The Silver Razor: Ayrshire

Title: The Silver Razor: Ayrshire
Author: Anteros
Characters: Kennedy, Archie Kennedy
Rating: R
Notes: For eglantine_br, who wanted to know where Archie's silver razor came from. This is also a companion piece to Other Sons. There are several more parts to this but they are currently scribbled in notebooks and on the back of receipts. Hopefully I'll get round to writing them up some time soon!

( Kennedy held the silver razor in his palm, its handle was smooth and cool, reassuringly familiar. )

Kelburn Castle

Earlier today we went to visit Kelburn Castle and estate on the North Ayrshire coast. Kelburn is the oldest continually inhabited estate in Scotland, it's been the seat of Clan Boyle since the 12th century and is still the home of the Earls of Glasgow today. What Kelburn is really famous for though is graffiti. In 2007 historic architects notified the Earl that the concrete facing of the castle would have to be removed and replaced to prevent damage to the underlying stonework. Before removing the facing the Earl took the unusual step of inviting four Brazilian graffiti artists to come and decorate the facade. The graffiti was always intended to be temporary, however it has become so popular that the Earl is now seeking permission from Historic Scotland to keep it. I've watched several programes about The Grafitti Project over the last few years but this is the first time I've actually see it and I must say, I rather like it!

Kelburn is also home to three "heritage trees"; two 1000 year old yews and a weeping larch that covers almost a quarter of an acre. The yews are stunning and it's incredible to think that this part of Scotland was ruled by the Earls of Norway when they were planted!


( Kelburn Graffiti Project and Estate )