New arts trail launches at Eglinton Country Park

Hidden between the trees adjacent to Tournament Café and the Headless Statue at Eglinton Country Park, an enchanting arts trail has officially opened at our local country park. Named Shug’s Wood, the arts trail has been created in partnership with North Ayrshire Ranger Service, Eglinton Country Park and North Ayrshire’s Arts and Culture team.

A welcome addition for children and families, the aim of the trail is to bring together local heritage, nature, language and community through the story of Shug.

The character of Shug was created to bring the woodland's history to life and encourage visitors and local families to explore, learn about and connect with the outdoor space throughout the year.

Four seasonal stories were written by award-winning children’s author Lindsay Littleson and professional artists Michelle Wright and Lynn McNally who have delivered a number of recent community workshops, providing an opportunity for children and young people to co-create ideas and artwork for the art trail.

The trail includes:

• four seasonal story posts
• a variety of art installations depicting woodland wildlife and inhabitants
• small wooden discs suspended throughout the woodland, displaying artwork created by community participants
• Gaelic translations incorporated within the story posts and larger installations.

A real community effort, the project has been developed with the involvement of a wide range of local groups, including pupils from Loudoun Montgomery Primary School (four classes), Whitehirst Gaelic Base, Trindlemoss Day Opportunities, members of the public who were part of Eglinton’s summer events programme and local volunteer groups operating in the park.

Councillor Alan Hill Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands added: “Thank you to everyone involved and the talented artists who have collaborated to bring this project to life. By working in collaboration with our communities, the team at Eglinton Country Park alongside the Arts and Cultural team have been able to create a welcoming new destination to access nature and reap the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors.

“Shug’s Wood is all about fostering a strong sense of place, celebrating Gaelic heritage and culture, encouraging outdoor learning and helping residents and visitors to form lasting connections with others and their natural and cultural heritage.

“With the recent installation of the Robert Burns Heritage Garden and the ever-popular North Ayrshire STEM trail, Shug’s Wood becomes the latest addition bringing vibrancy to the green spaces of our local country park. So why not pop along to check it out for yourself?”

The trail will continue to evolve, with additions including the planned introduction of QR codes on each story post, allowing visitors to download or listen to the stories, additional artwork being created by community participants and further planned interactive elements to enhance visitor engagement and encourage repeat visits throughout the year.

Stay tuned to Eglinton Country Park on Facebook for more updates.

About Shug’s Wood

The woodland has been known locally as "Shug’s Wood" for many years. The name originates from the memorial pillar which stands within the woodland and serves as one of its key focal points.

The pillar commemorates Hugh Montgomerie, grandson of the 12th Earl of Eglinton, who died on 13 July 1817 at just six years of age. The monument was originally erected near Lady Jane's Cottage, on the site of Hugh's garden, before being moved at an unknown date to its current location within the woodland.

The inscription is believed to read: "To the memory of his beloved grandson, Hugh, who died the 13 July 1817 at the age of six years and a few months: A child of promise. On this spot once his little garden this stone is erected by his afflicted and disconsolate grandfather Hugh, Earl of Eglinton."

Published: 20 October 2026