Much to my shame, I haven’t visited Culzean for many years, not since my kids were wee, when a trip to the castle and the adventure playground was a favourite day out. As the years passed, Culzean dropped off the list of places we visited; Loudoun Castle Theme Park was much more exciting for teenagers. 
After such a long time, I was extremely excited to head down to South Ayrshire to visit a place that holds such happy memories for me. I wasn’t disappointed. There is really nowhere like the Ayrshire coast when weather in Scotland decides to show off our stunning landscape. Lunch in Ayr, followed by a stop-off at Dunure, another family favourite from by-gone days, finally led Linda and I to Culzean. 
It seemed strange to be entering the country park after the tourists had left for the day, but I stopped at the barrier and put in the code. Finally a view of the castle came into site and then the bookshop, which was our destination. We received such a warm welcome from Anna Shanley, a huge smile on her face, excited about the evening ahead. 
Bob was already parked and was about to take his two little dogs for a walk. Marion, Fiona, and Damaris joined us and all agreed that the location and the weather were stunning. Soon after more AWC members arrived. We were all thrilled by this amazing bookshop, every shelf packed with novels, and as we discovered to our delight, only £2 each. 
Eventually everyone settled on the sofas and chairs, coffee in hand, and the readings began. Each piece was different and had qualities all of its own. 
Fiona McFadzean brought tears of laughter with her piece of Flash Fiction, while Damaris touched our hearts with the story of a runaway boy. 
Bex and Carrie focussed on fantasy fiction, taking us into another world filled with magical creatures. Marion completed the first half of the programme with a thought-provoking description of Suffragette activities in Ayrshire, and the near escape for Burns Cottage. 
Readarounds, as well as giving members an opportunity to share their writing and receive feedback, are also social events. It was great to have a chance to blether, select books and mix with such a great bunch of folks. 
A whopping amount of books were purchased, whether they were needed or not! The temptation was too great. 
The second half of the programme began with an update from Jacquie who explained the progress she is making with her children’s book. You may remember from a feedback night, this project is aimed to help children with bereavement. We were all blown away.
Lizzie brought a change of tone and read a highly amusing account of looking after a puppy, and the evening ended with 
Bob, who read us an update on his time-travelling novel, centred around Bonnie Prince Charlie and what might have been. Marion provided a vote of thanks before everyone made their way home, our literary batteries recharged.
Thanks once more to Anna for her wonderful hospitality and to Carrie for making this event possible. 
I hope this can become an annual event.
Words: Fiona Johnson
Photos: Linda Brown