Newsletter -
July 2004
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CASTLE OPENING
2004
The Castle & grounds are open to the public from Saturday, 24th
July to Sunday, 22nd August 2004, inclusive (except Mondays) 1.30 to
4.15
(last entry to Castle 4.30 – grounds open till 6.00 p.m.)
click here to see
details |
 We
have had six wonderful Weddings during this period. One was celebrated
in the Gardens. On another day we welcomed the last of the three
MacMillan daughters from Ayr, to be married, all of whom have had their
wedding celebrations here at Blairquhan.
We have also had National Trust parties to visit us from Northern
Ireland and Glasgow.
 The
“Fingask Follies”, a band of entertainers, gave us an hilarious evening,
and Savourna Stevenson, a brilliant harpist, gave a recital during the
popular “Burns and a’ That” Festival.
Some filming was carried out here and Blairquhan made an appearance
(very brief), in the “Restoration” programme on BBC2 television.
A party from 'Fitcamp' stayed for 5 days enjoying a rigorous programme
of health and fitness activities. They could be seen exercising on the
lawn at seven in the morning!
In June we hosted a dinner and auction, with 150 people attending, in
aid of the Ayrshire Rivers Trust. This was a great success and guests
bid very generously for all the lots.
Our formerly most
modest Holiday Cottage (Wauchope) has now been transformed into our
biggest and best one in time (just!) for the Open at Troon. It has a
large open plan sitting room and four well appointed bedrooms upstairs.
The cottage provides generous accommodation for large families or groups
of up to 10 people.
For the Open we were delighted to have SAP to stay at the Castle, the
sponsors of Ernie Els. Gary Player, another good friend of theirs, dined
with us twice.
We started our own Opening to the public of
the House and Gardens on Saturday, 24th July, and we are open every
afternoon (1.30, last entry 4.15, last Tour of House 4.30. Grounds open
till 6.00 p.m. ) until Sunday, 22nd August inclusive. NOT Mondays.
There are special events each weekend – Kite flying, a Teddy
Bear's picnic, a Battle re-enactment, Pipe Bands and Highland Dancing.
 The
new pond in the Gardens with its ornamental bridge was ready in time for
the House Opening.
The office staff and
the owner, have all attended a course in “Local Knowledge of Ayrshire”
and are now officially qualified to offer local information.
~
James Hunter Blair ~
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Previous newsletters:
Aug 2006 • Feb 2006 • Oct 2005 • Jul 2005 • Apr 2005 • Jan 2005 • Oct 2004 • Jul 2004 • Apr 2004 • Jan 2004 • Oct 2003
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