| About
The Blue Peter Hotel
CAMRA......SCOTTISH
PUB OF THE YEAR 2007
|
Ian & Ruth Murray took over the Blue Peter Hotel in June,
2005. Although the most recent owners of the hotel, they are
by no means the first as the hotel dates back to the 1800's.
The deeds and documents relating to the hotel and all of its
previous occupants make for a fascinating read, offering a
glimpse into the past. The same family, it appears, occupied
the hotel for nearly 150 years over four or five generations.
Their stay was not without incident however, and it appears
some kind of family tragedy ended their occupation. Thereafter
various owners have come and gone, each adding to the records
and history of the Blue Peter Hotel. In February of 2007 Ian
& Ruth were awarded the
Ayrshire & Galloway
C.A.M.R.A. Pub of the Year 2006. If it's real ale y'want, y'ken
where tae go!
|
Set
as close to Loch Ryan as it is, the hotel has had a long association
with the sea and seafarers, and it is not surprising to discern
a nautical theme within the hotel's decor and fittings. One
can almost feel the presence of the old seadogs within the
bar and lounge, spinning tales of far distant shores, mountainous
waves, or perhaps vast shoals of mackerels or herrings hauled
into port. Doubtless the hotel in its past saw more than a
few smugglers pass through its doors, given the area's proximity
to secluded bays and coves on both sides of the Rhins, and
the locals' inherent reluctance to pay import duty! |
|
|
Further
back in time, Kirkcolm hosted the Kilmorie Cross, carved sometime
during the 10th century. Well worth a look at, it originally
stood close to St Mary's Chapel south of Kirkcolm but was
moved to the grounds of Corsewall House in the last century.
The cross was re-erected in the Kirkcolm churchyard in 1989.
The design on the cross combines Christian and pagan Scandinavian
images, reflecting Galloway's connections with its Viking
and Celtic past. One face of the stone has an elaborately
carved cross above a design of intertwined animal bodies.
The snakelike heads of some of the animals can still be seen.
On the reverse-side is a representation of the crucifixion.
Below this is a blacksmith holding his hammer and tongs. Two
eagles flank him at his side. (Galwegians were known to have
their children baptised as Christians and then visit the local
blacksmith to have their infant 'charmed over the anvil' -
a practice which was still outraging the moral watchdogs well
into the 18th century!) |
All
the Bedrooms at the Blue Peter Hotel are en-suite with tea
& coffee facilities and T.V. in all rooms. There is also
a Public Bar where you can enjoy a game of pool (free on Sundays)
or darts, and a Lounge Bar with a good range of Malt whiskys
for the discerning palate. Meals are served Friday evenings,
Saturday lunch and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch. Evening
meals can be had every night for guests. |
|
CAMRA......SCOTTISH PUB OF THE YEAR 2007 |
