The ‘Dutch Village’ at Craigtoun Park, St Andrews.

Pat prepared a picnic and we then headed of to Craigtoun Park to indulge in some walking and to enjoys the facilities of this beautiful planned landscape. 

The estate  was purchased in 1901 by James Younger of the Younger brewing dynasty. James commissioned Paul Waterhouse to design a new Mansionhouse and to landscape the park.

The Dutch Village is shown in the entry and is undergoing a major restoration which will restore this feature to its former glory. The system of man made lakes has been partially to allow access to the structure.

The second photo shows the Mansionhouse which was damaged by fire. It has been agreed that the Mansionhouse should be restored and converted to some form of fractional ownership.

The form has still to be determined. All previous forms have been the subject of intense debate and objection. It was ever thus in St Andrews!

The other extras show the crane and pier used for launching model boats and the final picture shows the rose garden which is part of the Italian Garden.

I am old enough to remember the glory of the Dutch Village. Also nearly sixty years ago I was one of the drivers of the miniature railway.