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| Lauriston Castle |
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Lauriston Castle is situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh only three miles from the centre but a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The major part of Lauriston Castle as we know it today was built for Thomas Allan and designed by the architect William Burn around 1825 – 1827. It is of considerable architectural interest and incorporates many different styles for example the Jacobean Revivalist style of the chimney stacks, the mullioned bay windows of the main façade and the crow stepped gables which are a typical feature of early Scottish architecture. In the 1840's some changes were made by the eminent Edinburgh architect William Henry Playfair. Many notable Scots have lived here including Alexander Napier, father of John Napier, famous for his explanation of logarithims. Others such as John Law who rose to high office in the French Court in the 1720s and Thomas Allan the banker and mineralogist. It was the last residents of Lauriston castle, however, who bequeathed it to the nation and left such a priceless treasure for everyone to enjoy. Mr and Mrs Reid lived there from 1902 to 1926 and in that time accumulated a priceless collection of paintings, tapestries , textiles, porcelain, Blue John and furniture. Their Persian rug collection has been extensively researched and admired. The interior of the house is preserved as it was at the time and is a remarkable example of how the Edwardian, wealthy middle class lived at that time. We will not have time to explore the interior of the house but that pleasure can be left for the future should you choose to return. Instead we will wander round the lovely gardens of Lauriston and enjoy the peace and tranquility.Each year Lauriston Castle hosts a programme of events open to the public as wide-ranging as Bonkei workshops and childrens gala days. In a quiet corner, as we enter the grounds, is a memorial garden dedicated to men of First Battalion The Royal Scots Regiment who fell in the Burma Campaign 1943 – 1945.
The Edinburgh - Kyoto Friendship Garden is a delightful part of the tour and was designed by London based designer Takashi Sawano in 2002. Its contemporary design reflects the growing friendship between the two cities. Passing along the front of the castle provides us with a wonderful panorama over the river Forth to the Fife coastline and the Ochils beyond…a perfect setting for The Edinburgh Croquet Club who play here in the summer months. Our tour of the gardens is completed when we reach The Italian Garden surrounded by magnificent specimens of Monkey Puzzle trees (Arucaria arucana ) and Cedars and we make our way next to the historic Village of Cramond , a few minutes drive away. |
The original part of the castle dates from the 1590's when it was built as a tower house.There are other similar buildings in Edinburgh but Lauriston is considered a particularly fine example.
In front of the castle itself is a beautiful pond surrounded by many beautiful and exotic plants and herons and other wildlife are often seen on its banks. In the Spring rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells provide a carpet of colour and perfume but at all times of year the woodland provides a stunning display.
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