Auchen Castle

We set off today for Auchen Castle near Moffat for a friend daughters wedding tomorrow.
The drive down the A701 was beautiful so many lambs on the way down several looking new born. I'm glad I'm not a ewe! What a life.
We stopped for some lunch in Moffat and had a wander around to stretch our legs. Only one small purchase.
We pressed on to the Castle which is a large country house just off the M74. The bride is the daughter of one of our oldest friends (who is god mother to Katy). We've known each other since we were 18. It was lovely to catch up with them and the extended family.
We took time out for a wander around the grounds and the small lake in the woodlands. So peaceful with only the sound of birds to break the silence. There was a rather fine swing on the far side of the lake, so of course I had a go! Extra.
We went back into Moffat for some dinner to the rather grandly named Balmoral Hotel. We couldn't resist the billboard outside advertising a fish tea of Breaded or Battered Haddock with chips, peas and tartare sauce, bread and butter and a pot of tea all for £9.90. The food was freshly cooked and delicious and will tide us overnight till tomorrow.
We had another wander after dinner along to Station Park. I've always admired the swan boats on the pond. There was only this one visible tonight and it was in Dry Dock, lol - hopefully some more will come out once the season starts.
The main blip is a fountain in the grounds, I loved the way the water was picking up colour and producing those lovely rainbow sprinkles.
An early night tonight really for tomorrow's excitement.