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Today you arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow, Scotland's largest urban centre and a popular destination for a short break. Glasgow's fine museums and galleries are complemented by the Mitchell Library, one of the largest public reference libraries in Europe and home of the city archives.
Clyde-built ships plied the seaways between Britain and North America, moving people and goods back and fore. Visit Clydebuilt to get an insight into this vitally important part of Scotland¿s industrial and social heritage. Then head west through Greenock and Gourock into the clan territories in Renfrew and North Ayrshire. On the coast you will arrive at Skelmorlie where the clan chiefs had a stronghold, Skelmorlie Castle. Originally the property of the Cunningham Clan, it was passed to the Clan Montgomery in the 1460's. The views from the castle are said to be some of the finest in Scotland, looking directly to Rothesay, the Isle of Bute and down across the Clyde to the peaks of Arran. There is self catering accommodation available in the castle.
Follow the coast road southwards through Largs and on to Ardrossan where you will catch the ferry for the journey to the beautiful island of Arran. The name means 'peaked island' in Gaelic and you can easily see why! The ferry docks in Brodick and nearby stands Brodick Castle, once in possession of Lord Montgomery prior to the Dukes of Hamilton and, today, in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. The castle gardens are perhaps at their most beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons bloom. Spend the rest of today exploring Arran and stay overnight to enjoy some island hospitality
Returning via Ardrossan, travel to Eglinton Castle just a short distance north of Irvine. This was one of the chief possessions of the Montgomery Clan for two centuries and the site of the lavish Eglinton Tournament in August 1839, a mock medieval tournament that featured the future Emperor Napoleon III of France as one of the combatants! Today all that remains of the castle are some ruins, the building having fallen into disuse and being used for naval gunnery practice in World War Two. A sad ending for such an important building.
Spend the day exploring North Ayrshire. Perhaps you will want to follow in Colin Montgomery's footsteps and enjoy some of Ayrshire's excellent golf courses. Or if you are still in the mood for more castles, a visit to Dundonald Castle, royal residence of the early Stewart Kings, is highly recommended. The commanding views from the castle extend over lands that your ancestors will have known well.
If you have time before you say a fond farewell to Scotland, you'll find it well rewarded by sampling the sights and sounds of Glasgow, home to many galleries, museums and parks.
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