Well at least I'd like to think so

The urge to create, be spontaneous. A chance for uninhibited 'non corrective' and self indulgent play. At school there is always someone looking over your shoulder, but here the materials are free, the canvas is enormous and you don't need a rubber!

According to the HistoryHouse the words Sand Castle, came into use in print in the 19th century and a book entitled 'Conversation of a father and his Children' has the illustration below and was published in 1838.
Sand castle building competitions began at seaside resorts by the end of the century. In 1900, one competition created controversy in Rhyl, North Wales. The company of Bovril sponsored a sand castle building completion, and their name had to be used on the castle. A few days later a whisky company sponsored a similar competition, again their name had to be included which did not go down well with the temperance movement! 

So the pastime has been around for many holidays. Countless children, helped, or not, by countless parents, some enthusiastically instigating projects on a scale worthy of planning permission (see above). Tides will ebb and tides will flow. Desires to hold back the sea will be dashed, and creations on beaches across the world will be wiped clean, a fresh slate for the uninhibited artist of tomorrow.

Did you know that Brodick Castle and Country Park is unique in being the only island country park in Britain?

Standing majestically in the foreground of Arran's highest mountain Goatfell, and with commanding views across Brodick Bay over to the Ayrshire mainland, the property oozes heritage and style in line with it's 800 year origins.

A great family day out. For rainy days or sunny days. Landscaped gardens, waterfalls, woodland trails and wildlife ponds are all to be found within the castle grounds. Inside are all the usual - and unusual! - artefacts associated with castle treasures and the family's history.

And you can even get married there! Wedding details.

We all know the benefits of joining the National Trust, but it may be surprising to hear that if you join the Scottish National Trust you will receive all the benefits of membership, including access to all UK locations, while saving a substantial amount on your annual fee.

As a comparison at the time of writing, a family membership (2 adults and 4 children) would cost you £98* per year on the UK site, however the same membership on NTS is a huge £31 cheaper at only £67!

We joined the NT at Brodick Castle as a family back in 1998 and for many years, as the children grew up, we enjoyed access to superb locations all across the UK. I recall the only reduction to the membership was the lack of a hand book, but with internet and a little planning the saving should buy you coffee and cakes all round!

*NB there is a discount if paid via DD for the first year but this does not continue for subsequent renewals.

Walk on Blackwaterfoot beach and each time something will be different.

The light.

Intense and low; above Kintyre, amongst Kintyre, long shadow, no shadow?

The sea.

In, out, crashing, loud, alive and joyful, or still as stillness itself?

The sand.

Rippled, smooth, wet, dry; foot-printed, bird-printed, hoof-printed; sand-castled and dappled with coloured seaweed . . or . . not?

The sky.

Azure blue, burnt orange; rain-bowed and clouded, dark as night, fresh as day?

You cannot be bored on the beach.

GH.