Nigel's Photo Blog

  Tonight, I am reporting on the 1726 ft (526m) high, Ben Bulben, part of the Dartry Mountains in County Sligo, Ireland.(Here are links to the town of Sligo and a tour of Western Ireland incorporating Ben Bulben.) The mountain's distinctive shape was formed during the last ice age which ended about 12,000 years ago. In common with the Dartry mountains, Ben Bulben is comprised of limestones on top of mudstones which date back up to 345 million years ago.Fossils can be found in the various layers. Access can be obtained from dedicated walking and climbing routes. A variety of plants can be found on the mountain including arctic-alpine species. The fringed sandwort has been present since the last ice age.Other notable flora include Alpine saxifrage, Arabidopsis, arctic meadow-rue, bluebells, Meconopsis, Poa alpina, Polystichum lonchitis and snowbed willow. Fauna include badger, hare and fox. There is also an avian population of red-billed chough.

Kilmuir Graveyard, Trotternish, Isle of Skye , Scotland   This evening, I am posting information on a burial ground with a very ancient lineage, possibly dating back to the early medieval period. The kil  name indicates an early Christian site, possibly from around the 6th century whilst muir  could be corruption of a saint’s name or word for sea, which is adjacent. Kilmuir  Graveyard is located on the northern tip of the Isle of Skye, in the Trotternish region, between Uig and Duntulm. It is accessed along the same track as the outdoor Skye Museum of Island Life. The most famous burial at Kilmuir is that of Flora MacDonald (1722-1790) who is famous for assisting Bonnie Prince Charlie e scape the pursuing British after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The burial site faces seawards, towards Flora’s home of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Other important personages interred at Kilmuir include: Angus Martin Charles MacArthur, hereditary piper to the local Ma

 Anstruther Fish Bar, Scotland This evening, I am focusing on what has become a Scottish culinary institution, namely the Anstruther Fish Bar on Scotland’s Fife Coast. This ‘bar’ is actually a fast food fish restaurant which is extremely popular, enjoying patronage from both locals and visitors as a function of the high quality, value for money menus which are mainly sourced from locally caught seafood. Here can be found a classic fish and chip meal plus many other menu options, both hot and cold. Quality of food has resulted in many industry awards in the past. Inside Anstruther Fish Bar  There are two basic options for diners: traditional ‘take away’ ( to go) or sit in at  the restaurant. Either way, queues can form in the summer when visitor numbers are high and forward planning is essential as table reservations are not possible. Tour Guest Diners at Anstruther Fish Bar Annexed to the restaurant is an ice cream and sweet (candy) shop. Here is a video clip of Anstrut

Scott Monument, Princes Street, Edinburgh This evening, I am focusing on the Scott Monument in Princes Street , Edinburgh , Scotland. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and Princess Street is the principal shopping area. This monument was erected in 1844 to commemorate the life ( 1771-1832) of romantic novelist, Sir Walter Scott who achieved worldwide fame principally through his series of twenty-six romantic, historical novels collectively known at the Waverley Novels which include such famous works as: Heart of Midlothian Ivanhoe Rob Roy Lady of the Lake Waverley The Fortunes of Nigel. Guy Mannering. Sir Walter also produced poetry and prose. His writings covered the period 1799- 1831 and acted as a catalyst for tourism in Scotland during the 19th century. Scott’s former home at Abbotsford , near Melrose in the Scottish Borders is now a visitor attraction. Waverley Bridge and Scott Monument, Edinburgh   Key features of the above Monument are: Interior is accessibl

   Above image illustrates the flood at a sports field known as King George's Field. During the past 24 hours Glasgow, in common with rest of the British Isles, felt the force of Storm Isha. This entailed pulses of rain and extreme winds.In the east of Scotland, near Dundee , wind speeds reached over 100mph. The storm resulted in at least three deaths plus massive disruption to transport, particularly rail. The images herein illustrate the flooding and tree damage in Glasgow Southside. Another storm, of slightly less veracity, is due to arrive tomorrow. This has been named Storm Jocelyn. Another image of King George's Field where the water could be about two feet deep. Downed tree at Rouken Glen Downed tree at Rouken Glen Downed tree at Rouken Glen Downed tree at Rouken Glen  Damaged information board at Rouken Glen Will see how Storm Jocelyn unfolds tomorrow.

 Abraham Lincoln Statue at Scottish-American Soldiers Memorial   This evening, I am posting information on Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh where are buried some of Scotland’s learned and celebrated personages from the 18th and 19th centuries, viz: David Hume, Philosopher and Historian: 1776 David Allan, Historical Painter: 1796 William Woods, Actor: 1802 Daniel Stewart, founder of Daniel Stewart Hospital: 1814 Professor John Playfair, Mathematician and Philosopher: 1819 Archibald Constable, Publisher: 1829 Thomas Reid, Horologist: 1831 William Blackwood, Founder of Blackwood’s Magazine: 1834 Charles Mackay, Actor: 1857 Thomas Hamilton, R.S.A., Architect:1858 Rev. Principal Candish D.D.: 1873 Lord Gifford: 1887 James Lumsden, Scottish Vocalist: 1899 There is also a Scottish-American Soldiers Memorial with statue of Abraham Lincoln. The cemetery is in the centre of Edinburgh, off Waterloo Place and close to Calton Hill. Video clip of cemetery

