And yet, as it seemed to me
typical of much that is evil in Scotland, Maybole is also typical of
much that is best. Some of the factories, which have taken the place
of weaving in the town's economy, were originally founded and are
still possessed by self-made men of the sterling, stout old breed -
fellows who made some little bit of an invention, borrowed some
little pocketful of capital, and then, step by step, in courage,
thrift and industry, fought their way upwards to an assured position.
Abercrummie has told you enough of the Tolbooth; but, as a bit of
spelling, this inscription on the Tolbooth bell seems too delicious
to withhold: 'This bell is founded at Maiboll Bi Danel Geli, a
Frenchman, the 6th November, 1696, Bi appointment of the heritors of
the parish of Maiyboll.' The Castle deserves more notice. It is a
large and shapely tower, plain from the ground upwards, but with a
zone of ornamentation running about the top. In a general way this
adornment is perched on the very summit of the chimney-stacks; but
there is one corner more elaborate than the rest. A very heavy
string-course runs round the upper story, and just above this, facing
up the street, the tower carries a small oriel window, fluted and
corbelled and carved about with stone heads.
Pages:
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200