the twelve cottages had a differently shaped first floor windows. This would allow the woman of the house to signal to her husband by placing a candle in the window while he was out fishing in the Firth of Clyde. The husband would know who was being signalled by the shape of the window. In reality, most of the dispossessed moved away to other parts of the island in protest against their eviction. Some of the cottages are now self catering establishments and holiday homes.














The views here are across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Kintyre Peninsula, and settlement is slight and scattered. The peaceful and picturesque clachan of Pirnmill is the nearest thing this shoreline has to a village.
Most place names on Arran can be traced back to Gaelic or Norse origins. Pirnmill is a little different. It is named after a pirn mill established here in about 1780 to make use of the power of the fast flowing Allt Gobhlatch as it makes its way steeply from the mountains to the sea. A pirn mill was a mill that made wooden bobbins for the cotton industry, and the mill that was established here was built by J & P Clarks of
Paisley, a company that later became part of the Coates Group. For sixty years the mill busied itself producing bobbins for the cotton industry until, in 1840, the exhaustion of all the woodland within economic carrying range of the mill led to is closure.











The Old Mill







Pirnmill Stores and Restaurant.








Pirnmill Village from the south.
















The Picturesque Village of Corrie

Continuing from yesterday’s blog, let’s take a circular tour of the Isle of Arran. We’ve already seen some of the points of interest in Brodick, so we will travel approximately six miles north to the tiny picturesque village of Corrie.




Corrie boasts the unusual feature of having two harbours (half a mile apart.) The more northerly of Corrie's two harbours is often called Corrie Port and was the stopping off point of the steamers that, from the mid 1800s, linked many of Arran's coastal villages with a wider network of Clyde ports. Today, Corrie Port is home to a couple of small boats and to a replica Viking longboat in regular use by the Arran Viking Society. Historically, the harbour here was also associated with the export of limestone quarried from caves in the hillside above.




The more southerly of Corrie's two harbours is known as Sandstone Quay, and was where the sandstone dug from a nearby quarry was loaded onto puffers for shipment to the mainland. Today it is the largest and best used of the harbours along this stretch of coastline. The pier at Sannox was also built to allow mineral extraction.

Corrie is approximately half way between Brodick and Lochranza. But if you take the time to look, you begin to appreciate a village which has made the most of a beautiful coastal location. It also helps to look out for some of the detail, like the sculpture of a seal on a rock below the high tide mark near the Corrie Hotel, which was carved by the local sculptor Marvin Elliott, (by the way, the seagull is real!),




and the unusual bollards found at Sannox Pier and Sandstone Quay shaped - and painted - to resemble sheep




There is also a foot path leading from Corrie to Goatfell, the highest of Arran's mountains.

Monday 27 July 2009

Looking Forward to a Holiday on the Isle of Arran

Despite the forecast for heavy rain, which I saw on yesterdays Internet Weather, it has turned out quite warm and sunny, and my thoughts have turned to holidays. It is now just less than two months before we depart for our annual trek up to Northumberland, preceded by a visit to the Isle of Arran.

As family and friends will know we are pretty much set in our ways when it comes to holidays, and we have visited the Isle of Arran for about the last 15 years or so. We first discovered it when the good lady suggested that she would like a change from holidaying on Lindisfarne (or Holy Island as some folks refer to it), but still fancied staying on an island. We looked around at what might fit the bill, and the Isle of Arran caught our eye, being directly off the west coast of Scotland, and about the same longitude as Lindisfarne.

If you have never visited the isle of Arran may I suggest that you take the opportunity to pay it a visit?






The main approach to Arran is by the Caledonian Macbrayne car ferry “The Caledonian Isles”, which is Ro-Ro (Roll on Roll Off) type ferry. She was built in 1993 and holds 1,000 passengers and 110 cars, and two mezzanine car decks which can be brought into use when the route is busy. She has a top speed of 15 knots, which makes the journey time between Ardrossan on the mainland and Brodick on Arran about 55 minutes.





There is also a much smaller Ro-Ro ferry (Loch Tarbert) which operates during the summer months between Lochranza and the Claonaig on the Mull of Kintyre, and has a car capacity of 10 cars and 150 passengers.





Arran or the Isle of Arran (Scots Gaelic: Eilean Arainn) is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, and with an area of 167 sq miles, is the seventh largest Scottish island. A 57 mile road circumnavigates the island, and follows the coastline for much its route. With the exception Shiskine, all the rest of the villages are to be found on the coastline.

Landing at Brodick and travelling in a northerly and anticlockwise direction, the villages are:-

Corrie
Sannox
Lochranza
Catacol
Pirnmill
Blackwaterfoot
Sliddery
Kilmory
Kildonan
Whiting Bay
Lamlash.


