Newhailes

is a National Trust for Scotland Property near Musselburgh.

Pat and I think it must be about thirty five years since we last visited Newhailes House. We met up with Mr and Mrs Dog in the car park.

We had booked a guided tour and we soon discovered that the four of us comprised the 2:00 p.m. tour.

Although Pat and I are full members of NTS, as Volunteers we each have a Volunteer membership card as well.

I always present the Volunteer Membership card. It invariably results in a closer rapport with the person guiding.

Our guide was Vicky. She is a very enthusiastic volunteer and we all enjoyed a very informative tour. This particular tour focused on the generations of Dalrymple family who inhabited the house for 300 years or so.

Newhailes and the Dalrymples played a significant role in the Scottish Enlightenment.

Newhailes is being conserved. Some might call it a managed decline.  Pat and I found the interiors of the house very pleasant, bearing in mind that much was as it was over 300 years ago.

The entry gives a glimpse into the porcelain cupboard. There is much to admire there.

No! Not my reflection!

The extra shows one of the staircases used by the servants. The elaborate metal handrails are quite remarkable and cast interesting shadows.

Newhailes is surrounded by about 240 acres of gardens including the stable block. There is much to see and explore. I suspect that Pat and I will spend a number of days at Newhailes Estate.

We met up at Mr and Mrs Dog’s residence and enjoyed a rather fine late lunch.

We then drove back home through a very dark but clear night on fairly deserted roads.