Famous castle sundial to be given major makeover
The famous walled garden at Brodick Castle is to undergo a major makeover.
The sundial, which has been the focal point of the garden for more than a century, is to be remodelled along with the gardens surrounding it. The walls surrounding the garden are also being repaired.
The National Trust for Scotland, which owns the property, has applied for planning permission to resurface around the existing sundial area, including amendments to landscaping which involves the removal of the bedding plants and a new corridor of mixed foliage.
The A-listed sundial has stood as the focal point in the centre of the famed garden for more than 100 years. It was erected in 1908 as a gift to Lady Mary Louise Douglas-Hamilton, the only daughter of the 12th Duke of Hamilton, who married James Graham, 6th Duke of Montrose, and moved into the castle in 1906. The rose garden was also sunk around this time.
The plan would see the ‘tired’ crazy paving around the sundial being lifted and replaced with new red sandstone cut to sizes in a radial pattern. A new gravel border would be formed around the perimeter of the paving.
To the higher sloping ground side of the sundial area, new random stone walling is to be constructed with a stone seat to match the paving. Existing soft landscaping borders would be reshaped around the central area.
In a supporting statement, the castle bosses have told planners: ‘The proposed work to replace the existing paving around the sundial should greatly improve the “feel” of the space. The
existing sundial will continue to provide the centrepiece for the walled garden and be greatly complemented by the use of British red sandstone for the paving that will closely match the original walls.
‘Red sandstone as a material is of major importance to the property at Brodick Castle.
‘The current “crazy paving” is very tired. By replacing it, the space will become more inviting for visitors to use, and dwell time will be increased in the walled garden.
‘Access will also be improved with the space being easier to use for visitors with mobility issues. By building seating into the design, the area should also become more functional while becoming much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.’
The sundial has a famous inscription at its base, which would be retained. It reads: ‘The kiss of the sun for pardon; The song of the birds for mirth; You are nearer God’s heart in a garden; Than anywhere else on earth.’
Operations manager at Brodick Castle Jared Bowers told the Banner: ‘The projected start date for the redevelopment of the sundial is mid-February with an April finish.
‘This work is part of the larger gardens project happening at the castle at the moment, which will see other exciting changes and improvements to the walled garden and grounds.
‘The newly designed space at the sundial will widen the current area and have new planting and seating features.’
The application is currently under consideration by North Ayrshire Council planning officials.