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~ Saturday, February 08, 2003
ROLL UP! The text on a nearby 'milestone' explaining the Electric Brae experience: The 'Electric Brae', known locally as Croy Brae. This runs the quarter mile from the bend overlooking Croy railway viaduct in the west (286 feet Above Ordnance Datum) to the wooded Craigencroy Glen (303 feet above A.O.D.) to the east. Whilst there is this slope of 1 in 86 upwards from the bend at the Glen, the configuration of the land on either side of the road provides an optical illusion making it look as if the slope is going the other way. Therefore, a stationary car on the road with the brakes off will appear to move slowly uphill. The term 'Electric Brae' dates from a time when it was incorrectly thought to be a phenomenon caused by electric or magnetic attraction within the Brae. The Electric Brae is on the A719 in Ayrshire, Scotland. I recall experiencing the strange sensation as a child during a family holiday. |