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Old Kilpatrick, Scotland

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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...
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Pottery Festival, Glasgow

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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...
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Robot Ship Arrives at Greenock, Scotland

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  Introduction Today, I visited Greenock on the River Clyde to see the Armada 86 03, a ship which can be operated without crew. Bow section of vessel.    Information on the Armada 86 03 An offshore support vessel owned by Ocean Infinity of Texas. Sails under the flag of Singapore. Launched 2022. The vessel is reported to have a skeleton crew but, ultimately, it and it's sister ships will likely be controlled onshore. Length is 78 metres. Arrived Greenock form Portugal. Will consume only renewable fuel such as ammonia.  The vessel is moored in the James Watt Marina at Greenock. This could be by accident or design because James Watt (1736-1819) was the promoter of leading edge technology of his time by improving efficiency of the steam engine and thereby founded the Industrial Revolution which transformed peoples lives across the world. Below is a statue of James Watt at Greenock.     More Information For more information on Scotland’s industrial his...
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Stonemasons at Work

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 Introduction  This post focuses on the ancient skill of stonemasonry (in Scotland).  Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland More information on Stonemasonry   There is a  saying that England is constructed with bricks as Scotland is constructed of stone.   As most tourists will know, Scotland is liberally endowed with stone resources which have been utilised to build castles, cathedrals, churches, houses, walls and more. Aberdeen is called the ‘granite city’ because most of the buildings are built from local granite whilst, on the other hand, Glasgow is largely built of softer sandstone. All around the countryside and Highlands can be seen stone walls (field boundaries) made from local stone and which last hundreds of years.    Video clip of stonemason at work       Stonemasonry is a skill still in demand today especially for reconstruction and conservation work. The images and video  shown here were taken...
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The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket

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  Introduction This evening, I am reporting on The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket which is currently on display at the Aberdeen Art Gallery. To visit the gallery I undertook a within-the-day trip from Glasgow as reported in my blog of Nov 23rd. Information on the Mary, Queen of Scots Casket Firstly, here is a brief summary of the life of the famous queen (1542-1587): Mary acceded to the Scottish crown before achieving 12 months of age. She became Queen of France, returned to Scotland to resume the crown age 18 then, joined in two failed marriages. Subsequently, she abdicated, travelled to England for sanctuary but was eventually executed there by Elizabeth I for treason. More information on Mary can be found in this blog post. This portrait of Mary was likely commissioned by the French royal family from their court artist to commemorate the marriage of Mary and the Dauphin, future King Francis II of France. This shows a Mary of fearsome intelligence and sophistication. Viva...
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Glasgow's Night Shelter Under Threat

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  Last night, about 10.00pm, in central Glasgow , I experienced a first hand encounter with the homeless crisis we are facing Scotland/U,K.  After leaving a city centre restaurant with my wife I came across a line about 30 persons seeking help/accommodation for the night. With overnight temperature around 0 centigrade/ 32 F sleeping on the streets would not be fun.There is another dimension in that the night shelter concerned has a tenuous existence. The shelter has been refused planning permission (and could close) but has been encouraged by the Council to re-submit their proposal with a more comprehensive plan. The shelter is run by Homeless Project Scotland and offers overnight accommodation for about 30 people on mattresses and serves food to about 350 people a day in the city centre.  In context of the homeless crisis here I have previously reported on good work undertaken by the  Glasgow City Mission   More information for the visitor More information on ...
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Winter Has Arrived in Glasgow

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  Introduction This post provides a selection of images consequent on the arctic air flow which resulted in low temperatures and some overnight  snowfall. Information and Images  Distance shot of Ben Lomond 's snow covered peak, 3196 feet.  Snow- topped Campsie Fells (north)  Snow-capped Kilpatrick Hills (NW)  Unusual visitor to bird feeder. Could be a Nuthatch (feeding upside down). Not sure of id of this bird but could be a Wagtail. Frozen over pond in local park Ducks on frozen pond.  More information for the visitor More information on Glasgow , Scottish history, architecture, culture, etc., can be found in the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle .
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