A look back at Scotland's 'Best Family Theme Park' Loudoun Castle
dailyrecord.co.ukSurrounded by the rolling hills of the Ayrshire countryside, the sight of the famous Loudoun Castle rising above the trees was a sure sign small kids (and big kids too) were on their way to having a brilliant day out.
Just a short drive south from Glasgow, the self-proclaimed "Best Family Theme Park" in Scotland, was a staple part of the summer holidays for many Scottish kids in the 90s and 00s.Located not far from the small town of Galston in the Irvine valley in the days before the M77 made these trips a whole lot quicker, the impatient cries of "are we nearly there yet?" were the soundtrack to a car journey for families looking to enjoy Scotland's answer to Alton Towers.
First opened in 1995, the park was built on the over 500 acres of grounds of the ruins of the grand castle building, parts of which dated back to the 15th century and was once the home of the sword of William Wallace.
The around 175,000 visitors a year to the park will remember the sight of mascot Rory the Lion, with his ginger mane, tartan top and golden crown, waiting to greet them alongside the smell of popcorn and burgers wafting in the air.While rides such as the 140-foot-tall drop tower Barnstormer, the original log flume the Loggers Leap and the Twist n’ Shout, a looping speed rollercoaster (one of three at the park) thrilled those brave enough to try them.
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk
