Doors Open Day

After church we took ourselves off to explore more Doors Opening.

First: Gracemount House, otherwise known as The Mansion is in urgent need of some TLC, which the Gracemount Mansion Development Trust are currently raising funds to begin. Built in ca 1780 as the Rectory to St Catherines Chapel, not far from the Balm Well was gifted to the community after the death of Charles Green in 1920. Used a Youth Centre until 2018 it has suffered vandalism, leaks and internal damage but it is hoped to bring it back to use with restoration. We look forward to reports of progress.
The stables are ruined but the walled garden is in use as a community garden with veg plots, soft fruit and fruit trees; also, lurking in the undergrowth, stone snake, hippopotamus and crocodile remain from the youthful occupation. Mature trees include monkey puzzle, cedar, oak and a Jeffrey Pine, one of only two in Scotland ( not a familiar variety to me) among others.

Second: Bridgend Farmhouse, often passed, observed and now visited. Our volunteer guide took us through the various workshop areas, where we sampled delicious vegan cakes, then into the house, which has been renovated since the original farming family left and now hold the café and information centre. One of our small party was local and knew much of the history of the farm, which was a piggery. (Extra 1, taken in the Bothy Play Space).

Third: The Arts and Crafts Church of the Good Shepherd in Murrayfield, Architect Robert Lorimer's first major commission, dedicated in 1899, the organ by Brindley &  Foster Ltd  was restored in 2019. Many carvings in stone and wood depict animals and birds reminded us of the work of Sara Losh. I admired the stained glass but in particular the detail of the  Heather and Douglas Kilgour Memorial, The Good Shepherd, by Marianna Danskin in 1992, with quotes from Psalm 23, (possibly: 'He shall feed me in a green pasture', 'and bring me forth besides the waters of comfort'). The window was donated in memory of a man who died in the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster. (Extra 2).

By now the time was passing, most Open Doors would be Closing so as rain began and wind picked up to gale force we headed home.