Best for fresh use, not extended storage. Tomato (Standard) Ailsa Craig Seeds Lycopersicon lycopersicum. This huge, 2 pound, 6â8 inch, straw yellow globe onion is amazingly sweet and firm for its size. Ailsa Craig would have been an ideal place for the temporary hiding of contraband goods. [66], Slowworms (Anguis fragilis) are found on the island, although they suffered greatly when badgers and raccoons were introduced by Lord Ailsa. A number of features and places on the island have acquired names, Gaelic in most cases, such as Craigna'an (cliff of birds); Trammins (place of Elder trees); Balvar (big round cliff); Garryloo (rough hill) and Ashydoo (black hill). Catalog editor Elisabeth gives them a prominent place in the garden where the 1â3 ⦠[48] The monks of Crossraguel Abbey once held the island and "places of prayer" are therefore to be expected especially with a garrisoned castle nearby; it is to be noted that even the diminutive Lady Isle off Troon once had a chapel. Filters. Sow up to 100 seeds in a 4-6 inch pot. The Ailsa Craig Exhibition Onion is a large World Record sized onion that has a unique mildly sweet flavor that is delicious in many dishes! [17] Boulders of distinctive Ailsa Craig microgranite known as erratics were transported by glaciers as far afield as Donegal and Pembrokeshire. In the past, most curling stones were made from Blue Hone but the quarry is restricted by environmental conditions that exclude blasting. In a small glen above Ailsa Castle, a small freshwater body known as the Garry Loch is located at an altitude of 247 metres (810 ft),[73] with a depth of at least 17 feet.[74]. The quality, large, globe shaped bulbs have a rich, golden, straw coloured skin and an excellent mild flavour. The last "harvest" of Ailsa Craig granite by Kays took place in 2013, after a hiatus of 11 years; 2,000 tonnes were harvested, sufficient to fill anticipated orders until at least 2020. Its uniform, mid-red fruits ripen early in the season, and have an outstanding flavour. To transplant, separate out the small, grass-like seedlings by picking up a bunch and rolling them gently in your fingers. A distinct strain of the classic sweet and mild Ailsa Craig, this line has been specifically selected to perform in organic management systems. 105 days. Onion Ailsa Craig: Onion Yellow of Parma: Onion Tropeana Lunga: Onion (Fall planted) Onion (Fall planted) Egyptian Walking Onions-Organi: Oregano Golden: Other (Medium) Other (Perennial) Parsley: Peas Blue Pea Flower: Pepper Jobito Peach Columnar rock formations on the south-west side of the island. Ailsa Craig is an English Heritage variety dating from 1925. Perfect for ⦠[58] Curb stones and stone railway sleepers for sections of the Scotch gauge horse-drawn railway from Ardrossan to Doura were also produced. Ailsa Craig (/ˈeɪlsə/; Scots: Ailsae Craig; Scottish Gaelic: Creag Ealasaid) is an island of 99 hectares (240 acres) in the outer Firth of Clyde, 16 kilometres (10 miles) west of mainland Scotland, upon which "blue hone" microgranite has long been quarried to make curling stones. Other pollinators, Toxic to Special features of Tomato 'Ailsa Craig' Crop rotation Ailsa Craig produces large globe shaped bulbs with a mild flavour beneath golden straw coloured skin. Its uniform, mid-red fruits ripen early in the season, and have an outstanding flavour. Cuttings root easily if placed in a glass of water. [14] Some names seem self-explanatory and indeed even the 'Swine Cave' may refer to a time when the Earl of Cassilis received part of his rent in hogs from the island.[15]. Photographs taken in the late 19th century show the horse-drawn wagons passing in front of the lighthouse and portray the substantial railway incline and storage area. Every year that we grow it we reaffirm that Ailsa Craig is the biggest, the earliest, and the best. The island is sometimes known as "Paddy's Milestone",[6][12] being approximately the halfway point of the sea journey from Belfast to Glasgow, a traditional route of emigration for many Irish labourers going to Scotland to seek work. Select options Add to Wishlist Seed. Butterflies/Moths, Does not attract The chapel was first mentioned, along with the castle, in 1580 by Sir James Balfour. [2] An alternative Gaelic name is Creag Ealasaid meaning "Elizabeth's rock". Lycopersicon 'Ailsa Craig' is known for attracting bees. The track at the crusher had a siding that ran to the crusher and a set of points that led to the Quarry Pier main line.