Nigel's Photo Blog

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...

A few days ago I paid a visit to the city of Stirling in central Scotland. This included a walk around the burial ground connected to the Church of the Holy Rude which is adjacent to Stirling Castle . The latter was a British Army base until the 1960s. The church burial ground is popular with visitors. Whilst walking along one of the paths I noticed an eroded and inconspicuous small memorial which refers to various battles and sieges during the Second Boer War which occurred Oct 11th, 1899-   May 31st 1902.I assume the memorial's location is due to proximity to the castle and it's military connections. Several Scottish regiments played an active role in the conflict. The Boer War took place in South Africa when the Boers (descendants of Dutch farmers) were challenging Britain's endeavours to incorporate the region into it's empire.Although the British forces ultimately prevailed such victory came at a huge cost of military and civilian suffering. For ease of reference...

  Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on one of Scotland's most historic churches which is located a very short distance from Stirling 's famous castle . Information on the Church of the Holy Rude. Named after the Holy Rood, a relic of the true cross on which Christ was crucified. Original church on site was founded in 1129 but destroyed by fire in 1405. Current building constructed over period 1414-1530.  King James VI of Scotland was crowned in the church on July 29th 1567. The church contains many fine stained glass windows. There is a historic churchyard lying primarily to the west and north-west on the church. Burial markers date from the 16th century.  The church forms part of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). Until 1560 the current church and it's predecessor would have been part of the Roman Catholic congregation. Music plays an important role in the life of the church, The 4 manual organ is Scotland's largest pipe organ. Recitals and major concerts ...

  Yesterday I visited Scotland's smallest whisky distillery. Stirling Distillery is also one of the country's youngest distilleries, after starting life in 2019. Location is the heart of Stirling , close to the city's famous castle . In common with many such start-ups early production focused on gin which does not require the three year minimum maturation period which is mandatory for whisky. However, whisky production has continued in the background with 320 bottles scheduled for release-biannually- from 2027. Early whisky releases will be via the King James Cask Club. This club is built around the VI Casks for King James. This is a six bottle collection drawn from six distinct cask finishes: bourbon, sherry, port, rum, red wine and Madeira.King James VI (1566-1625) spent his early years at nearby Stirling Castle and later assumed the throne of England as well with title James I. The distillery is built on a philosophy of small- batch production, premium quality and a conn...

Introduction This evening, I am focusing on Muckross House, an Irish heritage property situated close to the popular town of Killarney in S.W. Ireland . Location is about 300 km (180 m) or 3.5 hours from Dublin .  Muckross House, Kerry, Ireland Information on Muckross House  This property was designed by Scottish architect, William Burn for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Mary Balfour Herbert. Construction was completed in 1843. Queen Victoria visited in 1861. As will be evident from the images herein, the location benefits from a mild, wet climate which facilitates the lush and well maintained gardens for which Muckross is renowned. Other attractions at Muckross include: Farms Restaurant Craft Shop Tours of the interior which remains set in the Victorian period. Torc Waterfall. Jaunty Car (horse and buggy) rides. Lough Leane (lake). Muckross is well positioned for start/finish of a tour of the Ring of Kerry . Video clip of Lough Leane, parkland and Muckro...

Introduction Overnight, April 4th/5th, SW Scotland was predicted to be hit by very strong winds associated with Storm Dave.However, insofar as Glasgow was concerned, the veracity fell well short of that predicted. Nevertheless, Storm Dave did leave a legacy of volatile weather as manifested today, varying between heavy snow showers and bright sunshine. Today, April 5th.  At breakfast time we had a visit from one of the local urban fox community which availed of a grooming session on our back lawn. Visiting Fox   After breakfast I ventured out on a walk. Following a coffee stop in Giffnock I encountered a heavy snow storm which lasted about 15 minutes.This seemed to provide more actual snow than we experienced throughout the entire winter.  Video of snow storm in Giffnock   Next, I walked on for about 2 miles to a high elevation spot at Deaconsbank Golf Course. By the time I reached this destination the snow had given way to bright sunshine. This location afford...