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Exploring Alladale Wilderness Reserve

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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...
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Scottish Highlands Trip

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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.
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Falls of Glencoe, Scotland

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 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'...
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Castlebay, Barra

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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...
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Boer War Memorial, Stirling

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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...
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Church of Holy Rude

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  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 ...
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Stirling Distillery

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  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...
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