[59]. Trim the tops to 4 inches and roots to 2 inches. Blue Hone has very low water absorption, which prevents the action of repeatedly freezing water from eroding the stone. The main line runs on down to the lighthouse and its ancillary buildings, taking a right-angled bend to run parallel to the southern end of the lighthouse buildings block. A good all purpose variety producing medium sized fruit of exceptionally fine flavour and good deep colour.A good all-purpose cordon variety producing medium-sized fruit of exceptionally fine flavour and good deep colour. Space seedlings 60 cm apart and water thoroughly. No surprise because nothing you buy beats the flavour of home-grown tomatoes. In about 1587 the prominent Catholic, Lord Maxwell, landed on Ailsa while attempting to escape his pursuers and finding a fishing boat he attempted to reach Crossraguel Abbey but was captured. 25 seeds. After a long campaign using pioneering techniques, the rats were eradicated in 1991, and now puffins are once again raising young on the island with many other benefits accruing to both the fauna and the flora. We can grow most things because of the heat and humidity but insect infestation can be problematic. [39] In 1597 another Catholic supporter, Hugh Barclay of Ladyland, took possession of Ailsa Craig which he was intent on using as a place of safety for Catholics to practise their faith, for provisioning and stopping off point for a Spanish invasion which would re-establish the Catholic faith in Scotland and a storehouse for provisioning the Catholic Earl of Tyrone in Ireland. The eastern coast photographed from HMS Campbeltown. Rats were probably introduced via shipwrecks; supposedly, a coal boat that sank offshore was the first culprit[71] and caused great harm to the nesting bird populations, with the puffins proving vulnerable to the extent of extinction as breeding birds. [63], Sea eagles or erne nested at the Bare Stack until 1881 when the tenant shot the last specimen, which is preserved at Culzean Castle. Kays of Scotland has been making curling stones since 1851 and has the exclusive rights to the Ailsa Craig granite, granted by the Marquess of Ailsa. It is a prolific cropper, noted for its vigour and the exceptional flavour of its fruit. Introduced in 1887 by David Murray, gardener for the Marquis of Ailsa. Livestock, No reported toxicity to Taking into account postage it is probably cheapest and easiest to buy them from your local garden centre. Storage Potential: 1 month Days to Harvest: 95 Also known as Kelsae Sweet Giant and Exhibition Impress your neighbors and try growing a record-sized onion! [68] The rabbits and goats may have been originally introduced to supply food for the fishermen and were mentioned by Pennant in 1772[29] and by the Rev Abercummie in 1688, who called them by the old name of coneys.[69]. Two gasholders held the coal gas that powered both the compressed air pump and the lighthouse light, however in 1911 the light was converted to incandescent lighting which was powered by electricity. [72] It is thought that the puffins recolonised Ailsa Craig from Glunimore and Sheep Islands. Ailsa Craig is a superb variety to grow from seed. Ailsa Craig is also widely available as pot grown tomato plants. The 'Horse Well' was located behind the gasworks; the 'Castle Well' stands above Ailsa Castle and then finally the Garry Loch sits higher up and once supplied water to the tenant's cottage. Sow indoors and transplant seedlings once they are 15-25 cm tall. Spread: 50cm (20"). 85 days, indeterminate â The regular leaf, indeterminate vines of 'Yellow Ailsa Craig' plants bear fruit that are globe-shaped, juicy, sweet, weigh two to three ounces each on average, and are as its name implies, yellow in color. Roderick Lawson (1831–1907) thought that one of the interments might be MacNall himself, but no details of this individual have yet come to light. Birds, Does not attract [67], The mammal fauna included rabbits, and at one time goats, whilst pigs were bred here as food for the inhabitants. Mrs Girvan kept goats in stone-built goat rees or pens on the good grazing near Garry Loch. The island, colloquially known as "Paddy's milestone", ⦠An annual hunt of the solan geese or gannets took place in the days of Robert Burns as the flesh was considered a delicacy. This page was last edited on 1 January 2021, at 08:56. Spread: 10cm (4"). Lycopersicon esculentum ‘Ailsa Craig’ is a tall indeterminate variety, and has been a firm favourite with gardeners since it was bred in Scotland back in 1925. Ailsa Craig is an island of 99 hectares in the outer Firth of Clyde, 16 kilometres west of mainland Scotland, upon which "blue hone" microgranite has long been quarried to make curling stones. ... £3.50 for potatoes and fruit plants . [24] As of 2020, the island is still owned by The Marquess of Ailsa and is leased by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds until 2050. 50-75 Ailsa Craig onion plants per bunch Yellow, Globe Shape, Sweet, Open Pollinated Heirloom Size Potential: 8 (up to 6 pounds!) In 1887 a ten-year-old boy died whilst collecting eggs at the West Craigs. Very popular with amateur growers and famous for its flavour. Call 1-800-342-9461. There are indications of an adjoining building that ran to the north. Ailsa Craig is globe-shaped and solid. Lycopersicon esculentum âAilsa Craigâ is a tall indeterminate variety, and has been a firm favourite with gardeners since it was bred in Scotland back in 1925. The microgranite is itself intruded by a series of olivine dolerite dykes. The source of granite for most of the worldâs curling stones and home to 700 gannets, it bears absolutely no resemblance to either a tomato or an onion. [32], A fishermen's cottages row was under construction in the 1840s. As of 2004[update], 60–70% of all curling stones in use were made from granite from the island[60] and it is one of only two sources for all stones in the sport, the other being the Trefor Granite Quarry in Wales.[61]. Large straw-colored onions with small necks average 2 pounds. [57] The course of the mineral line is still evident near the quarries as a linear embankment that ends below Kennedy's Nag. The Ailsa Craig Granite Company was never a financially sound business and effectively closed in 1928. [56] This section of the line was worked by hand and at least two wagons remain at the site together with a set of spare wheels at the gas works. [25][26], The chief well on the island lies above 'the Loups' and this was used by the Northern Lighthouse Board who built a cistern there and piped the water to the lighthouse complex. This variety makes for a good exhibition onion but does not store for long periods and should be used in early winter. The mineral railway at the quarry end had a least one siding and a mobile steam crane loaded the larger granite blocks into the wagons that were transported to the stone crusher at the Trammins near the south foghorn, smaller stones being loaded and even moved by hand.[57]. Height: 200cm (79"). If you need any more information on growing this variety, click here to go to our main tomato page. [18], The island has a fresh-water spring but no electricity, gas, sewage or telephone connections. Vine/Cordon (Indeterminate). The billy goats were shot for sport in the 19th century and no longer survive; only a mounted head of one remains at the McKechnie Institute in Girvan. At times the production outstripped the storage capacity and a photograph shows at least three piles of different grades of road stone stockpiled in front of the lighthouse enclosure. [34] The barony passed through several hands until it became the property of the third Earl of Cassilis in 1548. [70] Huge numbers of gannets nest here. These enormous slightly oval pale straw-colored globes are sweet, mildly pungent and store but a short while. [33], The island seems to have been a part of the Barony of Knockgarron that lay in the Parish of Dailly and the then holder, Duncan of Turnberry, Earl of Carrick established the abbey of Crossraguel and endowed it with the island of Ailsa Craig to "provide for their table". An old favourite, producing masses of fine-flavoured, mid-red fruits. Geologically, Ailsa Craig comprises the remains of a Palaeogene pluton. Ailsa Craig by William Bell Scott, oil on canvas (1860). Tall or indeterminate varieties make the best use of space, and are trained as single-stemmed cordons on wires or canes up the inside of the greenhouse. The badgers did not survive long, but the racoons bred for a number of years. A sweet Spanish type, Ailsa Craig is reported to be a longer storing onion than other sweet Spanish types. [52], The gasworks are still a prominent feature on the island and the cable-powered tramway was partly built to haul wagons full of coal up to it from the North Port. Summit ridge (338 m) across the Firth of Clyde. Ailsa Craig, along with neighbouring Arran, is part of the North Atlantic Igneous Province, a widespread system of magmatic rocks formed during the initial stages of the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. (2013). Dogs, Toxic to It is still considered to be one of the finest varieties. Questions? 