Nigel's Photo Blog

This evening, I am posting information on one of Scotland’s lesser known castles, namely Drumin which is located on Speyside and conveniently situated to add variety to the Speyside Whisky Trail. About 2 miles north of The Glenlivet Distillery. Briefly, Drumin is open all year round and free to enter. It was a small castle possibly dating to the late 14th century and may have been built by Alexander Stewart aka “Wolf of Badenoch”. Drum is notable for its 2m thick walls. It may have been built on the site of a much earlier Iron Age fort or Dun. A pleasant location next to the River Livet..  NB : Check in advance of visit to confirm access as remediation work has featured in recent years.  Video Clip  Briefly, Drumin is open all year round and free to enter. It was a small castle possibly dating to the late 14th century and may have been built by Alexander Stewart aka “Wolf of Badenoch”. Drumin is notable for its 2m thick wal...

Introduction This evening, I am posting information and photographs describing a small group hike around the landscape near the Bridge of Weir (pop 5000). This town lies about 15 miles directly west of Glasgow in the West of Scotland.  Walking the Walk near Bridge of Weir  Information on the around Bridge of Weir Although weather was benign the ground was saturated as a function of wet weather. As will be evident from the images below, the route encompassed a small river, a Hereford Bull, rare breed ‘Jacob’ sheep, watery sunsets, swans, interesting architecture, a fishing pool and a dog walker. The route covered about seven miles.  Swan traversing Knapps Loch, Kilmacolm, Scotland Rare Jacob sheep with four horns Aquatic sunset near Bridge of Weir, Scotland Dog walker Landscape at sunset Pond near Bridge of Weir Watery landscape near Bridge of Weir Bovine crowned landscape  River Gryfe, Mount Zion Church, Quarriers Village...

 Introduction This evening, I am focusing on the village of Mortlach, near Dufftown in Speyside . This is the heart of Scotland’s whisky industry View of Mortlach   Information on Mortlach The key features of Mortlach are: A very ancient Christian settlement contemporary with Whithorn and Iona , i.e.back to around the 6th century AD. The current church building incorporates features dating to the 13th century.    Mortlach Church       Dufftown Distillery, a major producer of whisky for blending. Giant’s Chair Walk embracing a wooded gorge, waterfall and river.   Looking slightly further afield, options for the visitor include Balvenie Castle, Glenfiddich Distillery , Balvenie Distillery , Speyside Cooperage and the Keith and Dufftown Railway. More information The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland provides a wide range of information including the Scotch Whisky Industry and Speyside. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. ...

Introduction This year, 2025, is being celebrated at the 850th anniversary of Glasgow 's founding. The founding date of 1175 records the year in which the city was granted burgh status by King William 1st of Scotland (1143-1214).The burgh status strongly points to the city already having achieved a certain commercial standing by then. A burgh entitled a town/city to hold markets and engage in trade.   More information on Glasgow's history   It is very likely that Glasgow has a history stretching back well into the first millennium.There are a number of pointers to this,viz: The name Glasgow is derived from the Brittonic glas-cau  which translates as 'green hollow'. Brittonic is linked to modern-day Welsh and appears to have been the default language of mainland Britain until arrival of the Gaels (to Scotland) around the 5th century and Anglo-Saxons (to England) around the 6th century. There is archaeological evidence of dug-out canoes and similar boats and a Crannog bot...

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on a trip to the southern islands of the Outer Hebrides chain off the west coast of Scotland.   Castlebay, Barra Information on the Outer Hebrides trip This morning, we arrived at Castlebay after an 11 hour crossing from Oban on the Scottish mainland.This journey had taken twice the normal time due to delays caused by severe weather conditions. Upon arrival at Castlebay we checked into the hotel for a freshen up and breakfast and then commenced a tour of the island taking in: The magnificent sandy beaches and coastline resplendent in the sunshine. Ancient religious site of Cille Bhara which dates from the 12th century but with a Christian heritage dating back to the 7th century. Traigh Mhor Airport, Barra’s unique beach landing strip. Here we waited patiently for a scheduled plane to land but it failed to arrive and we eventually gave up. Mid afternoon we caught the ferry to Eriskay, across the Sound of Barra, an...

  Introduction This evening I am reporting on a recent, very satisfying, dining experience at Ranjit's Kitchen in Glasgow Southside. The proprietor/chef is a lady (Ranjit).    Information on the dining experience For some time my wife and myself have been aware of the excellent reputation of Ranjit's Kitchen but location and access have tended to conspire against a visit. However, together with two friends we finally made it yesterday evening.Here is feedback: Style: Punjabi, vegetarian. Location: 607 Pollokshaw's Road. This is a clogged artery with difficult parking. However, we travelled by bus which proved very convenient. Opening hours 12.00-8.30pm, Tuesday-Sunday. No prior reservations.Just turn up and hope for availability.  Seating: Basic (benches). Flavours: Bold and sophisticated.  Menu: Includes pakora, sabjis, alloos, rotis and parathas. Atmosphere:Bustling and full to capacity. Service: Relaxed, minimal but pleasant. Price: Outstanding value.  ...