Forty members of the Strathclyde Group of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) recently spent a weekend in Arran to study the buildings and the associated development of the Island villages.
The planning process was greatly helped by the Arran Civic Trust, who offered invaluable help, both in identifying, and in giving information on, particular buildings worth examining.
The visits and understanding were greatly enhanced by three presentations to the members by local Arran people; the first by John Inglis, showing how Arran had been portrayed by the artist community over the years; the second by Stuart Gough, who used postcards from his massive collection to show how the villages and their housing had been altered; and the third by Chrissie White, who explored the ways in which housing had developed in Arran from the eighteenth century.
Guy Pettigrew of AHSS said: ‘Churches have always been a key part of Arran life, and we are extremely grateful to Ann Pringle and Robert Smith, who allowed us to see Corrie and Shiskine churches respectively, supplying lots of local detail in the process. These churches are all the more interesting as they are two very contrasting designs by Sir J J Burnet.
‘Ian Davidson and Richard Haig took time to explain the fascinating restoration of Lamlash Church with its wonderful stained glass; a really rewarding story of perseverance over many years. We were all intrigued by the minister’s dry closet. We must also mention those individuals who gave generously of their time and knowledge whilst allowing access to their property:
‘Geoffrey Botterill at the iconic Kilmichael; Mhairi Smeirs at the Burnside Gallery; Mr and Mrs Gibbs at the amazing Dougarie Lodge with its many idiosyncratic features; Ravi Sillars and Dorothy Erskine in Hamilton Terrace, (Burnet again); Bill and Bob Lees and their wives, whose clever church conversion in Corrie shows how modern and traditional architecture can live in harmony; and last but certainly not least Jan and John Inglis, who rewarded the climb to see the clachan at High Corrie with pancakes and wine.
‘We all had a memorable weekend, and we hope that we can come again to see the hidden gems we missed this time.’