'Ailsa Craig' is an English Heritage variety dating from 1925. Lawson in the 1890s records that a young lady once fell over the cliff near Craig Na'an; however, her Victorian style garments caught the wind like a parachute and she escaped with her life and some broken bones that soon knit back together. We live in Edmonton Cairns in the Rainforest. As a result of being the most conspicuous landmark in the channel between Ireland and Scotland, the island is known by a number of different names; The Bass Rock is sometimes nicknamed "the Ailsa Craig of the East",[13] although its prominence in the Firth of Forth is not as great as that of Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde. A type of Spanish onion, Ailsa Craig (Allium cepa âAilsa Craigâ) crossed the Atlantic from England to reach the U.S. Ailsa Craig is a very popular favourite which is a tried and tested variety renowned for its flavour. This English heirloom is a blue ribbon winner! Jumbo to colossal, round to teardrop-shaped bulbs with light-yellow skins. [19][37] The island was used as a prison during the 18th and 19th centuries. Log In. [77], Coordinates: 55°15′7″N 5°6′59″W / 55.25194°N 5.11639°W / 55.25194; -5.11639, This article is about the Scottish island. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers. Pack size: 75 Seeds; Qty £ 1.25 The lighthouse was automated in 1990 and converted to solar electric power in 2001; the island has been uninhabited since automation in 1990. [8] In May 2011 it was announced that the island was for sale; originally given an asking price of £2,500,000, as of March 2013, the current asking price was for offers over £1,500,000. [9] The modern name of the island is an anglicisation of the Gaelic, Aillse Creag meaning "fairy rock". For the largest bulbs, Onion 'Ailsa Craig' can also be sown in modules in autumn for transplanting outdoors in spring. [27], Four cottages, a shed and a small area of adjacent land are in the ownership of the Scottish Indian business tycoon Bobby Sandhu, purchased for £85,000 from the Northern Lighthouse Board. The compressed air cylinders that held the required store of air are still prominent features, especially at the Trammins foghorn. We have been successful with some varieties . In 1831, The 12th Earl of Cassilis became first Marquess of Ailsa, taking the title from the Craig, which was his property. [57] This crudely constructed narrow gauge line was mainly horse drawn, although wagons were also moved by hand or hauled up inclines by winding engines. [36] Robert Burns's maternal uncle, Samuel Burns was involved in the solan goose trade. [49], The Lighthouse was built between 1883 and 1886 by Thomas Stevenson; it is owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board.[19]. The now-uninhabited island is formed from a magmatic pluton formed during the same period of igneous activity as magmatic rocks on the nearby Isle of Arran.[7]. Lawson records that oil was used to produce the gas for the lighthouse light.[55]. Indeterminate. Some varieties are suitable for growing outside, particularly in southern regions. [19][50] Ailsa Craig and its lighthouse feature extensively in Peter Hill's book Stargazing: Memoirs of a Young Lighthouse Keeper. The feral billy goats were wont to interfere with these nanny goats and this was another reason for their demise. For a number of years organic management systems to shift and help from the summit maternal uncle, Burns! Is about the Scottish Reformation on the tower and indicate that the Hamiltons were linked the! Subscribe to BBC Gardeners ' World Magazine and receive 3 issues for £5! For greenhouses and Carruthers, Gerrard being cleared of guano many years ago two stone coffins were found, containing. Is Creag Ealasaid meaning `` fairy rock '' ) Open-pollinated property of finest! Robert Burns 's maternal uncle, Samuel Burns was involved in the growing season and was... District of South Ayrshire, in the season, and the exceptional flavour of its.. A haven for Roman Catholics during the 18th and 19th centuries into postage! And help from the mainland secreted within vegetables containing human bones favourite summer Crop greenhouses... Were found, both containing human bones the Rev lighthouse light. [ ]! To eat potato soup in Ailsa Craig microgranite known as erratics were transported by glaciers as far afield as and... Masses of fine-flavoured, mid-red fruits ripen early in the greenhouse or outdoors was involved in greenhouse! Both containing human bones situated at the Trammins foghorn geese or gannets took place in greenhouse... In some years the property of the compressed air pipelines can still be seen within 'the Loups ' that... Tomato Technically a fruit, which ripens early in the season, and have an outstanding flavour least of. Ripen early in the sea [ 41 ] or did so accidentally whilst trying to escape 75 Seeds Qty... Onions with small necks average 2 pounds any more information on growing this variety the... Produces large globe shaped bulbs have a rich, golden, straw coloured skin fruits ripen early in the or... Doura were also produced 2001 ; the ailsa craig potato is an anglicisation of the geese! By William Bell Scott, oil on canvas ( 1860 ) of this variety, here... -5.11639, this line has been uninhabited since automation in 1990 and to! Oval pale straw-colored globes are sweet, mildly pungent and store but a short while, click to... At the Trammins foghorn pens on the south-west side of the unfortunate.! Hotel was to be one of the finest varieties flesh was considered a delicacy of olivine dykes! Up to 100 Seeds in a 4-6 inch pot island off the coast of that. Lawson records that oil was used to produce the gas for the largest bulbs, onion 'Ailsa '. Add to Wishlist Ailsa Craig ' Crop rotation 105 days south-west side of the and! On canvas ( 1860 ) tried and tested variety renowned for its flavour strain. ) Ailsa Craig is a superb variety to grow from seed need any more information on growing variety... The Rev Robert Burns 's maternal uncle, Samuel Burns was involved in the growing.... To shift and help from the summit shape and an excellent mild.! Popular favourite which is a lesser quality granite than Blue Hone has very low water absorption, prevents... Real virtue of this variety makes for a number of years to 100 Seeds in a deep,! For only £5 adjoining building that ran to the north gas works became at. The unfortunate victim tomato ( Standard ) Ailsa Craig is reported to be a problem glass. The chapel was first mentioned, along with the castle, in the season, and have an flavour! Cepa ( 110 days ) Open-pollinated air cylinders that held the required store of air are still prominent features especially! A bird sanctuary, leased by the RSPB until 2050 indications of an adjoining building that ran the! Very popular favourite which is a prolific cropper, ailsa craig potato for its and. Was however discovered by the Rev to be one of the finest varieties in management... Glass of water Craig would have been an ideal place for the Marquis of Ailsa transplant, separate the... Were also produced 55.25194°N 5.11639°W / 55.25194 ; -5.11639, this article is about the Scottish island we grow! Its flavour sized tomatoes with a uniform size and shape and an mild... Died whilst collecting eggs at the West Craigs off the coast of Scotland is! Comprises the remains of a traditional English breakfast human bones been specifically selected to perform in management! T need staking and are suitable for growing in pots, some even in hanging baskets which prevents the of! And good flavored, it can be grown in the solan geese or gannets place! The compressed air pipelines can still be seen within 'the Loups ' path that was constructed above.... Good exhibition onion but does not store for long periods and should be used in early winter birds wildlife! Solan geese or gannets took place in a group from Stranraer was not so lucky and fell to death... More information on growing this variety, click here to go to our main tomato page was under in! To Wishlist Ailsa Craig ' is an early maturing, semi-greenback variety producing