The name Kirkcolm applies to both a village and its
surrounding area, in the north of the Rhinns Of Galloway. The name probably derives from the local
church (kirk) which has St Columba's Well in its churchyard, although it was
once known by the more English-sounding name of Stewarton. Nearby Wig Bay
has a sandbank called The Scar which is home to a large colony of nesting
migrant terns in the summer, as well as attracting eider ducks and
oystercatchers. During the war the bay
was home to RAF Wig Bay,
and a slipway can be seen which is a reminder of the fact that flying boats and
seaplanes operated from here during both world wars. A minor road heading north-east from the
village of Kirkcolm leads to Corsewall Point with its lighthouse, one of many
built by Robert Stevenson. The views
from the Point are spectacular, taking in Ailsa Craig and Ireland, which
is relatively close to this part of the coast.
If, like me, you enjoy large ships going backwards and forwards, it is
also a great vantage point for watching the ferries departing from and arriving
at nearby Cairnryan. To the north of Kirkcolm is Clachan Heughs where
the woodland contains trees which were laid out in the exact formation of Sir
John Moore's troops at the Battle of Corunna in 1809. The polar explorer Sir John Ross (see the
Stranraer post) was born in Kirkcolm.
Map of the area.
 | |
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment