PROFILE OF

IAN MENZIES

Ian Menzies is probably the most important person concerned with maintaining the fabric of the Castle and the gardens for Clan members. He has been involved with the Estate all his life and has built up detailed knowledge of the buildings, drains, water mains, etc., and generally does not have to refer to Estate plans or maps to determine where a problem is likely to originate or why it has arisen.

His mother and father lived at Hunterston Castle while Ian's father was employed as a Keeper/Forester by Eleanora Hunter, the 28th Laird, and before that by her father, at Ladyland, and also by the current Chief while he lived at Ladyland, as stockman. His brother, Alec, married Bob Perratt's daughter Elizabeth and they currently live near Carlisle but visit the Estate frequently. Ian left school at the age of 15 in 1958, and started to work alongside his father until 1961 when he moved to Campbelton Farm where he worked as a tractor driver. Following reorganisation of labour in 1980 Ian took over as caretaker of Hunterston Castle and during recent years has been substantially involved in the restoration of the Castle and the walled garden.

Ian and his wife Lily were married in S1. Andrew's Church, West Kilbride in 1963, and their son Gordon was born in 1972. Time passes: Gordon recently left school and has occasionally been employed by the Estate on a casual basis. Ian and Lily moved into Upper Flat at the Castle in 1975 following the death of Ian's father. In 1983 Ian again followed in his father's footsteps by receiving his 25 years' service award from the present Laird, Hunter of Hunterston, at a party in Seamill Hydro Hotel, which was attended by all the Estate staff and most of the Laird's family. In October 1988 Ian and Lily celebrated their silver wedding anniversary with a ceilidh in Hunterston House.

A very keen sportsman, Ian is known in the area for his shooting ability. He rears pheasants on Hunterston Estate each year, and runs a small shoot for friends. He also assists his good friend Bill Wyllie, the keeper on nearby Blair Estate, on shooting days there. Ian and Bill are actively involved in trying to prevent poaching and the running of lurchers after hares on the surrounding farms and estates. This involves a lot of night work, and yet Ian, after a long evening out on the hills, is always cheerful the next day.

In 1984 Ian became a special police constable, which involves assisting the regular police force when required, . with the added benefit of enabling Ian to be 'sworn in' when arresting poachers.

It will almost certainly be Ian who shows any visiting Clan member around the Castle and gardens. You will find him helpful, cheerful and a source of knowledge about both the Hunter family and the history of the surrounding area.