Nigel's Photo Blog

(Above image is a capture of scenery in the Wester Ross region.) Readers of my blog with good memories may recall my post of May 8th 2019 covering the 516 miles North Coast 500 driving route around the northern Highlands of Scotland which commences Inverness then heads west to Gairloch and Ullapool, then along the north coast through Durness and Wick before returning to Inverness via the east coast. An outline of the route can be found in the map below. Some have deemed the NC500 to vie for ranking as the world's number one scenic driving route. To do justice to the route usually takes about five days, partly because many of the roads are slow-going because of them being narrow and single track. The NC 500 route was initiated in 2015 and has proved to be a great success, encompassing some of Scotland's most stunning and scenic landscapes, and generating millions of pounds in tourist revenue. Route of NC 500 Today's Times and other newspapers carry reports

This evening I am posting information on Kildrummy Castle, an extensive ruin which is located about 35 miles N.W. of Aberdeen, between the rivers Don and Dee, in N.E. Scotland. Summary information as follows: Ancient seat oi the earls of Mar which commands strategic routes from the south into Moray and Buchan. Visited by Edward I of England in 1296 and 1303 in context of his military endeavours to dominate Scotland in what were known as the Wars of Independence. In 1306 King Robert the Bruce (Scotland) placed the castle under the care of his brother, Neil Bruce. In the summer of 1306 the English attacked  with the garrison forced to surrender following an arson attack by a traitor within the castle. Neil Bruce was later executed at Berwick. Edward lingered at the castle undertaking repairs to the damaged gatehouse. In 1335, during the Second War of Independence, a disaffected group of Scottish nobles joined forces with Edward III who attacked the castle with an army led by

(Above image is a capture of a beach/coastal scene.) The Outer Hebrides or Western Isles consist of a 130 mile long (210 Km.) chain off the west of the Scottish mainland. The Hebrides stretch between latitudes 57-58 N. There are many uninhabited islands but the ten populated islands are: Lewis (including Great Bernera), Harris, Scalpay, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. Access from the mainland is by air or ferry. More Information These islands have much to offer the visitor including: Prehistory (stone circles and brochs), photography, wildlife, Harris Tweed manufacture , Gaelic culture, golf, clan history and private ancestry research, castles, geology, Viking influences, quaint thatched cottages, peat workings , crofting, glorious sandy beaches, seafood and much more. Barra (Eilean Bharraigh) Located near the southern tip of the Hebrides island chain, Barra  is just 8 miles (13 Km) long and centred around t

(Above image is a capture of free roaming Highland Cows in the Highlands.) Although Scotland is a relatively small country, measuring 441 km (274 miles) from north to south. and between 38.8 km (24.25 miles) and 248 km. (155 miles) east to west, visitors can chose between a wide range of themes and places of interest as summarised below. Ancestry and Genealogy. Descendants of emigrants from days past can connect with family history and places associated with their ancestors. Scottish Clans Many persons of Scottish descent carry clan names such as MacDonald, Campbell, Munro, Armstrong, etc.. Many of the clans operate on the basis of extended families headed by a hereditary clan chieftain and run clan reunions from time to time. There are opportunities for visitors to visit castles and grand houses associated with specific clans and/or attend reunions. Clan Munro Sightseeing The catalyst for Scottish tourism in the 19th century was the stunning and varied scener

(Above image is a capture of Iona Abbey.) This evening, I am posting information on the tiny island of Iona which is primarily known as the site which St. Columba chose for a monastery in AD 563 and which became a centre for the introduction of  Irish (Celtic) Christianity to  northern Britain. Later a medieval abbey was built and then in the 20th century the Iona Community was established. Most of the island of Iona and associated islets are now owned and managed by Scotland’s National Trust, a heritage organization,and thus preserved for posterity. Iona Ferry More Information In common with other parts of western Scotland, Iona was periodically occupied and cultivated from Neolithic times (4000 BC) through to the Iron Age (400 AD). The remote location may have influenced the 42 year old Columba to establish a monastery there in AD 563 as such isolated and inhospitable sites were favoured by the early Irish/Celtic church. Type of vessel used by St Columba

Castle Campbell, Clackmannanshire This evening, I am posting information on the romantic and imposing Castle Campbell which dominates Dollar Glen and is located in central Scotland, about thirty-five miles N.W. of Edinburgh.Summary information on the castle is provided below. Most of the building dates from the 15th century although it may have evolved from an earlier, 12th century, motte and bailey castle. In common with many Scottish castles, the building was high status and positioned to display wealth and power. Location provided added benefit of proximity to Scottish royalty,very advantageous for an owner who aspired to improve his standing and status. Key aspects of the castle are: Main Courtyard; Tower House; Hall and Chamber Range; East Range; and the south-facing Terraced Gardens. Tower House, Castle Campbell Acquired by the Campbells in the second half of the 15th century. Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll took control around 1465 when

(Above capture is image is a capture of Dunkeld Cathedral taken from the south.) Background This evening, I am posting information on Dunkeld Cathedral in central Scotland, about forty six miles north of Stirling. The Cathedral, which is pleasantly situated on the banks of the River Tay, is dedicated to early Christian missionary, St. Columba who is famous for the 6th century AD site at Iona on the West of Scotland. Today, Dunkeld is a prosperous country town located in Highland Perthshire and popular with visitors. For a brief time in the past Dunkeld was at the heart of the early Christian Church in Scotland. This status arose when King Kenneth McAlpin had part of the relics of St. Columba brought to Dunkeld in AD 849, probably for security in the face of Viking raids. Prior to this event, a wattle fabric, Celtic Church had been established on the site in AD 570 by missionaries known as Culdees. This building was rebuilt in stone by Kenneth McAlpin in  AD 848.