The Old Manse aka Antrim House on a dreich day, barely visible through murk and drizzle. We are glad to have been able to drop 'Antrim House' after 8 years and can do so as the Church of Scotland is no longer our 'feu superior' Yes the Feudal system was alive and well in north Britain until a new land act was passed by the Scottish Parliament abolishing the old feu system with its manifold 'encumbrances' We were not allowed, when purchasing the property to use 'Manse' in the name, hold prayer or spiritual meetings, gamble or sell alchohol on the premises. This is written into our deeds presumably as a precaution to prevent any activity that might bring a former Manse into disrepute. Oddly running a brothel was not mentioned in the list of no nos.

The change of name has merely brought us into line with reality. Everyone locally called the house The Old Manse'. Requests for 'Antrim House' (the first occupiers after the demansification) were from Norn Iron apparently would get puzzled frowns frustrating out of town delivery people. The only danger is a confusion between the two 'Manses' but it does not happen very often.

Double Gins all round. That will be £12.50 please.