Ailsa Craig, Granite island in South Ayrshire, Scotland
Ailsa Craig is a granite island in the Firth of Clyde off the coast of South Ayrshire in Scotland. The cone-shaped rock rises more than 1100 feet (340 meters) from the water and forms a sharp outline with steep cliffs and a perimeter of about two miles (three kilometers).
The Hamilton family built a fortified tower on the island during the 1500s to defend the coast from Spanish attacks. A lighthouse was later constructed and remained in operation until the middle of the 20th century.
Local sailors call this place „Paddy's Milestone
Access to the island requires booking a private boat from Girvan harbor or arranging helicopter transport to the designated landing spots. The crossing depends heavily on weather conditions and happens mainly between spring and autumn.
The island's granite quarries have supplied material for curling stones for over 200 years and now provide about 60 percent of all competition stones worldwide. The blue granite from here is considered especially hard and weather resistant for the sport.
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