Behind the Hedge

The Old Smithy in what used to be the crossroads at Polloktown, between Newton Mearns and Stewarton, in the sunnier part of today. Seen behind this tall hedge, the house has been extended and renovated over the years and has lost most of its original character. I have always wondered if it was the subject of EA Walton's painting 'The Smithy at the Crossroads'( see extra)although it's not possible now to take a photo from the same position. Walton was born locally at Glanderston House and although the scene from the house down to the damn is similar it's probably unlikely, as the Walton family moved away when he was a small child and the house at Glanderston is now a ruin.