Brodick is the main centre, having the Ferry terminal and Tourist Information Office, and a good selection of shops, many of which are still privately owned. There is a large Co-op, a chemists, a Post Office, the Island Bakery (Wooleys), and numerous newsagents and gift shops. There is a wide selection of restaurants and eating places, as well as a variety of accommodation providers, from self catering to Bed and Breakfasts, Larger Hotels and a Time Share and Leisure Centre, with a swimming pool (open to the public.)




Brodick Castle Gardens







Tourist attractions include Brodick Castle, once the home of the Dukes of Hamilton, but now owned and run by the Scottish National Trust.







Before you reach the castle, which is about a mile and a half out of Brodick you will come across a fascinating museum, run by the locals, and called the Arran Heritage Museum.





This museum tells the story of Arran from prehistoric times to the present day. Buildings in the museum include a smithy, a 19th century cottage, a schoolroom, a farm house, a bothy, a coach house, a stable, a harness room and a croft.






Approximately halfway between the Heritage Museum and the Castle is Duchess Court, which houses the Arran Cheese makers factory and shop, Arran Aromatics factory and shop (selling perfumes, soaps, and toiletries) a café, Creelers (Smokehouse and fish restaurant), and one or two book and souvenir shops.






A little further along the road from Duchess Court, at Cladach (which was a small
village on the shore of Brodick many years ago) you will find Arran Brewery (shop and tours) a stained glass window makers (Richard le Clerc), a pottery and an excellent outdoor pursuits shop, as well as the “Wineport” – an excellent restaurant.



TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW





Sunday 26 July 2009

And the Next Tax Will Be On Breathing.......



Well it seems that Brown’s bunch is at it again! We really must be in pretty dire financial straits when there are proposals afoot to tax householders for the views from their houses. Before you think this is some belated April Fools Day Joke let me assure you that it is not!






Information gained under the Freedom of Information Act has uncovered proposals for new taxes on all householders. Millions of homes have already been assessed for this new Council Tax, which could add as much as an extra £600 on your Council Tax Bill. Homes have been given “value significant codes” which will make virtually every desirable feature taxable





So far nearly 100,000 homes face being penalised for simply having a scenic view from their windows. Even those with a mere glimpse of a river, hill or park stand to pay more, with a special category for “partial scenic views.”

The following information gives you some idea of what the government have in store for you when your next Council Tax Bill arrives

SCENIC VIEWS

V General Scenic View
VC Partial Sea View
VE Full Sea View
VH Full Hill or Mountain View
VI Partial Hill or Mountain View
VL Full View of lake
VM Partial View of lake
VO Full View of Golf Course/Field
VP Partial View of Golf Course/Field
VR Full View of River
VS Partial View of River





CONSERVATORY TAX

D Double Glazed UPVC/Hardwood
S Single Glazed UPVC/Hardwood
G Greenhouse/Lean-to
U unclassified

PARKING TAX

G1 With Garage
G2 Double Garage
G3 Three or More Garage Spaces
O1 Car Port
SP Street Parking




OTHER VALUE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES

BA Balcony Up to Three Square Metres
BB Balcony 3 – 5 Square Metres
BC Balcony 5 – 7 Square Metres
BD Balcony over 7 Square Metres
FC Adjoining Conservation Area
FG Adjoining Golf Course
FO Adjoining Other Positive Amenity
FP Adjoining Park
GG Garden – where Garden Not Usual
HO Penthouse
LE Equestrian Paddock
LF Stables
LR Outdoor Swimming Pool
LS Indoor Swimming Pool
LT Tennis Court
OS Patio Where Value is Significant
QA Roof Terrace up to 3 Square Metres
QB Roof Terrace 3 - 8 Square Metres
QC Roof Terrace 8 - 15 Square Metres
QD Roof Terrace over 15 Square Metres
TQ Quiet Road or Cul De Sac
UP Near Public transport

The database also lists different types of homes, including:-

09 Large Victorian/Edwardian Villa
10 Large Family House/Vicarage/Farmhouse
13 Large Georgian/Regency Townhouse in Crescent or Square
14 Mansion/Country Hall
21 Standard Pre-War House/Bungalow
31 Standard Post-War House/Bungalow
32 Upmarket Post-War House/Bungalow
36 Post 1950 Town House
80 Family Annexe



So now you can work out just what is going to increase your Council Tax Bill for next year, and start disposing of those patios, swimming poools, greenhouses, double glazed conservatories etc. and save yourself a fortune!


The Government has already spent a staggeringly enormous £13,000,000 on the Valuation Office Agency’s scheme to build this detailed database.

Just how much more of OUR MONEY is Gordon Brown’s bunch of cronies going to waste in trying to redress the sadly depleted economy which he (when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer) and his inept Government have allowed to develop? How much longer is it going to be before our once great nation is officially declared bankrupt?