View of entrance gates at Blair Lodge, Ascog, Rothesay, Bute, from SE

Description View of entrance gates at Blair Lodge, Ascog, Rothesay, Bute, from SE

Date 9/6/2011

Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu

Catalogue Number DP 102476

Category On-line Digital Images

Scope and Content Ascog was a fairly dispersed, largely linear settlement until the mid- to late 19th century boom in building to meet the needs of the tourist trade saw Rothesay expanding to the extremities of Port Bannatyne in the north and Ascog in the south. This area became popular with wealthy Glasgow industrialists and merchants looking to set up a home from home on the island. As a result many of the dwellings here are large detached villas set in extensive grounds. Dating from the early to mid-19th century, Blair Lodge sits in a large plot overlooking Ascog Bay. This whitewashed turreted arched entrance gate with adjoining gate lodge was built as a grand entrance to the grounds c.1870. 'Railway Convalescent Home' has been carved above the archway. The gateway is grandly decorated with carved thistles, various designs of mouldings and corbelled turrets. The flanking walls curve to meet the boundary walls. Probably built for one of Rothesay's wealthier residents or visitors, Blair Lodge itself is a large asymmetrical mansion, which has undoubtedly been added to during its history. The building became one of a few 'Railway Convalescent Homes' across the UK, the earliest of which was erected in Kent in 1898. These homes were established to provide care for retired 'railwaymen', and operated as such during the first half of the 20th century. A two-storeyed house has been built in the grounds during the early 21st century.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/1241441

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap