Jolly Beggars and Rangers - it's History
10 January
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The site of the 1832 Cholera Pit near Spier's
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Broadstone Hall Farm - the site of the old castle of the Montgomery Clan
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The Baney Hole near Broadstone - possibly an old coal pit
The NAC Garnock Valley Ranger has delivered a talk on the local history of Beith and District to a large group of Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club cronies.
The theme was castles, cholera pits, lochs, and druids. The old castles of Hill of Beith, Broadstone, Hessilhead, and Giffen were mentioned, the cholera pits at Spier's, Barrmill, Monkcastle and Cleeve Cove were discussed, as well as Loch Brand and the archaeology of the Cuff Hill area, including the Druid's Graves.
Vague links with Robert Burns were duly exploited, including the flax mill at Davie's o'the Mill and Rabbie's Well Wood near Swindridgemuir.
The Jolly Beggars are renowned for their generous hospitality; the evening finished with a mutually informative 'question and answer' session.
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