The West Fife village of Saline lies just five miles from our home. There is a pleasant walk through the wooded steep-sided glen that overlooks the extensive gardens of Kirklands House on the other side of the burn. When I heard the owners were staging a series of open days, I decided to go along for a nose. Kirklands was the previous home of the Saline Stone Men - statues of Robert Burns characters Tam O' Shanter and his drinking buddy Souter Johnnie. Carved in the 18th century by Robert Forrest, these famous larger-than-life figures were acquired by Fife Council and placed in the garden next to the new museum. We parked in the village centre and walked round to the house, which is situated next to a historic graveyard. In fact, I'd once peered over the churchyard wall, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Stone Men, but they had already departed.
We paid the £5 admission fee and received a warm welcome. Our tree surgeon was a steward for the day. Kirklands House dates from 1832 and the present owners Peter & Gill Hart have resided at the property since 1977. They developed a business offering bed and breakfast as well as various gardening courses but have now retired from this venture. The couple have basically built the two-acre garden from scratch since arriving to just a patch of grass at the front and rear of the house. The rest of the grounds were rough ground and woodland, while two ponies grazed in the walled enclosure. Forty-odd years later, the site is still a work in progress but the overall transformation is immediately apparent. A Facebook page gives regular updates and also details of public viewings. The terraced walled garden with raised beds is home to the vegetable and fruit plantations, with 18 espalier apple trees set against the stone boundary. Batches of jam are produced every year and the greenhouse provides a fresh supply of tomatoes and other vegetables. Also on site is a bog garden featuring giant leaved gunnera manicata and a selection of other plants that love this environment. In the summer months, the herbaceous borders take centre stage and many varieties of hostas can be found in the shaded parts. A spectacular carpet of bluebells arrives in spring and other favourites are the rhododendrons blue poppies. We had a walk around the various pathways and I clambered down to a temporary bridge over the burn which provided access to the public route through the glen. There was also a treehouse and a walkway around the top of the terrace. A marquee and seating area had been set up on the lawn. Tea and scones were doing a roaring trade. It was a most enjoyable place to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon and those involved with the running of the garden were on hand answer questions and generally chat with visitors. Today's event was outdoors only and there was no tour of the house on offer, although you were welcome to wander up the driveway for a closer look at the architecture. I'm not complaining about the lack of inside access as I realise it is a private home. Just making an observation. On our way out, we walked across the the northern boundary wall for excellent views of Saline Hill and the rolling landscape below. A nice photo opportunity.
Peter and Gill's two children have long since left home and they helped create today's scene as they were growing up. A local retired miner named Benny assisted with the physical labour and was chiefly responsible for rebuilding and shoring up the walls. You have to admire the family for making their property accessible to the public on a regular basis. Yes, they charge a few pounds for entrance but they have to cover their costs and a lot of work has been put into the place over the years. Why shouldn't they enjoy a small amount of remuneration? I would certainly recommend a visit and this can be combined with a wander up and down Saline glen. The village itself was originally a weaving settlement and many of these cottages remain. Saline Hill is a stiffer challenge, standing over 1000 feet high. There isn't a dedicated path to the top and some fence climbing is required on the way. The views from the top are, however, superb. During my research for this article, I came across the blog of the Saline & District Heritage Society. They hold an annual exhibition and organise a programme of talks. Presently disrupted by the all-pervasive Corona virus, it's something I must check out when permitted to do so.
Comments