Signed and numbered limited edition. Paper size 240 x 380 mm. Image size 190 x 310 mm
Ailsa Craig is a volcanic plug made of granite at the mouth of the Firth of Clyde on the west coast of Scotland. The name is believed to have originated from the gaelic words meaning ‘Fairy Rock’ and, due to its midway location midway between Glasgow and Belfast, it’s affectionately known as ‘Paddy’s Milestone’.
It’s a great landmark and its very distinctive, pyramid shape can be seen all along the mainland coast from south of Ballantrae to above West Kilbride in the north. It is clearly visible from Dunure where I spent my childhood although this view is from further south. I have lovely memories of it from my time in Dunure and it was quite natural for it to become a great source of inspiration for my paintings.
The island is now a bird sanctuary which is looked after by the RSPB. It is home to 35,000 pairs of breeding gannets and various other seabirds including puffins whose numbers are steadily growing since the eradication of rats. There isn’t much topsoil on Ailsa Craig but it does provide some grass on which the goats and rabbits thrive.
The granite on the island is mined to make curling stones and these are known as ‘Ailsas’. It is over 1,100 feet (338 metres) tall and has been uninhabited from when the last lighthouse keeper left the island in 1990 and it became automated. The only buildings on the island are a tower house which is in ruins, the old quarry manager’s house which is used by the RSPB and the lighthouse facing the Scottish mainland on the east coast.
Ailsa Craig is currently owned by the 9th Marquess of Ailsa, Lord David Kennedy who put it up for sale in 2011 for around £1,500,000. At the time of writing it remains unsold.
As with Arran, I’ve painted Ailsa Craig a few times but, with its ever changing shape seen as you drive south, there are many more views to paint.
