Nigel's Photo Blog

Introduction  This evening, I am providing information and images consequent upon a recent visit to Portpatrick.  Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway , Scotland. Summary facts and information on Portpatrick: Located on West Coast of Scotland, about one hundred miles south of Glasgow , close to the ferry port of Stranraer. Population about 960 persons. A seaside town featuring pastel-coloured houses set in a small bay with cliffs as backdrop. A good location for hiking and sea fishing. Sunset at Portpatrick Flora at Portpatrick Harbour at Portpatrick Lighthouse at Portpatrick Portpatrick Hotel Horse with braided main Coastal trail to Dunskey Castle More information for the visitor The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains a section on southern Scotland plus a vast array of additional information on Scotland in general and it’s islands. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This is also available via Kindle.

Introduction Today, I am posting information on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, a short line which operates steam trains run by the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway.   Steam Engine at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Scotland   Information on the railway The round trip takes about 70 minutes starting and finishing Bo’ness. The line passes through Kinneil Halt, Birkhill and Manuel Station. Sites and visitor attractions en-route include: Bo’ness Harbour and Firth of Forth. Kinneil House & Museum Longannet Power Station. Waterfall Site of Kinneil Pit (coal mine). Roman era Antonine  Wall. Grangemouth Oil Refinery. Tod’s Mill Bridge (18th century mill). Avon Gorge Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. At Bo’ness is the Museum of Scottish Railways. This train line is operated on a not-for-profit basis by volunteers of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.  The historic engines, rolling stock and platforms allow visitors to connect with bygone days of steam train travel. Steam Engine a

Introduction This evening, I am posting information on a  group hike using the Douglas Park and GoGo Glen Circuit within the Clyde Muirshiel  Regional Park which in turn is located in S.W. Scotland. Approaching Largs on the Clyde Coast Information on the Clyde Muirshiel hike. The route covered eight miles and, as will be evident from the images, the hikers encountered: Seaside town of Largs . Views of Firth of Clyde. Great Cumbrae Island . Seasonal flowers. A prehistoric burial site. Landscapes and a stream. Rugged terrain. Gorse bushes in flower Stream Tough going uphill Crossing the stream (Burn). Great Cumbrae Island, Firth of Clyde Lunch break Firth of Clyde View of Largs and Firth of Clyde, Scotland Navigating a steep incline Hiking through trees Prehistoric Burial Cairn, approximately 5000 years old. More information for the visitor For information on a wide range of topics including activities, prehistory, islands, whisky and history please refer Visitors’

Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Holy Isle which can be found in the Firth of Clyde, near Isle of Arran , Scotland. Holy Isle, Firth of Clyde. Taken from Isle of Arran Information on Holy Isle This island has a long history of spiritual significance, viz: Originally called Inis Shroin (House of the Water Spirit), the island later became the home of early Christian, Saint Molaise (circa 6th/7th centuries AD). He lived in a cave, which has since been named after him. Now owned by the Samye Ling Buddhist Community who have established the Centre for World Peace and Health on the north of the island. Dimensions: About 3 kilometres (1.86 miles) long and 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) wide, dominated by the rocky Marilyn of Mullach Mor (314m). Access: Via ferry from the  Lamlash Pier, Arran. Journey takes about ten minutes. Hiking: With no roads walking is the only way to get around. For serious hikers there is a fairly strenuous walk leading up to the summit o

This afternoon, my wife and myself attended a local community event (East Renfrewshire) where emphasis was on communities, sport and well-being.This was held on a local sports pitch, attended by various charities and community groups and hosted by the Lady Provost (Mayoress).  Overview of event  Lady Provost giving a speech  Scottish Fire Truck  Another aspect of a Scottish Fire Truck  A very popular German Shepherd puppy (about 9 weeks old) which was brought along by a visitor.  Overall, a pleasant event held in war sunshine where we were able to re-establish links with members of the local community.

 Introduction This evening, I am posting images consequent upon a small group hiking trip to Great Cumbrae, an island in the Firth of Clyde off the West Coast of Scotland.  Hiking Group on Great Cumbrae. Information on the Great Cumbrae hike. The route covered about eight miles. Great Cumbrae is accessed via regular ferry service from  Largs , about 32 miles S.W. of  Glasgow.  Ferry arriving from Largs on Scottish mainland The name is derived from Cumbri being another name for the Brittonic (Welsh) speaking inhabitants of Strathclyde who were dominant in the region about 1000 years ago, Cumbria in NW England has a similar name and was also part of the Kingdom of Strathclyde. The island is a haven for hikers and cyclists featuring some ten miles of roads which are, almost, free of traffic. As will be evident from the images herein Great Cumbrae offers lush, sub-tropical vegetation, rare plants, coastal scenery, unusual rock formations (including one shaped as a crocodile)

 Introduction  This evening, I am focusing on a well preserved example of British rock art  as found at Stronach Wood, near Brodick, Isle of Arran , Scotland.     Information on Rock Art at Stronach Wood.   The designs and location are consistent with other examples of this work as found in nearby Kilmartin Glen  and elsewhere , viz: Laboriously ‘pecked’ out using stone tools, possibly during the Neolithic and/or Bronze ages. Found on a downward sloping rock face where the designs make use of the natural occurring features of the rock. (See final image below.) Use of apparently abstract designs from a ‘standard’ reference source. Dating uncertain, but probably at least 3000 years old. The images in this post show cups (inverted cones), single line, chevrons, multiple rings and ‘keyhole’ figures. The raison d’etre for this so-called art work has been lost in antiquity. It may represent images of things we cannot relate to, may represent symbols for specific meanings

Introduction This evening, I am posting information on the village of Blackwaterfoot which is located on the west coast of the Isle of Arran , overlooking the Kilbrannan Sound, a stretch of water which separates Arran from Kintyre on the Scottish mainland.  View of Blackwaterfoot from the south.  Information on Blackwaterfoot Here there is a small community with shops, businesses and a large hotel. At the northern end of the village sits Shiskine Golf and Tennis club . The golf course comprises a well regarded, seaside, 12 hole links course. Blackwaterfoot from Drumadoon Bay. Blackwaterfoot Harbour. Landscape view of Blackwaterfoot with snow covered mountains in distance. Shiskine Golf Club, Blackwaterfoot. Summary Overall, Arran has much to offer the visitor, whether contemplating a short, within –the–day trip or an extended sojourn lasting a week or longer. For more information on Arran, other Scottish islands and sightseeing in Scotland please refer to the Visitors