Month: June 2014

Dun Carloway Broch, Lewis

Broch from approach path
Scottish Heritage
This broch, one of the best preserved in Scotland, is near the north coast of Lewis. It was probably built in the first century AD and remained in occupation for some time, till the floor level became too high because of occupation layers. It was last used as a stronghold in 1601, so presumably was largely intact at that time. Afterwards, the broch was partly destroyed and used for building stone.
Originally it is thought to have had tapering hollow walls, with a conical roof of timber and thatch on top, and at least one upper wooden floor. Staircases within the double walls gave access to the upper levels. The lower parts of the staircases still exist.
Inside, at ground floor level are several openings. These give access to a small guard room, the staircase, and an oval room where traces of peat ovens were found.

It is possible to climb onto the structure. Surprisingly, there are no signs telling visitors not to climb on the broch.

Because of its rarity, this is a most interesting visit. There is a visitor centre nearby.
Click on images to enlarge.
Broch from near entrance Broch interior Broch stair Broch double wall

Burrell Collection, Glasgow

Burrell Entrance lobby
Burrell Entrance

Museum
The Burrell Collection was amassed by rich collector and shipping magnate Sir William Burrell, and was originally housed mainly at his home, Hutton Castle.
On his death, it was gifted to the City of Glasgow, and after some delay was housed in a new gallery in Pollok Country Park. The gallery building incorporates some architectural stonework collected by Burrell, and also several reconstructed rooms from Burrell’s mansion.
The main items of the collection are paintings by major artists including Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, and important examples of late medieval art, Chinese and Islamic art, and collectible objects and statuary including Ming vases and Islamic carpets. Only part of the collection is on display.

The Collection (admission free) is eminently worth a visit. The building is a fine piece of modern architecture. Unfortunately, despite the eye-watering cost, the roof leaks badly, and the museum is due to close in 2016 for three years for repairs (at further eye-watering cost). Should have hired the Tesco’s architects 🙁
I advise you to visit soon.

Asides the above, there has been some controversy about the Collection and Burrell’s wishes. He did not want it housed so close to a then-smoky Glasgow. He did not want the contents toured abroad – but following an enabling private Act of Parliament an overseas tour is planned (to help pay for the repairs to the building).

The museum is in Pollok Country Park. It is accessible by bus, and by train. Pollokshaws West station is 200 yards from the park entrance.
If arriving by car, note that you can drive through the park, though the roads are quite narrow. There is a free car park about 500 yards away on the edge of the Country Park, past Pollok House. Parking is also available in the middle of the Park adjacent to the Burrell Collection building, but this car park has parking meters.

Pollok House, Glasgow

Pollok entrance front
National Trust for Scotland
Pollok House was built on an estate near Glasgow for the 2nd Baronet, Sir John Maxwell, in the 18th century. The architect is unknown. The 10th Baronet commenced alterations, completed in the early 20th century, which added a new entrance hall and two side wings in a matching 18th century style. In 1966 the house, the Stirling Maxwell Collection and 146 hectares (361 acres) of the estate were gifted by the family to the City of Glasgow. In 1998 management of Pollok House was transferred to the National Trust for Scotland.
Inside, the house and its extensions are finished in an 18th century style, with ornate plaster ceilings and much light-coloured walls and white-painted woodwork. The Trust has restored the furniture and contents as far as possible to their appearance in the 1930’s when the 10th Baronet was in residence. The house contains some notable paintings, including an important collection of Spanish art.
Notable rooms include the Library, in the eastern extension, which contains two paintings by El Greco, and the Dining Room.
Upstairs some bedrooms can be seen, while in the basement much of the extensive Basement Corridor laid out in 1900, service rooms and servants’ quarters can be seen.
The house and gardens are well worth a visit. The paintings and other contents are of interest. (The house looks more impressive from the gardens side.) There are walled gardens and an old stable block in the grounds.

The house is in Pollok Country Park. It is accessible by bus, and by train. Pollokshaws West station is 200 yards from the park entrance.
If arriving by car, note that you can drive through the park, though the roads are quite narrow. Visitors to Pollok House may park in the courtyard in front of the house. There is another free car park about 150 yards away on the edge of the Country Park. Parking is also available in the middle of the Park adjacent to the Burrell Collection building, but this car park has parking meters.

Pollok Gardens
Pollok Gardens