Whisky Rock

[Arlen]

I mentioned this in my spring photopost, but now that I have some pictures I'm thinking it deserves it's own thread.

Tou the south of Glasgow in East Renfrewshire there is a large, beautiful park called Rouken Glen park.
It has a great history and rosegardens as well as mountain bike trails.
For many, many years couples have gone courting there and families have had their picnics there.

In one part of the park, overhanging the river, is a jutting slab of sandstone looking almost like a tombstone.
This is Whisky rock.

Back when the old mill was run in Rouken Glen the older workers would take those who had just finished their apprenticeship to the rock, get tanked on Whisky and have them carve their name or initials into the rock.

These days it's mostly forgotten about, but a few years ago I stumbled across it and decided to find out the history.
Now, every year, I make a point of going oth there to clean off the moss and make sure it's in a good condition.

Here are some pictures from today's visit.


This is it viewed from above. (Unfortunately someone has seen fit to spraypaint it. I've bought some non-abrasive cleaners to go down and clean it all off tomorrow.)


These are just some of the names and initials carved on it.

J.B.M





A. Ferguson





James Ritchie





A.D. (My initials, funnily enough.)




And here's me kilted and posing on the rock, to give you an idea of it's size.






Tomorrow I'll clean the rock off and take some more pictures to add to this thread.

[Gaisgeil]

Good of you to elect yourself caretaker when noone else seems to want the job. Cheers mate!

[pdcorlis]

Thanks for the short history lesson Arlen - I'm very impressed that you have dedicated yourself to become the "keeper of the stone." Well Done!

[Arlen]

Well, honestly, when I first stumbled across it the rock was so covered in moss I could only see one letter.
I asked the park officials about it and the only one who knew about it said it was a nice piece of history but they were far too busy to worry about preserving it.
So I made sure to find out non-damaging ways to clean it and set my hand to keeping it around for future generations to see.

I guess I just don't think those men should be forgotten.

[brandycr]

Being a history freak myself got to say good for you.Its very important to remember the little pieces of our past because those little pieces are like puzzle pieces altogether they make a beautiful picture.I clean old cemetarys around here and take down names do tombstone rubbings try to get names down before everyone forgets.Have one cemetary near my house no one will enter something about ghosts its listed on americas most haunted list.They dont bother me I dont bother them lol always have loved to talk anyway makes work faster and easier maybe one day theyll be talkative .

[GMan]

That is so neat. Glad that you are bringing it back to life!

[McMurdo]

Wish I could be there to help in the clean up, I will have to see it when finally I get over there.

[Alan H]

Good on ya. Little things like this make a difference, and the stories shouldn't be forgotten.

[Pour1Malt]

guid oan ya Arlen!

slainte mhath

[BEEDEE]

I guess I just don't think those men should be forgotten.

What a wonderful thought and a great job of maintaining an heritage item that would otherwise be overlooked. Perhaps you could get a Boy Scout Group or other organization to continue your work after you move to the USA.

Brian