Ardrossan Sundial

[Hughie]

This composite sundial in the Castlecraigs grounds is said to have originated from Robert Weir's Kirkhall estate in Ardrossan. I first came across it here, but can't recall ever seeing it before. I'm sure I'd have seen it if it was there in the 1960s. Thought there'd be a plaque beside it. Does anyone have any further information on this.

[georgersweir]

This composite sundial in the Castlecraigs grounds is said to have originated from Robert Weir's Kirkhall estate in Ardrossan. I first came across it here, but can't recall ever seeing it before. I'm sure I'd have seen it if it was there in the 1960s. Thought there'd be a plaque beside it. Does anyone have any further information on this.

According to Scotlandsplaces, the sundial, which they refer to as the Weir sundial, is now in the sunken garden on Ardrossan Promenade and was originally at Kirkhall Farmhouse. Does anyone have any recent photos that show the sundial in its current location?

[George Ardrossan]

George

The current location of the sundial is the grounds of the Civic Centre as shown in Hughie's photos. I have a vague recollection of it being in the Sunken Garden, perhaps where the HMS Dasher Memorial is now. I also think that it was sited on the top of the Cannon Hill at some stage. Perhaps others can remember better.

George

[sweet caroline]

My Father in Law was caretaker in the 70's and i don't remember seeing it.Was that area not a garden at that time.

Ellen

[georgersweir]

George

The current location of the sundial is the grounds of the Civic Centre as shown in Hughie's photos...

Thanks George, it's often difficult to establish timelines from Web-based information. Certainly, it seems likely that the sundial would be moved from the sunken gardens when the Dasher Memorial was established. Now that I am aware of its significance, I will look out for the sundial next time I am in the area.

[down south]

That looks very like the sundial in my 1960s postcard of the Sunken Gardens, everybody :



Susan

[georgersweir]

That looks very like the sundial in my 1960s postcard of the Sunken Gardens,,,

Thanks Susan, seems like the sundial to me. I wonder if it was moved to Castlecraigs when the Sunken Gardens were re-jigged as the Dasher memorial.

[George Ardrossan]

Thanks for the Sunken Gardens photo, Susan.

If George is right about the HMS Dasher Memorial replacing the sundial, then the change must have happened before 27 March 1993 when the Memorial was unveiled exactly fifty years after the tragedy. Incidentally, a remembrance service for the HMS Dasher crew will be held in Ardrossan Cemetery on Remembrance Day, Thursday 11 November at 3.00 pm.


George

[georgersweir]

Took a detour on the way home tonight and visited Castlecraigs to see the sundial. Its quite impressive and has fine carved features in the stone work. There are also several metal pins at various places, suggesting that some parts may have been removed at some stage. Curiously, although a small paved pathway has been constructed to give easy access to the sundial, no information is provided to indicate its provenance, age or historical significance.

[morag]

It's hard to put a name to, it's neither (to me)celtic nor pictish completely in design, and a bit odd for a sundial.

[georgersweir]

Here are two more detailed photos (from Wikipedia):

[georgersweir]

This account of Scottish sundials (from Wikipedia) gives an interesting perspective on the artistic styles:

Scottish sundials of the renaissance period are not just more numerous than in any other country, they are also stylistically unique. This is particularly notable when the size and wealth of Scotland at the time are taken into account. They are free standing stone sculptures of the 17th and 18th centuries with many small dials inscribed on them. Accurate timetelling is clearly not the aim. Precision is sacrificed for decorative effective. Unlike the sundials of similar date on the continent where baroque decoration may be added, the mathematical complexity of the Scottish dials is decoration enough. The ancient sundials of Scotland can be grouped into three main styles: lectern, obelisk and facet-head.

If I understand correctly, the Ardrossan sundial is an obelisk dial.