Killantringan lighthouse
This was opened in 1900 just up the coast from Portpatrick, it is a white medium height tower. The rocks below were a scene of grounding in 1982 when a cargo ship called Craiganlet forgot to turn right towards its destination of Liverpool and hit the rocks here. Its toxic cargo strewn over the coast. The wreck can still be seen here today. Excellent views of the province and of the Mull of Kintyre can be had from here.
The development of Stranraers sheltered harbour gave Stranraer
most of the shipping and fishing industry of the Rhinns and as
such developed into the market town of the area. The Seacat leaves
from the ferry terminal here which is also served by a rail link,
and the busy A75.
Castle Kennedy was built in 1607 although burnt down in 1716 the
ruins are still impressive. The gardens were landscaped and Lochinch
Castle was built on the estate in the 19th century to allow the
Kennedy family to their home. The Earl of Stair live here currently
but only the gardens are open to the public.
The Laggangain (meaning hollow of the cairn) Stones are two ancient
standing stones approx. 4000 years old, believed to be ancient
way markers. These stones are unusual in that they have been inscribed
with crosses by Christian Pilgrims in the 8th Century.
A monument commemorating six Covenanters murdered here at prayer
for their adherence to Scotland's Reformation Covenants National
and Solemn League. The original monument is in the Newton Stewart
Museum and the one here is a replica.
This was the site of a battle in 1307 when the Earl of Pembroke
was following the path along the side of the Loch in pursuit of
Robert the Bruce. A shower of boulders from above by Bruce's men,
this turned Robert the Bruce's luck and he eventually won Scottish
independence.
Wanlockhead is the highest Scottish village, which was once a
lead mining village and now has a museum dedicated to this. There
are many remnants of the mining practice, however the light railway
has gone, only the trackbed being visible. The village is below
the impressive Lowther Hill with its 24hr manned radar station
and the familiar golf balls of the early warning system.
This Celtic monastery was established by St Cuthbert in 650, however
the current structure dates from 1136 and was the first Cistercian
Abbey to be built in Scotland. The ruins are made of sandstone
and even today are still impressive.
The oldest part of the castle is 16th century, but the more prominent
frontage is 17th and 19th century. The castle now has 98 rooms
and is open to the public in the summer with a variety of exhibitions.
So named because of the Cistercian Priory that was established
here in the 12th century, obviously they were confused naming
in abbey! This is now incorporated into the church, in which a
stone effigy of a prioress can be seen. Also present in this hamlet
is Abbey St Bathans house an 18th century retreat house with its
rare Broch (a dry stone tower).
This is an impressive sandstone harbour, created by erosion of
the softer rocks. There are two piers constructed to fully enclose
the harbour. There is a tunnel through which access to the harbour
can be gained. The building here was used to smoke the fish, but
is no longer used. The harbour is still used by lobster boats.
Stranraer
Castle Kennedy gardens and Lochinch Castle
Laggangain Stones
Martyr's Tomb
Glen Trool
Wanlockhead and Lowther Hill
Melrose Abbey
Thirlestane Castle
Abbey St Bathans
Cove Harbour
Photo Gallery