Memories of the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse have been shared ahead of its 151st anniversary this month..
To commemorate this historic milestone, Trump Turnberry has invited the Ayrshire community and anyone who has enjoyed the presence of the Turnberry Lighthouse to contribute their cherished memories and stories about the lighthouse, which has been an integral part of the rich history of the region.
The foundations of the lighthouse are set in what was once the moat of Turnberry Castle, believed to be the birthplace of Robert the Bruce in 1274.
The Turnberry Lighthouse first cast its guiding light across the waters on August 30, 1878, flashing every 12 seconds. It was automated in 1986, in line with all UK lighthouses.
Since the summer of 2016, the Turnberry Lighthouse has also been home to what is now considered the best halfway house in the world.
A selection of the anecdotes, photos and personal reflections received will help create a vibrant tapestry of the lighthouse and Scotland’s history to share with the world.
Stories already received include Alison Sutherland, from Ballochmyle, who said: "Turnberry hotel holds a very special place in my heart as I grew up in Girvan and used to pass Turnberry every day on the school bus on the way to and from secondary school in Maybole.
"As a family, we regularly enjoyed walks along Turnberry beach and past the lighthouse on the weekends. I always looked up at the magnificent hotel and the grandeur of the lighthouse in awe.
"Fast forward 25 years, and my dream of staying there came true! My husband and I were married at Turnberry Hotel on July 6, 2018. It was the best day of our lives. We have amazing memories and magical pictures taken at the iconic lighthouse."
Frank Gormanley from Irvine said: “I proposed to Claire, my wife at the lighthouse on Christmas Eve in 2010. Believe it or not, it was snowing.
"When we got married at Turnberry, we made a conscious effort to get pictures at the lighthouse - what an iconic setting and structure. It’s obviously in much better condition now with the full refurb.
"We return to Turnberry at least once per year to celebrate our anniversary and the lighthouse stroll from the hotel and across the beach is always a must.
"It’s a spectacular place and space. How lucky we are to have it on our coastal landscape here in Ayrshire."
Stories will be featured in a special commemorative book which has been commissioned to mark the anniversary. This will be placed in Turnberry Lighthouse for all visitors to enjoy.
Stories can be submitted until August 30 to tby_marketing@trumpturnberry.com.
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