Menotural; Controlled Nature

For Nature Friday this week, we remain in the town of Ayr, the capital of the county of Ayrshire, on the south-west coast of the Bonny Land. I mentioned yesterday that Gail, Nobby, and I wandered a short distance from the Rozelle showgrounds to the museum of Robert Burns, Scottish Bard, and a local in these parts. 

Long years ago, in the century before this, I visited what was then the Burns Museum. It resided within the family cottage itself. Half a hundred later, the museum is now housed in a purpose-built beauty of a structure, set in reserved grounds between the original cottage - which is still open to view - and the Brig o' Doon. More on all of that in the follow-up post... Gail and I spent the briefest time glancing around the actual museum part, then got Nobby from the car and took him for a walk on the grounds. I do not have as many photos as I thought from this time spent. Importantly, though, the brig does feature!

Why is this old bridge important? Apart from being so historic and really very beautiful, it features in Burn's work "Tam O' Shanter." That's a poem for spooky month if ever there was one! There were quite a lot of steps from where we were to get to the bridge, so I sent Gail and Nobby off to do the posing. Another time, I would make an effort to seek the side track that means no steps, then can walk those cobbles myself.

Back up the wee hill behind us is found the rather imposing Burns Monument.

Gail climbed the stairs to the viewing platform in the rondel while I, waiting below, spotted this fine fellow...

The few other shots I took were not great - far too many people! There were coachloads and carloads and vanloads... In particular, Americans. Much of the funding for the upkeep of the museum and its attachments comes from the various clubs and societies dedicated to oor Rabbie's works - and several of the staff, including the manager here, are American immigrants. Anyway, more about this on my return visit post...

Meanwhile, after a drink from the cafeteria, Gail drove me back to The Grey, who was parked in his overnight spot at Belleisle Park. As it was still bright and a very pleasant evening, we continued our slow exercise by going to the walled gardens. 

Nature honed to Man's desires. Perhaps emphasised further by the suggested scriptural readings carved into the monolith at one side of the gardens; twice a day, thrice on Sundays.

There is no questioning the quietude and calm that can be felt here - but outwith the walls, among the giant

Beech trees, one felt freer still. The tight plantings and severe constraints of the paths within the walls felt a little claustrophobic until the rockery and wildflower plantings above the pond and by the exit.

As we walked through those trees, we passed the deer enclosure -

(spot the bonus critter in that last shot?!)

We parted ways after this, and I slept another night in this lovely park. The next day, I returned to the museum for a more in-depth visit. Prepare yourselves!

Here's where I remind you that next week is already the Final Friday of the month and time to prepare a Feature post to share!