REPORT OF THE MEETINGS FOR 1897 159 



fog was now too dense to see more than the nearer points 

 of the moor. Neither the view of the Cheviots or the Lammer- 

 moors on the one hand, nor the Firth of Forth on the other, 

 usually visible from this elevated plateau, relieved the monotony 

 of the drive over the bleak moor. 



At Dowlaw the party was met by, and received a kindly 

 welcome from Dr Hardy, his brother, and nephew. Everybody 

 rejoiced to see Dr Hardy looking so well and taking his usual 

 interest in the day's proceedings. The day itself seemed brighter 

 for his welcome, and for the hearty and inspiring kindness of Mr 

 Arthur Hardy and Mr George Hardy. These throughout the 

 day seemed to forestall the wishes of the members, and with 

 hospitable kindness ministered to every one's necessities ; and 

 whether answering inquiries, giving directions, acting as guide, 

 or imparting local information, all was done with such genuine 

 goodwill, that to ask was a pleasure, and to receive involved no 

 other debt than mutual gratification. The mist began to roll 

 away as the walking part of the excursion commenced. The 

 party divided, some proceeding directly to Fastcastle to return 

 by Dowlaw Dean, others preferring to walk down the Dean 

 in the first instance. A good view of the coast with its 

 precipitous cliffs and deep indentations was obtained as we 

 descended from Dowlaw towards the rocky cove, where, 

 perched on its bold promontory, Fastcastle once looked over the 

 North Sea — a seemingly impregnable fortress keep. The 

 changes and vicissitudes of time and circumstance as they 

 rendered the castle less necessary for defensive purposes, 

 and made a more convenient and commodious residence 

 desirable, brought about its neglect and consequent decay. 

 Its walls began to crumble under the inexorable and disinteg- 

 rating power of wintry blasts and summer heat, and last 

 in 1871 the lightning demolished much of what remained. 

 It is now an irreparable ruin, and only the fragments of a few 

 walls are left to remind us of its long and stirring history 

 reaching back into the 14th century. 



Its first builder and owner is unknown, but it is mentioned in 

 the records of the earlier part of the 14th century. During the 

 frequent wars between Scotland and England, it repeatedly 

 changed hands. Although occupying a very strong position, it 

 was to a certain extent commanded by the heights above, and 

 after the invention of gunpowder would be quite unable 



