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Finlaystone
Country Estate is managed
by the family of the Chief of the Clan
MacMillan.
It offers spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde
play areas, woodland walks, picnic areas,
gardens,
waterfalls, tearoom, shop, visitor centre
and a range of recreational activities.
When the trees have taken on their autumn tints, there’s nowhere better to kick through the fallen leaves than at Finlaystone House near Langbank.
This country estate, which is perched high above the River Clyde, offers 250 acres of woodlands and formal gardens to explore.
The paths that lead through the trees lead to many different play areas, with a fort, a train and a pirate ship to clamber over, while
swings and ziplines provide more opportunities for young visitors to have fun.
Finlaystone is open all year round, with carpets of snowdrops in winter and bluebells as far as the eye can see in spring, but in autumn in
particular, when there are conkers and acorns to collect, it offers a great opportunity to get all of the family outdoors.
Near the top of the estate is a large pond where overwintering birds join the resident population of ducks and swans and from here a burn
tumbles down the hillside on its way to the Clyde.
More than 50 different species of birds have been recorded at Finlaystone, along with squirrels and bats.
The formal garden itself covers10 acres and includes a bog garden with irises and Candelabra primulas in May, a ‘Smelly garden’ of scented
plants, a clipped knot garden, deep borders filled with flowers and an abundance of trees. There are views northwards across the clyde and
on clear days the summit of Ben Lomond stands out on the horizon.
Part of the garden has been designed for winter interest while a Katsura tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum is performing its seasonal trick of
producing a' candyfloss scent while its heart-shaped leaves turn from green to red and yellow.
Other trees have stood on the estate for more than 400 years and have witnessed many visitors, including novelist R B Cunninghame
Graham, Iohn Knox and Robert Burns.
The house itself, which today hosts wedding parties, is the seat of the chief of the Clan MacMillan and the clan archives are open by arrangement.
The cafe in the walled garden is open from Thursday to Sunday and at other times hot drinks are available from the visitor centre,
where there is information about the estate and about the Clan MacMillan.
A new doggy play park has recently opened, with ramps and tyres to keep well-behaved pets amused and during the summer months the estate
rangers hold wild camping nights so that families can spend the night beneath the stars. Volunteers are also
encouraged and in return for work in the garden or estate, they get to enjoy exercise, fresh air and the company of others.
Finlaystone is also open to the Ark on the Clyde, with animals of all kinds to encounter and, later this month, a Halloween pumpkin party.
DETAILS
The estate and gardens are open daily 10 am - 4pm.
Tickets: £6/ £4 with a range of memberships available for regular visitors.
Additional charges apply for the Ark on the Clyde
Tel: 01475 540 505
www.finlaystone.co.uk
Finlaystone Country Estate sits off the A8, one mile west of Langbank.
