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Fish River Spey, Scotland

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 Introduction This evening, I am focusing on fishing the River Spey, Scotland’s second longest river.  Fishing River Spey, Scotland Fishing River Spey, Scotland Information on the River Spey The Spey, which rises in the Monadhliath Mountains (which lie on the western side of Strathspey, to the west of the Cairngorms and to the south of Loch Ness), and runs N.E. for 107 miles (172km) before discharging into the Moray Firth, N.E. of Inverness. The Spey is a very clean river and home to a number of fish species including: Atlantic Salmon Trout European Eel Arctic Char Pike Minnow Stickleback Flounder. The fishing season runs from Feb 11th to Sept 30th. with popular beats at Wester Elchies, Delfur, Knockando, Tulchan, Castle Grant and Arndilly.The images above were taken near to Grantown-on-Spey. An impressive river in stunning scenery and very popular with anglers. Speyside is also home to about 40 whisky distilleries , but that is another story! River Spey at Aberlour  
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Shoeing Clydesdale Horses

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 Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on a trip to Glasgow Green , Scotland to watch farriers at work on Clydesdale horses which I believe to be owned by Glasgow Council. Quite an unusual experience for city folk to observe.  Information on images Image of Farrier at work    Here is the Farrier’s equipment. Note hammer and anvil. Clydesdale Horse Nice animals. I believe they originated as heavy horses to carry the weight of medieval knights with heavy armour. Video clip   More Information For more help and information on touring Scotland, including flora and fauna, museums and sightseeing, please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle .
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Carfin Lourdes Grotto

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 Introduction Today, I reporting on an oasis of serenity in Scotland’s busy Central Belt, namely the Carfin Lourdes Grotto Carfin Lourdes Grotto  Information on the Grotto:  Located near Newarthill, about 16 miles S.E. of Glasgow . A shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary was opened 1922. Key driver behind the grotto was Canon Thomas Taylor who was inspired by his visits to Lourdes in France and Oastakker in Belgium. Constructed on land adjacent to St.Francis Xavier Church. Construction assisted by free labour from Irish and East European immigrants who had spare time due to 1921 Coal Miners strike.  The site had to be extended after opening due to popularity.50,000 pilgrims came in 1924. Today, approximately 35,000 pilgrims visit each year. An extensive and peaceful site populated with many examples of Catholic iconography.  Carfin Lourdes Grotto, Lanarkshire, Scotland  Carfin Lourdes Grotto, Lanarkshire, Scotland Video clip 1 Video clip 2 Video clip 3 Video clip 4 More Information
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Dalgarven Mill Museum

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 Introduction This afternoon I am reprising a trip to Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life and Costume, near Kilwinning, Ayrshire about 30 miles S.W. of Glasgow in S.W. Scotland.   Ailsa Craig and Ayrshire Coast, Scotland Information on the trip The journey down provided superb views of the Ayrshire coast, as illustrated above. This museum has been created from a defunct water powered grain mill dating from Victorian times, although there have been mills on the site since the 13th. century. The museum has three sections: Country Life Collection. Grain Mill. Costume Collection. There is also a separate antique shop and a coffee shop. Overall, a quality experience illustrating the changes in fashions and rural life since the 18th century. Vintage children's toys  Vintage Oil Lamps Carpenter’s Tools Vintage Farming Implements Military Memorabilia Costume Collection Costume Collection  Mill Lade Mill with vintage farm implements Costume Collection Costume Colle
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Corrieshalloch Gorge

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 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on the Corrieshalloch Gorge which forms part of a National Nature Reserve in Scotland’s N.W. Highlands.  Falls of Measach, Scottish Highlands Information on the Corrieshalloch Gorge Facts and information as follows: Located about twelve miles south of Ullapool. Accessed via short, steep trail. Crossed by a suspension bridge. There is also a separate viewing platform. Translates as ‘Ugly Hollow’ in Gaelic but this is a misnomer as the view is far from ugly, in fact quite spectacular. Technically known as a Slot Gorge and was formed by glacial meltwater about 2.6m years ago. Through the gorge flows the River Droma. This drops 100 metres over 1.25km including the 150 ft drop at the Falls of Measach. Ranks as the U.K.'s smallest National Nature Reserve. Is home to a wide range of wildlife including red squirrels, finches and a rar species of cranefly. The sheltered and damp microclimate means that mosses and ferns are abundant.
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Horse Shoe Bar

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Introduction This evening, I am posting information on a famous Glasgow Bar (Scotland), namely the Horse Shoe which is located in Drury Street close to Central Station.   Information on the Horseshoe Bar, Glasgow The Horse Shoe is a good example of Glaswegian pub culture. In addition to drinks the bar is famous for its meat pies and value for money bar food. However, the Horse Shoe’s main claim to fame rests in the length of its bar which, at 104 feet, ranks it as one of the longest bars in Britain and possibly Europe. The Horse Shoe was first established in 1846. It was under ownership of former employee John Young Whyte, who acquired the Bar in 1923, that the equine theme was reinforced and extended throughout the establishment. The building has been assigned Category A listed status which affords protection to the structure. Video clip of Horse Shoe Bar External view of Horse Shoe Bar, Glasgow, Scotland    More information For more information on Glasgow, other Sc
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Cowal Peninsula, Scotland

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 Introduction This afternoon , I am reprising a visit to Scotland's Cowal Peninsula during a heatwave.  Swimming in River Eachaig  Information on the Cowal Peninsula trip In the normal course of events the terms ‘Scotland’ and ‘outdoor swimming’ are mutually exclusive, but not today. The West of Scotland is currently subject to a heat wave resulting in temperatures on a par with Hawaii. To benefit from the unusual climatic conditions my wife and myself drove to Gourock (about 30 miles NW of Glasgow) on the Firth of Clyde and then connected with a ferry transfer to Dunoon .Thence onward to our destination of Glen Massan through which flows the River Eachaig.Our trip entailed passing through a valley floor with sheep, horses and haymaking in process. The mountains on either side were heavily wooded (commercial forestry). Glen Massan Haymaking in Glen Massan Marina, Holy Loch Holy Loch and Kilmun We were fortunate to find an isolated spot where the river was deep en
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