Crossing the Clyde from Dunoon to the Ayrshire coast on the 31ST July, staying the night at Lord Semphill’s Southannan Castle. A height of luxury castle, complete with straight to moat loos and stunning loch views, near Fairlie. Closely followed by her visit to Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton at the Earl’s castle. Where it looks like the pair had a cosy dinner for two….and the lords and gentlemen of the district accompanied the Queen.
Having continued on their tour, passing through the Town of Irvine and following the coast to Ayr. The Provost, and Magistrates of the Royal Burgh of Ayr greeted the Queen and her entourage as they passed over the Auld Brig and entered the town, before the Queen was welcomed by Sir Matthew Campbell of Loudoun, Ayr’s golden boy and Sheriff. We can’t help but wonder how our lowly Loudoun Hall compares to the castles and palaces the Queen is used to. When told of the history of the building, the Queen learned of its original owner, a well-known trader with France, the queen exclaimed: