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Crossing the River Irvine on Stilts!

by Roger Griffith 5 January, 2012

Wilson's 1875 book on 'The Ayrshire Hermit and Hurlford' records that Thomas Raeburn (The Hermit) used to cross over the River Irvine on stilts from his home at Holmhead to work as a gardener at Shawhill House.

A farmer, James Adam, did the same in the 19th century because he owned land on both sides of the Irvine and no bridges existed, only stepping stones near Shawhill Farm and Skerrington Mains. Stilt walking across the river and back even featured once as an event at the old Barleith May Day games.

Does anyone recall anything about this unusual activity?


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