This evening, my blog theme is the monument to Robert Burns. Before embarking on that subject I will first address other developments today:

Ancestry Research: Posted information to my separate GlasgowAncestry blog on one John Lowndes of Paisley.

Glasgow Weather: Dry and relatively mild.

Tour Enquiries: An extremely busy day:

• Arranged a one day tour for an extended family from the U.S.
• Worked on details of a private tour for a U.S. couple.
• Had confirmation of a one day tour from a cruise ship.
• Responded to enquiry for a private, family tour of Scotland in the summer.
• Responded to a very interesting enquiry for a Roman Britain themed tour. (One of my key passions!)
• Responded to enquiry for a one day tour for a large Spanish speaking group.

Burns Monument: The monument to Scotland's national poet was opened in 1823. The site was chosen because of the (then) spectacular view of Burns Cottage (birthplace), Alloway Kirk (burial place of Burns father) and the Brig o'Doon.

The monument is a 70 ft high circular temple built to a Grecian style by famous architect Thomas Hamilton. The monument comprises nine pillars representing the nine Muses of Greek mythology, sitting on a three-sided base evoking the three historic divisions of Ayrshire: Kyle, Carrick and Cunninghame.

Inside the monument can be found a marble bust of Burns (see above image).

The interior of the monument is open to visitors who can climb half-way up to the base of the pillars and from that viewpoint view the River Doon, the Carrick Hills and sometimes the Firth of Clyde.

Labels: Robert Burns

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:28 PM