Completely demolished, or perhaps one should say, barbarously savaged some 60 years ago, Wishaw House is there no more. You can see the traces of the mansion, though. As we were approaching our destination we were shown the remains of a dove court or the bureau of a former coal mine. And by remains I mean few moss-covered stones. And then a heartbreaking sight emerged: the place where Wishaw House was once located was now a touching area covered with the woods and other plants. The ruins of the Belhavens' once spectacular residence have now been covered with moss, symbolically illustrating the power of nature that has taken over the area in the past six decades. To think the place where our Great Romantic stayed 171 years ago could so easily fall into oblivion.
The walk culminated in a campfire with hot coffee and marshmallows served. Catherine Stihler, a former member of the European Parliament, who also participated in the walk altogether with her family, invited us afterwards for dinner at a local golf club. Our hosts were interested in our concern about Chopin's visit to faraway Scotland, which we discussed with great pleasure over the meal.
Thank you, Wishaw. Thank you, Graham Butt and John Smillie. Thank you, Campfire History. We will be back!
| wishaw-press.jpg (Rozmiar: 3925827 bajtów) An article in Wishaw Press |
