Garston, Ayrshire - NS 506377
A lectern with star similar to Lauriston Castle. The dial was removed for restoration. Has it returned?
There was also a Bonar equatorial dial at Loudoun but it is sadly missing - last spotted in Bruxelles in 1977.
Visited 29 November 1985 - A. R. Somerville
Loudoun Castle - 1690
Twist n Shout
Loudoun Castle - present day
One of the interesting things about finding these dials it to find what has happened to the great houses or castles that they used to compliment. Usually little has changed, at least superficially, but sometimes there is a dramatic and amusing change. Loudoun Castle is the latter.
It was a 15th century tower house which was then extended in the 17th century and finally extended by James and Robert Adam and Archibald Elliot between 1804 and 1811. It was then known as 'The Windsor of Scotland'. Now though little remains after a disasterous fire on the 1st of December 1941. The remains of the castle are now surrounded by 'Scotland's Theme Park' - named Loudoun Castle.