Nigel's Photo Blog

This morning I ventured out during Storm Boelo which subjected the West of Scotland to wind speeds of between 60 and 80 mph.  My route took me through Rouken Glen Country Park , Glasgow where I witnessed considerable tree casualties as illustrated in images below.  This is an entire tree which proved difficult to photograph in a recumbent position.   A big one, roots and all, in nearby street       This one came down in centre of parkland.     Road blocker   Another road blocker     The following images are not, specifically, tree/storm related.    Line of poplar trees      Family group of swans unfazed by weather conditions.     Waterfall in full spate    A dash of sunlight on the Auldhouse Burn (river).     Overall, an interesting experience. No doubt we will experience further storms as the winter unfolds.  More information For more information on a wide range ...

 Introduction This evening, I am posting a curated portfolio of selected paintings from an exhibition at the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock , Scotland  Information on the Artworks  The works (with one exception) are by Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun. These two artists met at the Glasgow School of Art in 1933. Thereafter they embarked on a single sex relationship at a time when such was strictly illegal.The two became creative partners and played a vital role in mid-20th century British art. The entire exhibition extends to over 100 works some of which have never before been seen in public.    Image of entrance to Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, Scotland    Bitch and Pup by Robert Colquhoun  Ave Maria Lane, 1941 by Robert MacBryde     Still Life, Autumn by Robert MacBryde. c.1950    Man with a Melon by Robert MacBryde. 1952.    Women in Ireland, 1958 by Robert Colquhoun   A portfolio of smaller works ...

Introduction This evening, I am focusing on the Fortingall Yew, Perthshire, Central Scotland. This ancient tree is reputed to be age between 2000 and 5000 years and may be the oldest living thing in Europe.     Information on the Fortingall Yew The tree is located in the churchyard at Fortingall. The location itself is an ancient Christian site dating back to around AD 600. Fortingall is close to Kenmore and Aberfeldy To the west lies Glen Lyon . The village is quaint and features some Arts & Crafts era houses with thatched roofs. Thatched house at Fortingall The Fortingall Yew, whilst still large, is smaller than its original girth of 16 metres measured in 1769. Shrinkage is attributed to removal of wood for drinking cups and souvenirs because of the tree’s association with eternity. Wood removal was on such a scale that an arch formed which was large enough for funeral processions to pass through. However, the tree is now fenced off and protected,...

Introduction This evening, I am posting information and images of a small group hike through South Lanarkshire, S.W.Scotland.  Happy Hikers Information on the South Lanarkshire hike.   The route focused on the valley of the River Avon between Larkhall and Hamilton , including Chatelherault Country Park. The weather was glorious with temperatures in high 20s centigrade. The images below illustrate the pleasant, green landscape with varieties of flora and the River Avon. Lanarkshire has a long history of heavy industry. Here is a park dedicated to the memory of Robert Smillie, an early trade unionist and co-founder of the Labour Party who was employed in coal mines during his early years.  Hiking through Lanarkshire   Lanarkshire Landscape   River Avon, Lanarkshire   Lanarkshire Flora-Wild Hyacinth   Lanarkshire Flora-Yarrow   Robert Smillie Memorial Park, Lanarkshire   Forest Hiking Trail River Avon More Information. For m...

This morning I ventured into Glasgow with ultimate aim of visiting a particular art gallery in the west end.I achieved this but the trip entailed about 5 miles of walking because many streets and bus routes were closed due to the Great Scottish Run taking place.  Here are just some of the 35,000 runners participating the aforementioned Great Scottish Run. In fact the run comprised two races, a 10k and a half marathon.  The first leg of the trip entailed a 2 mile walk into the west end and Kelvingrove Art Gallery . I availed of refreshment here and then moved on through some magnificent Victorian era residential architecture to the Annan Gallery. Here were excellent collections of art and ceramics with former by Scots artist, Blythe Scott. More on this tomorrow. Here is the exterior of the art gallery. Can you spot the sculpture of a feline? if not see image below.    Feline sculpture close to second floor window (third floor in U.S.).This is the third such architect...

 Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on an unusual landscape feature known as a ‘Clootie’ tree. Clootie is Scots for cloth (c.f. Clootie Dumpling ).   Clootie Tree, Ireland Information on the term 'Clootie'.  In practice a person partakes of holy (or medicinal) water from a stream or spring. Thereupon the person ties a piece of personal clothing to a nearby tree, which is usually a hawthorn.  This custom is believed to endow the participants with longevity and good health. I have only encountered this practice on a few occasions. It will be interesting to learn the origin and age of the custom. It appears that the Celts from the iron and bronze age periods had a reverence for water so maybe there is a line going back 2000-3000 years?    Clootie Tree near Glasgow Cathedral    Clootie Tree, Dams to Dranley , Glasgow .  More information on Scotland Visitors are directed to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-916133...