Nigel's Photo Blog

Tonight, I am reporting on a broch the remains of which is located close to Croick Church on which I have reported previously.Location is about 48 miles north of Inverness In essence brochs:  Comprise tall, round towers which are not dissimilar to modern-day lighthouses. Feature walls which were double-skinned and tapered. No mortar was used. The walls were bonded together at intervals by rows of flat slabs. Contain stairs were constructed between the double walls which provided access to galleries and small rooms on separate stories. Are invariably located on prominent positions on the landscape. Likely high status homes for a local chieftain type person and his extended family and animals. Feature ground level access via a small, narrow entrance which could be easily defended. Number about 500 which are concentrated in the north, particularly the Northern Isles (Orkney and Shetland), Western Isles and Caithness on the mainland. Date...

This post follows from related posts of April 25th and April 26th . Herein is a curated portfolio of images taken at the reserve.  Sunrise - at 5.30 am    Family group of Red Deer View North at about 650ft elevation. View of Alladale river flowing from SW Another view of Alladale river flowing from SW Bird-to be identified. Woodland Primroses Close up of wild Primroses Landscape view Unusual Tree Fungi Mountains View Robin Gorse in flower Unusual conical shape tree in centre of image. More information For more information on a wide range of aspects please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle .

Introduction To an extent this post is a continuum of that of yesterday . However, this records a trip deep into the 23,000 acre wilderness which is located in Scotland's N.W. Highlands., Information on the trip into Alladale Wilderness Reserve.  The trip was undertaken in a private car along single-track, forestry type roads with surfaces having a fair share of potholes resulting in a slow and cautious speed.  The particular route started in a SW direction before veering off to the NW. As will be evident from the images herein the trail followed the line of of a valley bounded by mountains. The landscape appears bland which is because it is predominantly covered by heather which will not flower until late August/early September. On flowering of the heather the landscape with burst into a riot of purple heather flowers. The area is remote and very quiet with negligible traffic.Wildlife sightings were restricted to birds and insects. Readers should note the rounded and smooth f...

This evening, I am providing a portfolio of images (and videos) taken during a one-day trip into the Scottish Highlands. These illustrate the wonderful scenery on offer - and scope for photography.   River Carron, Alladale Estate  Aviemore Station  Dornoch Firth   Dornoch Firth Dornoch Firth Video clip of Dornoch Firth     Culloden Railway Viaduct Landscape near Inverness Cairngorms Landscape Highland Perthshire Landscape (Dalguise) Cairngorms Landscape Cairngorms Landscape Cairngorms Landscape River Garry River Tay River Tay Farming landscape in Perthshire More information For more information on Scotland's tourist sites  please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. This ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This is also available via Kindle.

 Introduction This afternoon, I am posting information on the Falls of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands . This feature can be seen from a viewing platform on side of the A82 highway at Allt-na-Ruigh, a few miles east of the Village of Glencoe . View of Falls of Glencoe and mountains beyond Information on the Falls of Glencoe   Water volumes fluctuate throughout the year as a function of precipitation levels and snow melt. Fixed images shown herein reflect medium flows.The video at foot of post was taken during a heavy flow. The Glencoe region ranks as one of Scotland’s top visitor sites, famous for its rugged scenery, geology, ecology, and outdoor activities which include climbing, skiing , hiking and photography. Glencoe is located on the west of Scotland about 18 miles south of Fort William and 94 miles north of Glasgow . Falls of Glencoe, Scotland    Video clip of the falls in full spate. More information For more information on Scotland'...

Introduction  This evening, I am focusing on the small town of Castlebay on the Isle of Barra which is located on the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides.   Kisimul Castle, Barra, Hebrides Information on Castlebay  Castlebay is an important ferry port for the Outer Hebrides (direct link with Oban ), has a major castle sitting proudly in the bay and is home to a sizeable hotel for visitors.   Kisimul Castle is an impregnable fortress with a long association with Clan MacNeill.It has a three storey tower within a curtain wall which almost completely encloses the rock on which it stands.There are two artesian wells and a fish trap to aid resistance against sieges. The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to visitors who gain access via small boat.   In addition to the castle and hotel there is a church and a few small shops.   Castlebay Hotel and Restaurant, Barra, Hebrides   Castlebay, Barra, Hebri...