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Eglinton Country Park

by Robert Barr 1 May
Many years ago I was informed by two good friends, both of whom were born and lived all their lives in the old corsehill area of Kilwinning that on or around the year 1925 the Eglinton family due to financial circumstances leased there lands and property to the then government for one hundred years.

If this is just a wee story that has been embellished over the years, well no harm done, but if it is true, would the Eglinton family (who are alive and well living in England) be entitled to claim all the land and new buildings in and around Eglinton Country Park?

If anybody has ever heard the same and could add to it, or on the other hand blow it out the water, your help would be appreciated.

Rab.
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18 June | 12:50:58

Harvie Tennant says

It is true that the Earl of Eglinton lived in the Castle until 1925, but due to debts had to leave the estate, sold all the contents of the castle by auction over 3 days in Dec 1925, then the roof was removed so that no rates were payable, not exactly sure who gained control of the estate, but it was extensively used during WW2 as an army base and the castle itself was used to try out new explosives, as well as target practice, that's the reason why its a complete ruin today.

Note to Harvie: Please contact Site Admin RE: the photos of Eglinton Castle. Thanks!

6 November | 11:18:59

Wightman Savage says

I have a scanned copy of a souvenir booklet that was prepared for the Fete and Fancy Fair at Eglinton estate some time around mid to late 1800's. A kind gentleman here in Australia sent me the originals to copy. His Grandfather was born in Carluke and married a lady from Kilwinning in the late 1800's they emigrated to Australia and settled in western Victoria. Have sent a couple of photo's can anybody give the exact date.

Regards Wightman old Kilwinning boy

28 November | 6:18:59

Roger Griffith says

The lands were sold to Howie of Dunlop and to Wilsons. Clement Wilson later gave areas of the park to what is now NAC. The factory itself and some of the grounds around are owned by a local businessman.

28 November | 6:22:15

Roger Griffith says

Hello Wightman - check out the Wikipedia site - 'Eglinton Castle' for this very photo and details. Look up this Earl on the Wiki Earl of Eglinton site for more info.

18 May | 8:45:11

Wightman Savage says

Hi Roger,

been checking all about Eglinton Castle and its history. I believe every Earl Had a Fete and Fancy Fair this one I have copy of was For the !5 Earl. I believe it was held around 1880 to 1890.Have a good copy who should I send it to if thet want it

Regards Wightman

18 May | 10:19:54

Roger Griffith says

Hello Wightman,

The Ranger Service Archivist at the Visitor Centre, Eglinton Country park, Irvine would be delighted to have the document. That's very generous of you.

22 May | 1:29:22

Wightman Savage says

Hi Roger

Can you give me an address to send it.

Regards Wightman

2 June | 6:31:40

Roger Griffith says

Hello Wightman,

Your photographs arrived today. We are quite delighted as we had not seen several of them and the one of the Garden Bridge is the only one we have ever seen. They will form a valuable part of the archive & if you can send them on disk that would be very useful.

8 June | 11:59:16

Wightman Savage says

Hi Roger,

 some of my family still live in Kilwinning Joseph Savage amd Mary McMillan.I am making a DVD slide show with the photo's attached should have it in the next few weeks. I see you had a sucessful week end just passed Your Queen was a relation if mine. I am from the Savage and Morrison line. nice to hear from you

Regards Wightman

1 July | 1:27:18

Wightman Savage says

Hi Roger,

            Have sent the DVD disk as a Slideshow with some background Music.Also on the DVD are the jpeg Photo's  and thumbnails. Hope this is satisfactory. If you have any other queries don't hesitate to email me.I would appreciate however if you could send Mr Lance Ballie email address jan_lance@yahoo.com.au a very kind thank you for allowing the copy Fete and Fancy Fair Booklet.

Kind regards Wightman

23 July | 6:54:19

Roger Griffith says

Hello Wightman,

Many thanks for the DVD - we will be able to use it for talks to school pupils, etc., etc.  Thank you your time and trouble. I have emailed Mr Lance Baillie.

Kind regards,

Roger Griffith

Eglinton Archivist

 

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