Perpetual Ailsa Craig
A volcanic island half a billion years old, Ailsa Craig has borne witness to countless events throughout history and prehistory from its station in the Firth of Clyde. Once a haven for Roman Catholics during the 15th century Scottish Reformation, the island was quarried for its rare stone in the 19th and 20th centuries. Long ago disused and utterly uninhabited, Ailsa Craig still stands eleven miles out to sea, presiding over the links at Turnberry, another of its mysteries.
THE ICONIC TURNBERRY LIGHTHOUSE
Standing at 24 metres high, with 76 steps to the top, the Turnberry Lighthouse has marked this coastline since 1873. Rising from the mists to greet ships for over a hundred years, this quintessential icon is one of Turnberry's most powerful charms.
Originally commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board to warn passing vessels away from nearby Bristo Rock, the lighthouse is the oldest man-made structure on the Turnberry premises-with the exception of the remains of the 13th-century castle of Robert the Bruce that it marks.The initial plan to erect the lighthouse on the Rock itself proved too dangerous so instead Turnberry Point was chosen. The foundations of the lighthouse stand in what was the moat of Turnberry Castle, thought to be the birthplace of Robert the Bruce in 1274.
The first light beamed across the waters on 30 August 1878, showing one flash every 12 seconds and, in line with all UK lighthouse’s, was automated in 1986.
The Turnberry Lighthouse today
Since Summer 2016 the Turnberry Lightouse is also home of what is already classed as the best halfway house of the world and a luxurious two bedroom suite. Elegant in its décor and grand in its aura, it offers breathtaking views across the Irish sea to the Isle of Arran and beyond.With two bedrooms, each with its own private balcony, the rooms are tastefully decorated in rich mahogany, gold leaf and complemented by indigenous fabrics and furnishings. The Turnberry Lighthouse Suite also features a private sitting room with a dining table and a games table.
For additional information and to reserve your lighthouse suite experience please email [email protected] or call below number.
- within the UK 01655.333.991
- outside the UK +44.1655.333.991