 Unusual ice patterns on frozen pond.  Whilst this morning was extremely cold there were upsides in form of crystal clear visibility and low angle sun which allowed me to continue to exploit unique photo opportunities. The images herein were taken in and around Rouken Glen Country Park in Glasgow Southside. Robin outside Garden Centre Icicle at waterfall Auldhouse Burn (stream) meandering through woodland. A pair of crows. These birds are highly intelligent and track a lady dog walker as she moves through the park. When she gets to the rock outcrop (for a rest) they are usually rewarded with a few dog biscuits. Pooch of the day: 12 week old Pomeranian It seems that 'normal' conditions will resume over the weekend, i.e wet and windy with an uplift in temperature.

  Temperature today is well below freezing but we have avoided the snowfall that has bedevilled the north of Scotland. Image above shows view north with snow covered Campsie Fells in background. Here is another view north with the snow covered hills. By pure chance I was in the right place at right time to capture this image of a 'plane coming into land at Glasgow Airport. Here is a frosty image: Icicles at Rouken Glen  Seven Swans a Swanning (in frozen pond at Rouken Glen)  Another cold 24 hours are in prospect before the temperature starts to lift.  

  This evening, I am posting information on the Dock Basin on the Leith Waterfront which lies on the southern coast of the Firth of Forth (estuary) in eastern Scotland. Leith is a town situated directly north of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. This particular location attracts large visitor numbers each year due to a combination of the (now retired) R oyal Yacht Britannia and a major shopping mall (Ocean Terminal). This basin is where the Water of Leith  (river) flows into the Firth of Forth . Here can be found a number of docks including the Albert Docks. The video clip shown above was taken from a point close to the Royal Yacht and covering about 180 degrees looking north. Merchandising at Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith   Inside Ocean Terminal Shopping Mall, Leith   Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith, Scotland

 Grey Heron near Riverford Road  Despite being mid-winter, conditions today provided outstanding opportunities for photography.  We had a combination of sub-zero temperatures, cloudless sky with low angle sun and a dusting of snow on frozen ground. First, I headed off to Queen's Park in south Glasgow which offers a high elevation vantage point looking north across the city. Next to the local ponds where there was a collection of water birds. Finally, I caught the wrong bus back which forced me to walk home. En-route and by pure happenchance I found myself standing just a few feet from an imperious Grey Heron. Image of Glasgow looking north with Campsie Fells (hills) in distance. Part frozen pond in Queen's Park Moorhen standing on one leg on frozen pond Coot sitting in ice. Contrary to initial impression the bird was not frozen to surface. The Heron was a special bonus. Despite being out and about most days of the week a sighting of this bird category is very unusual, restricte

 Tree planting volunteers at work   This morning, by happenchance, I encountered a small group of people, spanning all ages, hard at work in sort of digging activity in the local country park. Upon enquiry I learned that this was a tree planting exercise (native species) undertaken under the aegis of TCV a conservation charity focused on nature. I was very encouraged to see this activity. The particular park is popular with locals and well managed but maybe 20pct of the tree and shrub population is invasive and non-native, e.g. bamboo and rhododendron. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to plant one of the young saplings. Here is 'my' sapling (to left of spade). Volunteers at work Lead volunteer with bunch of saplings

Tourists capturing images of firing of the One O’Clock Gun This evening, I am posting information on the One O’Clock at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. This popular tourist attraction dates back 157 years when it was set up as an aid to navigation for ships using the ports of Leith and Firth of Forth over two miles away. The only alternative at the time was the Calton Hill Time Ball which was often obscured by adverse weather or being out of line of sight.Thus, an audible signal offered advantages. Maritime navigation technology has moved on considerably over the past century and a half but the gun-firing tradition continues. Original weapon was a 18-pound gun but today a L118 Light Gun supplied by the Royal Artillery is used. Firing the One O’Clock at Edinburgh Castle

 Sculling on River Clyde with Glasgow city in background Tonight, I am reprising a trip to central Glasgow, Scotland via Glasgow Green which afforded an opportunity to view sculling training on the Clyde. Rowing and sculling on the River Clyde at Glasgow is an activity which has been formalised for at least 150 years using a course between the Tidal Weir at Glasgow Green and Belvidere Straight. Sculling is not permitted in the commercial river channel between Greenock and Glasgow . Oarsman with whisky distillery in background Participants of rowing and sculling must comply with the River Clyde Rowing Rules. Clubs include the Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club and the Glasgow University Boat Club. There is an annual regatta in May. Ladies Four

Image of Castle Moil in early morning Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on another example of a lonely Scottish sheep as reported in yesterday's Times newspaper.  The facts here are similar, but not identical, to the recent media circus surrounding Fiona, the sheep which was stranded at bottom of a steep cliff on the Black Isle for two years.In this case, the sheep, which has been named 'Mary' by locals, has taken up residence in the ruins of a 15th century castle on the Isle of Skye . The site is dangerous but nevertheless offers a way out should the animal so desire but it seems quite happy to stay in situ and is wary of humans. This is strange because sheep are social animals forming flocks.The animal is in good condition and not weighed down by a heavy fleece. The site is known as Castle Moil