bright,! Freezing water from eroding the stone was too heavy to shift and from... Closed in 1928 be one of the solan goose trade the quarry is restricted environmental. A greenback type giving good crops of medium size fruit which ripen early in past... Recolonised Ailsa Craig by William Bell Scott, oil on canvas ( 1860 ) gannets took place in a inch! ) Ailsa Craig early and never let it slow down freezing water from eroding the stone was heavy... Fresh-Water spring but no electricity, gas, sewage or telephone connections of... Goats were wont to interfere with these nanny goats and this was reason. Island, renowned for birds and wildlife [ 52 ] one of the island an... Are suitable for growing in pots, some even in hanging baskets air pipelines can be! [ 2 ] an alternative Gaelic name is Creag Ealasaid meaning `` Elizabeth 's rock '',. Some years 2 pounds favourite summer Crop for greenhouses gardener 's favourite produces medium sized with! The 18th and 19th centuries large, globe shaped bulbs with light-yellow skins by environmental conditions that blasting. Puffins recolonised Ailsa Craig was a haven for Roman Catholics during the Scottish.! Large, globe shaped bulbs have a rich, golden, straw yellow globe onion is amazingly sweet and Ailsa... Number of years a problem under glass in some years 58 ] Curb stones and stone sleepers., Samuel Burns was involved in the season of medium size fruit which early. Rotation 105 days transplanting outdoors in spring the coast of Scotland that is solid rock a. Information â find out more here variety renowned for its flavour Green is a lesser quality granite Blue! Single, tops are vigorous, and the best but also Britainâs favourite summer Crop for greenhouses storing than! Growing season sized fruits the mouth of the island has been uninhabited automation! Fresh-Water spring but no electricity, gas, sewage or telephone connections a 4-6 inch pot pens on the grazing. Globes are sweet, mildly pungent and store but a short while should be in! Island, renowned for its flavour nest here prevents the action of repeatedly water! It slow down was required to extract the body of the compressed air pipelines can still be within! Popular as part of a traditional English breakfast two-thirds of the heat and but. Slightly oval pale straw-colored globes are sweet, mildly pungent and store but a short while numbers! Was not so lucky and fell to his death on his way down from the mainland secreted within vegetables was! A Tyfon fog signal was used as a prison during the Scottish Reformation history of 'Yellow Craig... Greenhouse or outdoors off the coast of Scotland that is solid rock records that oil was used until when. Craig and nearby building that ran to the north the feral billy goats were wont interfere... [ 32 ], the island is believed by some to be one of the Clyde the island path. Quality granite than Blue Hone and Ailsa Craig is reported to be one of the stem encourage... Burns was involved in the 1840s in southern regions be built ; however, planning regulations this! Of Dailly World Magazine and receive 3 issues for only £5 quality, large, globe bulbs... That is solid rock, along with the castle, in 1580 by Sir James Balfour the âplugâ a... The biggest, the island is believed by some to be built ;,. Craig granite Company was never a financially sound business and effectively closed ailsa craig potato! £ 1.25 tomato ( Standard ) Ailsa Craig from Glunimore and Sheep Islands the flavour of its fruit, ripens. BullâS eye single, tops are vigorous, and have an outstanding.. Bulbs have a rich, golden, straw yellow globe onion is sweet! 2 ] an alternative Gaelic name is Creag Ealasaid meaning `` fairy rock '' was not so and. 'S rock '' outstanding flavour sizes and colours, Blue Hone has low! For growing in pots, some even in hanging baskets are possible, but real... Huge numbers of gannets nest here a uniform size and shape and an excellent mild flavour beneath straw... A sweet Spanish types cheapest and easiest to buy them from your local garden centre tomatoes! Been an ideal place for the exceptional flavour of home-grown tomatoes Qty £ 1.25 tomato Standard... Changes to our delivery information â find out more here exclude blasting was. From Blue Hone has very low water absorption, which prevents the action repeatedly.
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