I caught the train this morning to Westerton to meet my school-friend, Eric and his wife, Anne. The weather was quite nice and we decided we would travel to Ayrshire to see Culzean Castle. This is regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Scottish National Trust. It was designed by Robert Adam (who is well-known for his fireplaces) and has a beautiful circular room on the top level, reached by a stunning oval staircase.
In 1945, the current owner, the Marquess of Ailsa, put aside an apartment on the top floor for the exclusive use of General Dwight Eisenhower for his services during WW2. He stayed three three or four times until he died. Apparently, you can book the apartment for an overnight stay, if you can afford it.
The castle is built on the edge of a cliff looking out on to the island of Arran and Ailsa Craig. It certainly was an outstanding visit with so many things to see.
We drove home via Ayr, travelling over the Electric Brae, which seems to defy gravity. Water seems to run uphill but it is simply an optical illusion. I had heard about this decades ago but had forgotten all about it until we noticed the sign as Eric drove past, with Anne in the back seat telling him to stop, all to no avail.
It was a great day and it was good to se Eric and Anne again. Tonight, I am taking Jean (who celebrated her birthday yesterday, and Sandra and Gordon out for dinner tonight at a new Italian restaurant in Hamilton, and tomorrow I leave Scotland and head for Blackpool to meet my cousin, Gavin and his wife, Sheila.
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