Nigel's Photo Blog

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Braemar Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Information on Braemar Castle This is a fully furnished, L plan castle dating from 1628. Connected with Clan Farquharson. Situated near the village of Braemar, nine miles SW of Balmoral Castle and fifty eight miles west of Aberdeen . Constructed in 1628 as hunting lodge by John Erskine, Earl of Mar. Attacked and burned in 1689 by Jacobite supporters to prevent occupation by government forces.The conflict between Jacobites and government included such battles (in Scotland) as Killiecrankie (1689), Dunkeld (1689), Cromdale (1690) Glenshiel (1719), Prestonpans (1745) and Culloden ( 1746). In Ireland, the Battle of the Boyne (1690) was a major conflict involving the same protagonists. In essence, this series of battles could been seen as a quasi civil war. Forfeited to the crown in 1716. Castle and lands purchased by John Farquharson but left in ruins until 1748 when leased to the gov

Introduction This afternoon, I am reprising a visit to Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park which is located south of the city centre with main access from Pollokshaws.  Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city located in the South-West of the country.  Highland Cows at Pollok Park, Glasgow. Information on Highland Cows My key objective today was the Highland Cows and  Pollok House. This was achieved, with benefit of relatively mild weather and sunshine. The pedigree herd of Highland Cattle is actually owned and managed by Glasgow City Council. The breed originated in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. They are an ancient breed, with records dating to the early 1800s, and very well suited to harsh, high altitude conditions where they thrive on poor grazing and food sources that modern breeds refuse. The placid and photogenic nature of the animals render them popular with visitors and locals alike.  Herd Herd Highland Cow Bull at rest Pollok Park is popular with walkers, jogge

Most mornings I avail of a walk through Rouken Glen Country Park in Glasgow , Scotland.This is an excellent and well maintained facility which includes a former boating pond which is now populated by a wild array of aquatic bird life from swans at the top to tiny dippers at the bottom. The pond is home to one breeding pair each of Mute Swans and Canada Geese These pairs are not the closest of buddies with the cob (male swan) usually taking a very hostile attitude to the geese and their offspring.Fortunately (for the goslings) the cob seems to have taken leave of absence this year with result that the goslings have been free to grow and develop normally. Ironically, both the swans and geese produced five offspring each all of which hatched at roughly the same time with each family group occupying opposite ends of the pond. These family groups are very popular with local visitors to the pond.  Here is a video clip of  the Canada Geese family.   Here is a video clip of  the Mute Swan fami

Introduction This afternoon, I am reprising a small group, six-mile hike through Cartland Craigs and Cleghorn Glen (valley) which form part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve near Lanark, about 27 miles S.E. of Glasgow, Scotland. Information on the hike The hike started and finished at Lanark with the route tracking the rivers Clyde and its tributary, the fast flowing, Mouse Water.  Fairy wood carving at Fairy Dell, Lanark. River Clyde at Lanark, Scotland. Video clip of Mouse Water.    Hiking alongside Mouse Water Although light conditions were poor weather conditions were benign for time of year with mild temperatures and absence of precipitation. We encountered: A former mansion, Castlebank House. High quality chainsaw carvings at Fairy Dell.   p Wood carving of William Wallace (aka ‘Braveheart’). 17th century stone ‘packhorse bridge’ Mousemill Bridge Fungi. Unusual Jacob sheep with long horns. Rural landscapes. Lunchtime More information

Introduction This afternoon, I am posting information on the scenic viewpoint of Neist Point which is located on a remote, far west location on the Isle of Skye off Scotland’s West Coast.  Neist Point Lighthouse, Isle of Skye, Scotland Information on Neist Point Neist Point is 12 miles west of Dunvegan and 34 miles west of Portree . Final leg of access is along a narrow, single track road via Waterstein. In the right weather (not guaranteed) the cliff-side scenery is stunning. There is also visible an impressive Stevenson built lighthouse from 1909. The location is of interest to hikers. Neist Point Headland, Isle of Skye, Scotland. More Information for the visitor to Scotland The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on landscapes, history, cities, gardens, islands and much more. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle .

Introduction  This evening, I am posting images and information on the luxuriant garden at Dunvegan Castle , the home of the Chief of Clan MacLeod on the north coast of the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands. Dunvegan Castle Garden. Dunvegan Castle Garden Information on the Garden This garden was originally paid out in the 18th century and is backed by an extensive mature woodland. Here can be found a kaleidoscope of colours with emphasis on lush greens supported by other seasonal flowering plants, Visitors can also experience the woodland walks, pools and water gardens, burn (stream) and waterfall. An excellent spot to relax and enjoy in conjunction with a visit to the famous castle. Dunvegan Castle Garden. Dunvegan Castle Garden. Video clip of garden More Information for the visitor to Scotland The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on landscapes, history, cities, gardens, islands and much more. This book is heavily illustrated and conta

 Mute Swan with Cygnets   This afternoon I am posting images from the last two days taken at Rouken Glen Country Park, Glasgow where can be found a vitality of life and renewal centred on the extensive bird life on the local pond. Canada Geese with Goslings Mallard Duck with Ducklings Coot on nest Canada Geese with goslings hidden under bird on left. Little Grebe (aka 'Dipper') Little Grebe causing a splash Coot nestbuilding Pair of Tufted Ducks Mallard Ducklings Overall, a very satisfying and productive trip which was aided by good weather.

 Introduction This evening, I am focusing on fishing the River Spey, Scotland’s second longest river.  Fishing River Spey, Scotland Fishing River Spey, Scotland Information on the River Spey The Spey, which rises in the Monadhliath Mountains (which lie on the western side of Strathspey, to the west of the Cairngorms and to the south of Loch Ness), and runs N.E. for 107 miles (172km) before discharging into the Moray Firth, N.E. of Inverness. The Spey is a very clean river and home to a number of fish species including: Atlantic Salmon Trout European Eel Arctic Char Pike Minnow Stickleback Flounder. The fishing season runs from Feb 11th to Sept 30th. with popular beats at Wester Elchies, Delfur, Knockando, Tulchan, Castle Grant and Arndilly.The images above were taken near to Grantown-on-Spey. An impressive river in stunning scenery and very popular with anglers. Speyside is also home to about 40 whisky distilleries , but that is another story! River Spey at Aberlour  

 Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on a trip to Glasgow Green , Scotland to watch farriers at work on Clydesdale horses which I believe to be owned by Glasgow Council. Quite an unusual experience for city folk to observe.  Information on images Image of Farrier at work    Here is the Farrier’s equipment. Note hammer and anvil. Clydesdale Horse Nice animals. I believe they originated as heavy horses to carry the weight of medieval knights with heavy armour. Video clip   More Information For more help and information on touring Scotland, including flora and fauna, museums and sightseeing, please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle .