Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

 

Waterfall, Finlaystone Woodlands, Scotland

This afternoon, I visited the woodlands section of Finlaystone Country Estate which is located about 20 miles west of Glasgow on the south bank of the Firth of Clyde.

Key purpose of visit was to view the very extensive banks of snowdrops which were at their peak. However, in addition to the snowdrops I was impressed by the extensive woodland which incorporated a wide range of trees plus a burn (stream) which produced numerous cascading waterfalls. This natural backdrop, coupled with sunshine, provided excellent photographic opportunities with only negative being the sun shining directly from a low angle.

Finlaystone House ( image no 10 below) has a history dating back to the 14th century. Here lives the Chief of Clan MacMillan, latest in a line of six generations of the same family who have occupied the mansion.

There is also a connection with Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet (1759-1796) who benefited from patronage by the Cunninghams, previous occupiers of Finlaystone. During a visit to Finlaystone Burns scratched his name on a window pane.

Overall, this is an excellent site for visitors who wish to connect with nature. Families are encouraged with extensive play areas for children. There is also a Visitor Centre and Cafe.

Finlaystone Burn, Scotland

Fungi, Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

Trees and shadows, Finlaystone Country Park, Scotland

Tree Root, Finlaystone Country Park, Scotland

Snowdrops, Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

Woodlands, Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

Waterfall, Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

Snowdrops, Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

Waterfall, Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

Finlaystone House, Scotland

Finlaystone Burn, Scotland

Pond, Finlaystone Country Estate, Scotland

For an illustration of Finlaystone gardens in early summer refer this blog post. 

 

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