UK Mega Event 2014 - Tam's Terror Trail
Where?
Eglinton Park
Irvine
KA12 8TA
When?
Thursday 31st July.
9.00pm till late
In honour of the Ayrshire & Arran Mega attendee coin the night caching event will be Tam O'Shanter themed.
The poem describes the habits of Tam, a farmer who often gets drunk with his friends in a public house in the Scottish town of Ayr, and his thoughtless ways, specifically towards his wife, who is waiting at home for him, angry.
After one such revel, late night after a market day, Tam rides home on his horse Meg while a storm is brewing. On the way he sees the local haunted church lit up, with witches and warlocks dancing and the devil playing the bagpipes.
He is still drunk, still upon his horse, just on the edge of the light watching: amazed to see the place bedecked with many gruesome things such as gibbet irons and knives that had been used to commit murders and other macabre artifacts. The witches are dancing as the music intensifies and, upon seeing one particularly wanton witch in a short dress he loses his reason and shouts,`Weel done, cutty-sark!' (cutty-sark : "short shirt").
Immediately, the lights go out, the music and dancing stops and many of the creatures lunge after Tam, with the witches leading. Tam spurs Meg to turn and flee and drives the horse on towards the River Doon as the creatures dare not cross a running stream. The creatures give chase and the witches come so close to catching Tam and Meg that they pull Meg's tail off just as she reaches the bridge over the Doon.
For the full poem (and a translation into the modern prose) then see http://www.robertburns.org.uk/Assets/Poems_Songs/tamoshanter.htm
Tam O'Shanter come to life through this vivid illustrated painting by Scottish artist Alexander Goudie, which can be seen in the Goudie Collection at Rozelle Park.
The Event
Join us at Eglinton Park for a late night wander in the woods following in the steps of poor old Tam.
We will be setting groups off in approx 5 minute intervals from 8pm. Now we know it won't be that dark then, but the first groups will be given to those with younger cachers (who have a bedtime), so please let the littler cachers go first.
There will be plenty of space to socialise while you wait your turn at the campsite, so please dont all turn up at 8pm and queue (that gets boring very quickly), go and be like Tam and enjoy some local hostelry first and wander over later.
The wearing of your own Tam hat is positively encouraged!
What lurks in the dark?
Will you be brave enough to follow Tam's trail and brave the witches and demons within?
Can you outwit those who lurk in the shadows and avoid being taken?
Or like Tam will you escape with your life, but maybe not your tail!
Please put this event on your watchlist if you want to be kept informed.
Be safe
Please remember that this is an evening/night event, and please dress appropriately.
The trail used will not be finalised until nearer the time, but we will endavour to use the driest paths possible. Even so, its advised to wear walking boots or wellies as the paths may be uneven. Torches are a must.
As with all events, you are responsible for your own safety, and the events team cannot be held responsible for any loss of injury occurred.
