Nigel's Photo Blog

 Introduction This evening, I am posting a video, images and comment on one of the most famous cannons in Scotland, ‘Mons Meg’. This 6 ton monster, which dates dates from 1457, is located at Edinburgh Castle and proves very popular with the tourists as a backdrop for photo shoots.   Information on Mons Meg   The names ‘Mons’ reflects its origins at Mons in Belgium whilst ‘Meg’ is an abbreviation for Margaret. The cannon was gifted to King James II (of Scotland) but its weight militated against practical use in mobile warfare and the artillery piece was retired in 1650. The cannon was cutting edge military technology of it's day, roughly comparable with today's stealth bomber. Firing range was an incredible two miles.  The mere presence (or threat of it's presence) could intimidate siege targets into submission. The cannon was used in conflicts with Crookston Castle , Dumbarton Castle and Norham Castle. Manoeuvrability was restricted by the cannon's sheer siz...

 Introduction This evening I am reporting on yesterday's trip to Dumbarton Rock on the Firth of Clyde . Location is about 20 miles NW of Glasgow .   Information on the trip to Dumbarton Rock We aligned our visit to coincide with predicted good weather, which, thankfully, proved accurate.This facilitated some useful landscape photography which benefited from the high elevation (250 ft ) platforms. This site is sometimes known at Dumbarton Castle. However the ancient volcanic geology lends itself to defence, latterly a cannon platform, and hence the site is devoid of conventional castle defences with thick masonry walls and towers. The site has a 1600 year history as a power base and military function which I will elaborate on tomorrow.    View north with the town of Dumbarton in the foreground and famous Ben Lomond (mountain) in the distance.The moorings and defunct shipyards point to a history of shipbuilding in the past.This harbour links with the river Clyd...

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Dalhousie Castle Hotel, a four star rated establishment in the east of Scotland . Image of Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Bonnyrigg. Information on Dalhousie Castle Hotel Summary facts and information: Located about ten miles south of Edinburgh , Scotland’s capital city. Country parkland location close to River Esk. Dates from 13th century. Historic connection with Clan Ramsay. Provides Aqueous Spa facilities. A popular weddings venue. Is home to a falconry and birds of prey centre which guests can visit and fly birds under supervision. Falconry at Dalhousie Castle Hotel    Aspect of Dalhousie Castle Hotel Internal design at Dalhousie Castle Hotel    Aspect of Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Scotland Chapel at Dalhousie Castle Hotel Clan Ramsay Crest, Dalhousie Castle Hotel More information For more information on Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is a...

 P.S.Waverley at departure point this morning.  Introduction Today proved somewhat disappointing. I had an early start in order to reach the River Clyde in Glasgow to connect with the start of a nine hour cruise on the veteran  (78 years old) paddle steamer, Waverley . However, despite a two hour delay (on board) the trip was eventually cancelled due to technical problems with the engine.I will have to try and book again next week. I particularly like these trips because of the wonderful photography on offer as the ship navigates around some stunning, west coast scenery.  Photographs Despite the cancellation I did manage to obtain a small portfolio of interesting images plus a video. Glasgow and River Clyde this morning.  Map of potential routes on Firth of Clyde.    Cormorant drying it's wings this morning.    Squiggly Bridge across the Clyde on a sullen morning. Video clip of the Waverley's Triple Expansion Steam Engine 'ticking over'. ...

  Introduction This evening, I am providing information on Newquay in north Cornwall, England (pop 24,000), a popular visitor site.   Unusual architectural feature (one of a pair) overlooking the harbour.        Information on Newquay     Newquay is mainly orientated towards domestic, U.K. visitors who are attracted by the sandy beaches, wide range of activities and, generally, benign weather conditions. Newquay Harbour    The town can be accessed by road, rail, bus and air.    Newquay is probably the premier surfing destination in the U.K. Additionally, there are a wide range of other activities and visitor attractions including: aquarium, zoo,hiking, cycling, photography, fishing, paddle boarding, tennis, golf, coasteering, riding, kayaking and go karting. Visitors are accommodated via a wide range of hotels and b&b type establishments. The town has a long-standing sea fishing industry as a consequ...

  Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on two richly carved pieces of 9th century AD 'Celtic' crosses, One is known as the 'King's Cross' or 'Doniert's Stone' whilst the second stone is known as 'The Other Half Stone'. Location is St. Cleer, Liskeard, PL14 6EG close to location of my previous post covering the much older Trethevy Quoit . Information on the two crosse s. This is the 'King's Cross'. It is actually the decorated granite base for Celtic a memorial cross which dates to the late 9th century AD. It is thought to commemorate Doniert, the last recorded king of Cornwall.Doniert was the Latin version of 'Dungarth'. He drowned about AD875. There is a mortise hole cut into the top of the stone which is there to accommodate fitting of a stone cross. An interlace pattern features on three sides of the stone.On the fourth side is a Latin inscription (shown) which translates as "Doniert has begged prayers for his so...