Nigel's Photo Blog

(Above image is a capture of Speyside scenery near Grantown.) Grantown has a population of around 2000 and a history dating back to 1766 when it was established as a discrete, planned town (unusual for its day in Scotland) by James Grant. The town grew and prospered and today its attractive silver granite buildings are home to a wide number of shops, guest houses, hotels, restaurants and families. The Square, Grantown-on-Spey   Grantown is very well positioned for touring the Speyside whisky distilleries. In the locality there are opportunities for salmon fishing, water sports, hiking, bird watching and visiting gardens. Grantown is also well positioned for travel to Inverness and the North East, including Aberdeen. Location is about 36 miles S.E. of Inverness. More Information- River Spey: Grantown is close to the Spey which is the second longest and fastest flowing river in Scotland. The Spey helped to fashion the local landscape which in turn produces

(Image above us a capture of a Highland Dancing competition.) During the period May to September each year a wide range of communities throughout Scotland hold a Highland Games event. The two largest and most prestigious Games events are: Cowal Highland Games at Dunoon, about 34 miles N.W. of Glasgow, a distance which includes a ferry crossing.This event takes place during the final weekend in August. Braemar Gathering at Braemar, a village located about 58 miles west of Aberdeen. The British Royals are usually represented at this event which is situated relatively close to Balmoral Castle.The event is held on the first Saturday of September. Heavy Athletics The Games in their current form date from the 19th century with each event having a range of competitions which may include: Caber Tossing Hammer Throw Shot Put Tug o'war Hill Race Highland Dancing Solo Piping Masses Bands Junior Athletics Wrestling Senior Athletics. Solo Piping There may side show

The Edinburgh Fringe is the world's largest arts festival  which usually spans about 25 days during August each year. It is a celebration of theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, music, opera, music, exhibitions and events. Budding stars have emerged into the limelight at this festival. Typically, the event will comprise about 55,000 performances of about 3500 different shows in over 300 venues. During the period of the Fringe the top half of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and parts of Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens are populated with promotional displays to entice visitors to purchase tickets for specific events. Information on tickets and programmes can be obtained from the Fringe website. The street theatre, as illustrated herein, attracts high volumes of people in a relaxed and fun environment.   © Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

(Above image is a capture of the Jacobite Express steaming between Glenfinnan and Mallaig.) Scotland benefits from three operational steam train services all of which are aimed at the enthusiast and tourist market. Jacobite Express Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct This operates along a section of Scotland's rugged west coast, between Fort William and Mallaig in the Highlands region. The trip has been designated by some as one of the world's great rail journeys. There is another dimension in that the train was used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series and as such attracts large numbers of family groups during the peak summer period. This train is operated by West Coast Railways and visitors are advised to check that company's website for timings and other details. Booking ahead is recommended to avoid disappointment. A trip between Fort William and Mallaig takes the best part of one full day, typically departing Fort William at 10.15 am

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an extremely popular event which usually takes place during the first three weeks of August each year. Potential attendees should check the Tattoo website for details.Timing coincides with the peak tourist season an entails some overlap with another popular Edinburgh event, the Edinburgh Fringe. The term ‘Tattoo’ is derived from ‘turn off the taps’ which was used when army camps in days past were vacated prior to action or a campaign, The modern Tattoo comprises about 1 hr 45 minutes of colourful and well organised military bands, marching and various dancing and other displays by both military and non-military groups from Britain and elsewhere. Because of the popularity and timing of the event, visitors who wish to attend are strongly recommended to purchase tickets as soon as they become available, usually by January of the year of the preferred performance. Details and prices can be found on the Tattoo event's website. The

(Above image is a capture of a traditional loom weaver at work.) Scotland has a long and continuing association with the textile industry. From the 18th century through to the mid-20th century cotton and thread mills were common, many of them originally water powered. Today, key centres of activity are focused on manufacture of cashmere products and Harris Tweed. Harris Tweed Dyeing wool on Harris Production exclusively takes place on the islands of Lewis and Harris part of a chain of islands off Scotland's west coast known as the Outer Hebrides.This product is trademarked and protected under the auspices of the Harris Tweed Authority which was established by the U.K. Parliament in 1993. The Act specifies that Harris Tweed must be: “ Handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides. “ Additionally, ancillary processes such as dying, spinnin

 (Image above captures a group of inquisitive locals.) This evening, I am posting summary information on the 95 mile long West Highland Way hiking trail which runs from Milngavie (Glasgow) in S.W Scotland to Fort William, directly north, in the Highlands. Hints and Tips Most participants travel from south to north although there is no obligation to do so. In the summer life can be made unpleasant by midges, tiny mosquitoes, which are notorious for their bites.Various counter measures are available including skin creams and headnets. The route is usually best attempted between Spring and Autumn (Fall). Some outdoor activity companies will provide a package comprising itinerary, lodgings and baggage transfer. Variations of this route are available. There is no obligation to cover the entire 95 miles. DAY 1 The first stage starts Milngavie, an upscale outer Glasgow suburb, and then north passing through Blanefield, Dumgoyne, Killearn and Gartness with first ov