Shaw Monument

[cessna152towser]

This somewhat phallic looking tower constructed of mortared rubble stone with a three arch crown is now surrounded by modern industrial units at Shawfarm Industrial Estate, Prestwick, just a few yards outside Prestwick Airport's perimeter fence. It was constructed some time prior to 1775, on behalf of the Laird of Shaw. The tower had an internal staircase and it is believed that the Laird used it as an observation post, as he was a keen falconer. It has remained untouched by progressive development of the airport, warehouses and industrial estate as it is a Grade B listed structure. Unfortunately, the internal staircase is now in a dangerous condition so there is no public access.

During my visit to Prestwick on Sunday I also turned the camera in the opposite direction to photograph this Polar Air Cargo Boeing 747. The use of zoom has made the Goat Fell mountain range on the Island of Arran in the background appear remarkably close but the mountains are actually about ten miles away across the water.