Ardgowan House, Greenock, Scotland

Today finds us back on the shores of Scotland in Greenock.  We had a fascinating tour of beautiful Ardgowan House, seat of Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart, 12th Baronet of Greenock and Blackhall, who gave us a very impressive tour and talk about his ancestral home.  Such a personable young man, very down to earth (he insisted we call him Ludo), and a very interesting person to listen to!   He is only in his early 30's now, and inherited the house at the tender age of 17 upon the death of his father.  He has come up with several imaginative ways to help keep the roof on and the heating bills paid!

At the end of the tour, we were greeted by a piper in full regalia, who gave us a workshop on the bagpipe -- very interesting and hilarious!  I'm sure it will come as no big surprise that the inimitable Mr. W was the star student!  The rest of the group all sounded like a herd of ailing sheep!

Top to bottom, left to right:  An interior view of the grand staircase, the exterior of Ardgowan House, Ludo giving a talk in the sitting room, our bagpipe teacher, the star student, and a romantic ruined chapel in the grounds.