Lyrics in the Loos poetry project launched at Eglinton Country Park
Posted on 25 Jun 2024
Although our local country park is celebrated for its historical prominence and vast, vibrant surroundings, thanks to Poet-in-Residence Simon Lamb, Eglinton Country Park is now firmly on the poetry map!
All part of a project called ‘Lyrics in the Loos’, the Prestwick-based poet was first approached by North Ayrshire’s Arts and Culture team after our local Countryside Ranger Service came up with idea to create a series of poems inspired by Eglinton Park to display in their loos.
Senior Countryside Ranger Amanda Downie, said: “As Countryside Rangers, the flora and fauna and adventures to be had in nature serves as our daily inspiration.
“Protecting and appreciating our surroundings is at the heart of everything we do, so we wanted to commission a project that could really celebrate elements of the Park that we love through the medium of poetry, to inspire others too.
“We liked the idea of ‘Lyrics in the Loos’ to add some interest to our toilet facilities throughout the Park, and we thought, why not have a series of poems to bring some culture to our cubicles?”
Simon, the poet has worked closely with the Eglinton Park team over the past year, joining in with outdoor learning sessions, working closely with the Countryside Rangers and has spent much of his own free time exploring Eglinton’s popular sights to realise his latest body of work.
He shared: “I was thrilled when the Arts and Culture team approached me with the idea for ‘Lyrics in the Loos’.
“Getting to know the staff at Eglinton Park has been so enjoyable and I have been able to appreciate the Park in a whole new way, making wonderful memories, learning incredible facts, and connecting with the many diverse communities who get to call the park their own.
“One particularly memorable incident occurred during my first meeting with the Countryside Ranger team, when news arrived in the staff room of a toad trapped down a drain.
“Instantly, lunch abandoned, the Rangers dashed to the toad’s rescue. That moment and the subsequent happy ending for the toad proved to be perfect inspiration for one of the 22 poems, a piece I dedicate to the caring, knowledgeable and friendly team on-site.
“One of my favourite poems in the sequence is called ‘Red Admiral’. It was inspired by two incidents. First, I noticed an artist sketching a buddleia bush in the courtyard near Tournament Café. They were attracted to the bush by the many butterflies and wanted to catch them in their art.
“Second, in the same spot, I was lucky enough to have a butterfly land on my chest during a nature walk for families. I held myself so still! A beautiful scene. Two sweet, tiny moments now brought together and embellished in poetry.”
Simon, who is also the Writer-In-Residence at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, added: “It’s been incredible spending time in Eglinton Country Park over the past year.
“I’ve learned so much about the park and all it contains, all its life and stories, and it’s been my pleasure to attempt to capture this special place in poetry.
“This week was the first time that I had performed the poems for the ‘Lyrics in the Loos’ project and I am delighted that they were so well received.
“It was also wonderful having the opportunity to share my inspiration with others. The mystery of the pigeons beneath Tournament Bridge. Children ogling pretty snail shells in the bluebell wood. Life clicking on as summer blooms through the courtyard, the castle ruins and beyond…
“Hopefully the poems created will encourage visitors to spend more time in nature – and not too long in the loo!
“From the audience at the launch, the Arts and Culture team, the community groups I’ve visited on-site, and most of all to the truly inspiring and passionate Rangers and Eglinton Park, team, I would like to extend my sincere thanks on what has been a really enjoyable project.”
Rhonda Leith, Head of Service for Connected Communities said: “Thank you to Simon and a special shout-out to the Countryside Rangers and all the Eglinton Park staff involved for coming up with and fully realising such a brilliant idea.
“Simon is a local and national talent. His work is outstanding and truly inspiring. I hope that his poetry will encourage visitors of all ages to take a moment to slow down and appreciate their surroundings this summer.
“We are delighted to have collaborated with Simon on this exciting poetry project and are proud to be able to display his work as we head into the busy summer season.
"Our aim is that the poems will encourage visitors to gain a deeper understanding of just what makes Eglinton Country Park so very special to us all.”