Nigel's Photo Blog

My blog this evening reports on a fascinating art find in a rural location south of Glasgow. In course of researching a location for landscape images earlier today I encountered a group of abandoned farm buildings which had, effectively, been converted into a de facto art gallery for what appears to be high quality graffiti in good to excellent condition, although bearing in mind the buildings have limited roofing the artwork would not appear to be destined for a long life. Being unprepared for such an encounter I had only a smart phone with me which, nevertheless, has produced a good portfolio of images, as shown herein. To get a better appreciation (enlargement) simply click on the appropriate image.  

This evening, I am posting information on Tobermory, the principal town on Isle of Mull which lies off Scotland's West Coast and opposite the mainland town of Oban from where regular ferry services run to the island. Summary information on Tobermory: Population of 1000. Located near the N.E. tip of Mull. The name translates as 'Mary's Well'. Famous for its harbour which is fronted by a row of pastel coloured houses and commercial properties. Home to Mull's only whisky distillery. Well endowed with hotels and other accommodations plus various specialist shops and eateries. Very popular with visitors as a consequence of which early booking of accommodation is recommended. © Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

This morning, we joined a large hiking group which covered a gentle four mile route known as 'Dams to Darnley' in south Glasgow. The route traversed a patchwork of landscapes including the Barrhead dams, Waulkmill Glen woodland and Darnley Mill, with its mosaic of grassland and wetland habitats. The country park is important for its wildlife and it also has a rich history. Weather today was mild (for time of year) with temperature around 8C/46F.Being winter,the sun was at a low angle but the day remained dry. The region is now mainly comprised of reservoirs but in the early industrial period (18th century) there was extensive bleaching activity in the area focused on wool linen and cotton. In course of the hike we encountered an unusual fungi, swans, a heron, landscape views of Glasgow and what may be a 'Clootie Tree'. The hike took about two hours after which some of the group availed of lunch at a nearby restaurant.  Fungi- Phellinus conchatus Rui

Image above shows interior of dwelling at Skara Brae. This evening, I am posting summary information on a selection of the best prehistoric sites on Orkney which comprises a group of islands lying off the north coast of Scotland. Skara Brae Neolithic Village Located in Sandwick, this stone-age village was in use between 2500 BC and 3100 BC (approx.). Now located on the shore (which is eroding) it is possible the village may have originally been situated close to a fresh-water loch (lake) and well back from the sea. It appears likely that a cataclysmic event, such as a exceptionally violent storm, caused the occupation levels to be covered in sand forcing occupants away with structures and contents frozen in time. The forces of nature intervened again, in 1850, when another storm disturbed the sand covering and exposed the stone village thus acting as a catalyst to archaeological excavation. Ring of Brodgar (or Brogar) Comprises a henge and stone circle located on a

This evening, I am posting information on Dunadd Fort, an important site in the progressive domination of what is now Scotland by a tribe known as the Scotti who came from Ireland during the 5th-6th centuries AD. It took the Gaelic speaking Scots about 350 years to acquire political control of most of Scotland. Dunadd is located in the southern part of Kilmartin Glen which contains a vast prehistoric linear cemetery (comprising stone circles, henges and burial cairns) dating back to around 3000BC. Nearest major town is Oban on the West of Scotland. Summary information on Dunadd: Probably translates as 'Fort on the River Add'. ( Dun=Fort and Add= the local River Add.) Archaeology has dated occupation to between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. The rocky hill (illustrated above) upon which the fort sits is located on one of the last remaining raised bogs in Scotland. It is possible the site may once have been an island thus facilitating communications with Ireland by

This evening, I am posting information on the village of Dornie in the Scottsh Highlands. Dornie is a relatively small village sitting at confluence of Lochs Duich, Alsh and Long. There are shops and accommodation available.Population is 360 persons. Each year about 500,000 people stop off at Dornie but few realise they have been there. This is because the key attraction is the famous Eilean Donan Castle, which is very photogenic and has featured in numerous feature films including James Bond . More information on Dornie: Name is derived from Gaelic and means 'at the pebbly place'.  Located ten miles east of Kyleakin (Isle of Skye) and eleven miles S.E. of Plockton on the mainland. Home to Eilean Donan Castle which was actually completed in its present form in 1932. There has probably been a fortification on the site since the 13th century but the previous fort was blown up by the British Navy in 1719 during one of the Jacobite uprisings ( 1688-1746) and thereaft

(Above image is of competitor approaching finish.) Today, Christmas Day has proved cold and overcast in Glasgow, Scotland with temperature just a tad above freezing. This morning, I cycled round to Pollok Park, primarily to photograph a Christmas themed parkrun but with secondary objective of photographing the small herds of Highland Cows which can be found there. Objectives were met, albeit at cost of suffering from the cold, damp weather. However, have now warmed up again. Assembled runners totalled about 500. Feeding time for Highland Cows  Feeding time for Highland Cows  Runner approaching finish.   Runner approaching finish.  They're off!  Assembled runners.