Things to do around Moniaive
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As well as golf and fishing, the unspoilt countryside around Moniaive is perfect for outdoor pursuits such as hill walking, cycling and canoeing. The area has a rich history, with stately homes and castles open to the public. Moniaive also played a key role in the Covenanter's struggles. There are also art and craft shops and studios. |  |
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Maxwelton House |
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| Glencairn Castle (now Maxwelton House) dates back to
1370. Annie Laurie was born here in 1682. The house and estate was
restored by the Stenhouse family in 1972. As well as the house there
is a museum with guided tour, chapel, tearoom, garden and gift shop.
Open: 25th May to 30th September: 11am-5pm all week (Closed Saturday) Admission: Adult: £4.00, Child: £2.00, Concs: £3.00 |
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Drumlanrig Castle |
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 In the grounds of the castle is an adventure playground. The river Nith flows through the estate and is open for fishing. The stables in the castle's courtyard have been converted into art and craft studios, where you can watch potters and other artisans at work and buy their creations. |
This mansion was built in the 17th century on the remains
of a medieval fortress dating back to the 1300's. The fortress was
besieged and sacked by the English in 1575. Local pink sandstone was
used in the construction of the mansion, which is built around a central
square courtyard, with a circular tower in each corner. Drumlanrig Castle sits on the Queensberry Estate, owned by the Duke of Buccleugh. These estates are where we get much of the lamb, beef and game for our kitchens. Around the castle are beautifully maintained gardens containing peacocks, and woodland which is criss-crossed with paths for visitors to explore. This castle is open to the public daily from May to August. |
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Art and crafts |
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There's plenty to interest the artistically oriented mind in Moniaive. The Green Tea House exhibits and sells art, crafts, clothes and gifts. It also has a completely organic café - the only one of its kind in Scotland - selling soups, cakes, bread and cheeses. Across the street from the Green Tea House is the James Paterson Museum (left), which is dedicated to the life and work of the artist James Paterson, one of the founder members of the Glasgow Boys movement, who settled in Moniaive in 1884. | |
| Across the street from the Craigdarroch Arms is the
Doggsbone Studio, a working studio/gallery where visitors can browse
work from artisans such as Sam Vado, and watch the resident artist,
Charlie Grams, at work. Charlie not only works with digital images
but is an Artist/Maker/Print Maker who also works in a traditional
fashion with any medium. The Studio can also offer other artists the
chance to do work in the Studio which can be printed off as required.
Please also see: www.samvado.com www.doggsbone.co.uk |
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James Renwick - the Last Covenanter |
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| The Covenanters endured nearly a hundred years of persecution in
the 17th and 18th centuries for their refusal to desert the Presbyterian
religion. Many fled to Ireland and the Americas to escape the oppression.
Their stand for Presbyterianism and religious freedom had profound
effects on the political makeup of Scotland and England, leading to
the union of the Scottish and English thrones in 1603 and eventually
the Protestant William of Orange's accession to the throne in 1690
and the political Act of Union between Scotland and England in 1707. For more information about the Covenanters, please click here. Moniaive has a special place in the history of the Covenanters. In 1662, Moniaive was the birthplace of James Renwick, the man who was to go on to become the last covenanter to be executed for his beliefs. He was only 23 when his life was ended on an Edinburgh scaffold. Just outside Moniaive, near the place where he was born, now stands the Renwick Monument (above right), dedicated to the memory of him and the other Covenanters. |
 An inscription on the monument reads: "In memory of the late Reverend James Renwick, the last who suffered to death for attachment to the Covenanted Cause of Christ in Scotland — born near this spot, 15th February 1662, and executed at the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, 17th February 1688." |
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