Nigel's Photo Blog

Introduction Barochan Hill is located north of Houston in S.W. Scotland.Here, in 1972 was rediscovered the site of a 1st century AD Roman Fort.    Information on Barochan Roman Fort  The site is difficult to access and there appear to be no above-ground remains visible. . The fort dates from around AD 80 or 81 and had a short life of around 5 years. It was built during the campaigns of Gnaeus Julius Agricola which predated both Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall. As will be evident from the video clip below, the site offers a superb strategic vantage point with 360 degree views over the local terrain including the Firth of Clyde . Key facts concerning the fort: Enclosed an area of about 3.25 acres (1.3 ha) and was oriented towards the west. Rampart was 15 ft ( 4.5m) wide and was constructed of turf fronted by a timber palisade and revetted at the back with clay. Northern defensive ditch was around 10-12 ft wide and 1.5 ft deep. There was an annexe of abo...

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on one of Scotland’s most spectacular landforms, namely the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye. Skye lies off the west coast of Scotland.  Quiraing, Isle of Skye , Scotland.  Information on the Quiraing: Location is the Trotternish region of northern Skye where can be viewed one of the finest landslides in Britain. This feature was caused by a massive accumulation of basalt lavas from the Tertiary Age forcing movement of weaker sedimentary rocks from the earlier Jurassic age. In addition to the landslide effect the movement created labyrinths of huge blocks and pinnacles carrying such names as Quiraing, Table, Needle, Prison and Old Man of Storr . The movements are relatively recent in geological terms, having formed in the last 15000 years since the last period of glaciation.Information on Skye geology can be found here . Various interests and activities can be pursued here including bird watching , photography, ...

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Maryhill. This is a division of the City of Glasgow located in the City’s North West. Population is about 52,000 with a strong multi-cultural element, particularly Chinese.  Maryhill Road, Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland Information on Maryhill  The 2nd century AD Antonine Wall runs through the area. However, the catalyst for development was construction in the late 18th century of the Forth & Clyde Canal , linking East and West Scotland. The route of the canal ran through lands owned by one Mary Hill who gave her name to the area. The new canal acted as a catalyst for various industrial activities, including a boatyard, in the area. These activities in turn triggered population growth and development. In 1877 a large military barracks was opened but this was demolished and replaced by social housing in the 1960s. However, parts of the former exterior wall of the barracks remain. Maryhill is ...

This evening I am reporting on an important collection of pottery on display at Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museum, Scotland. This collection  is a gift from the family of the late Alexander Arbuthnott Dunbar (1929-2012), which has been made on the understanding that each piece can be handled by visitors   Video clip of collection     

Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Old Kilpatrick. This is a village community of 3200 which is situated on the north bank of the River Clyde . County is West Dunbartonshire, with village about 15 miles NW of Glasgow .  Erskine Bridge, River Clyde, Scotland . Information on Old Kilpatrick  The village sits in the shadow of the Erskine Bridge which was built in 1971 and spans the Clyde with a length of 4336 feet. There is a railway station shops, pubs and a church. Prior to the bridge a ferry operated between Old Kilpatrick and Erskine. Old Kilpatrick was the site of a Roman Fort which formed part of the western end of the 2nd century AD Antonine Wal l. The fort’s remains were discovered and excavated intermittently between 1790 and the 1920s. They are no longer visible. The fort extended to about four acres. More information on Old Kilpatrick: Is a candidate for the birthplace of St Patrick in the 5th century although there is no compelling pro...

Introduction This morning I attended an excellent 'Potfest' at Glasgow 's Briggait Galleries which are part of a Category A listed building of architectural merit.The Briggait building dates from 1873, thus the building and art exhibition are over 150 years apart. Location is Glasgow's Merchant City close to the Clutha Bar. Originally, the Briggait building was Glasgow's fish market but is now used for arts events and cultural activities. The building was designed by architects Clarke & Bell in the French Renaissance style, with painted stone facades and, inside, a galleried market hall of cast iron and glass.    Information on the Pottery Festival   A three day event with 73 exhibitors from all around the U.K. I was very impressed by the range, quality and scale of the exhibition which benefited from a large throng of visitors.Here was an extensive collection of talented ceramic makers creating work that highlights the diversity of clay. Below is a por...