St Mark’s raids Culzean Castle
May 7, 2008 by revruth
Yesterday was the parish outing - this year to Culzean Castle in Ayrshire. When I say parish outing, I actually mean some of the members of the parish who can escape all day on a Tuesday so that excludes about half who work. Oh, and some of their friends. Ok, is that clear?
Anyway, we set off from Portie in a haar and drove into the sunshine on the way to Ayrshire. It was a gloriously sunny day (the power of prayer at work) and we quickly realised that an afternoon was not nearly enough time to do justice to Culzean Castle and its grounds. (Not to mention the wee gift shops and second-hand bookshop which I missed. Drat.) Did manage a scamper round the castle though.
Oh, and I did find another handbag of glory in lilac tweed. To die for!
Then it was back on the bus and a short drive via the electric brae where the bus rolled backwards although the hill went up. (No alcohol had been consumed at this point, I promise.) A whizz past Rabbie Burn’s cottage and on to Ayr for high tea. For those who don’t know the Scottish High Tea, it involves fish and chips (or similar), white bread and butter, followed by scones and cakes. Delicious, if not carb ridden. We know how to do carbs, we Scots. This was the view of sun on water…
Then we waddled out to have our photae took by Tony the driver. Here we are in all our glory. It was a lovely day and we drove home with a glorious red sun (no pic cos I was on the motorway).
Suggestions for next year’s outing gratefully received.



I need a photo of a Handbag of Glory, in Lilac tweed.
I struggle to believe that the universe can possibly have two handbags of glory within it at any one time. Surely there an be only one?
The phrase, “a handbag of glory” just seems wrong.
Well, you see, the last handbag of glory has gone to that great handbag heaven in the sky and is truly in glory now. And had I seen this one before I got the last one, then I’m afraid there would have been no contest for the handbag of glory. There is only one and the photo is to follow…
It almost sounds like the search for a new Dalai Lama - one one has gone into the great unknown, the search must begin for the reincarnation….
I suppose Lincolnshire is much too far, but the West Lindsey Churches Festival in May would make a great outing with big breakfasts, home made lunches and afternoon teas at every stop.
Nice plug, Lissa, but I think Ayr is the farthest we’ve gone!
I visited Culzean castle a couple of years ago, very attractive place.. wasn’t it used as the Lord of the Isle’s castle in the original Wicker Man with Edward Woodward? or have I got that mixed up.
Sage
No, you are right, Sage. That was his home. See http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070917/locations