Even our most serious mystery photo experts may have problems identifying today’s Mystery Photo. Saying that, we’ll give one clue: this photo was taken in Gwinnett County. Now start your sharpest search and tell us where this scene is located. As usual, send your answers with your hometown to elliott@brack.net.
Fran Worrall, Lawrenceville was among those who told us the answer to the current mystery. The photo came from Gail Gause, of Cramerton, N.C., via Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill.
Fran wrote: “This mystery photo depicts the resort town of Oban, Scotland. The area has dramatic natural scenery as well as numerous castles and ancient religious sites. However, its most prominent attraction is McCaig’s Tower (also known as McCaig’s Folly) on Battery Hill. Built of granite, the structure was commissioned by wealthy banker John Stuart McCaig in 1897. His intention was to provide a lasting monument to his family and provide work for the local stonemasons during the winter months. An admirer of Roman and Greek architecture, McCaig had planned an elaborate structure based on the Colosseum in Rome that would include a museum and art gallery as well as a large central tower. Inside the tower he planned to commission statues of himself, his siblings and their parents.
“McCaig’s death in 1902 at age 78 brought an end to the construction, with only the outer walls completed. Although his will had included £1,000 per year for maintenance, the family challenged the will in court and won. The empty shell of the tower dominates the Oban skyline and is now a public garden with spectacular views of the islands of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. Most people get to McCaig’s Tower via the 144 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, which is quite a climb and steep in places. Visitors can also drive to the base of the tower, where there is a small car park. The gardens can then be accessed by a short flight of steps. The attraction is open year-round.”
Others identifying the mystery included Lou Camerio, Lilburn; Stew Ogilvie, Lawrenceville; George Graf, Palmyra, Va. and Allan Peel, San Antonio, Tex.
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