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From the Prairies to the Highlands, Tour 2025

    After getting groceries at the local store in Minishant, we made our way to our overnight stay where we would stay for four nights. The destination was the Lady Coats Memorial Church in Minishant located in South Ayrshire, Scotland. This also included two lodges for sleeping.
    The church was built in 1877 to commemorate Lady Glorianna Coats, nee McKenzie, wife of Sir Peter Coats, the Laird of Auchendrane. Sir Peter was a Baptist minister but most of the village was Presbyterian, so the church was designated non-denominational, or non sectarian and was opened to appropriate visiting ministers.
   We were each designated a room to sleep by our trip coordinator, Dr. Devon Caldwell. Our room was the Dumfries room.
   Our first impression of the church was WOW! Look at this place. There were a few steps to go up where we entered the foyer. As we turned the corner we stepped into a huge dining room and Oh man, what a surprise! There was a 16-foot-long table made out of three, two by twelve planks with 16 chairs. It was a massive table! The cozy sitting area displayed a beautiful ornate church bench, a love seat, a fireplace and a bathroom. There was also a little bedroom off to one side as well as a bar/music room with old vinyl records which Leith Corney found and immediately started playing and dancing. 
   Next was a commercial kitchen with a massive range. Thankfully the men figured out how to operate it. The kitchen had all the conveniences you could want including a dishwasher. From the dining room there was a side door that led out onto a huge patio. Part of it was covered with a roof and it overlooked a beautiful yard with lots of trees.
   Back in the house, we went up two flights of stairs, not knowing at the time we were in training for all the climbing and stairs we would encounter. Up the stairway was a common room. It had a massive L-shaped couch that would seat 11 people. There was also a couch that would seat three. Down the hallway were five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
   The third story or loft had a Ping-Pong table where mini tournaments were held. There was an area to play music, and a huge brass elephant that kept a close eye on what was going on.
    We did not arrive at the church until after 4pm. We had a little time to look around and unpack and change clothes then headed off for supper at the Souter Inn.
   Wow! What a supper! We were able to order anything off the menu we wanted. This place served the best hamburger I have ever had. Man, it was good. Everyone had a good time and a great supper.
    After supper, it was back to the church to unwind after such a long day. This was an early night as the next day we were off to Turnberry and the Trump Turnberry golf course.
   With the groceries we bought, the men made breakfast the first morning. We had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, toast and coffee.
   Donald Caldwell was our tour bus driver. He had been raised in Scotland and knew where he was going. We always arrived at our destination safely. You may not be aware of this, but in Scotland they drive on the left side of the road, opposite to us. The drivers’ seat is on the right side of the vehicle. Donald navigated through many miles safely. Thank you Donald for keeping us safe! Next week I will share our first day of travel through Scotland and the Trump golf course.