Nigel's Photo Blog

  This is a photo record of an event held yesterday evening at Glasgow's Merchants House in the city centre, The performance lasted thirty minutes and was well attended. Key aspects; Set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’. Cutting-edge video-mapping technology. A magical experience.  Here is a collection of videos                       Here is another still image.   More information  An extensive range of information on Glasgow can be found here . Also refer to the publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.This book is also available via Kindle .  

Introduction This evening, I am reporting on my visit earlier today to an extremely windy, Leith which is the industrial/port area of Edinburgh , Scotland's capital.  Image of the 212m-long 'Spirit of Tasmania IV' moored at Imperial Dock, Leith More Information Tasmania is an island state of Australia and relies on ferries to link with the Australian mainland.But why is the vessel moored in Leith, 12000 miles away from home? The incredible story surpasses even the ferry debacle being played out on the west coast of Scotland with island communities at the forefront of suffering. In essence,the Tasmanian government commissioned the new build vessel from a yard in Finland which seems to have completed the contract on time and to spec.So far so good. A key problem occurred when it was found that the vessel was too large to fit existing berths in the Tasmanian city of Devonport.  The ship, together with a sister vessel, Spirit of Tasmania V, which is still under construction, a...

  Introduction This evening, I am focusing on an interesting example of 17th century Scottish philanthropy. This is manifested in Cowane’s Hospital which is located in Stirling Old Town, Scotland. This is close to the Church of Holy Rude and within a short walk of the famous castle . John Cowane Statue at Cowane’s Hospital, Stirling , Scotland  Information on Cowane's Hospital John Cowane ( 1570-1633) was a wealthy and influential businessman of 17th century Stirling who held the position of Commissioner to the Scots Parliament. Cowane left funds for his eponymous ‘hospital’ which in his time meant a refuge or hospice type establishment for members of the local guild (business grouping) who were in need of help. The Hospital was built during period 1637-1649 and was also used as a meeting place for guild members. Today, the historic building is open to the public. Inside can be found a coffee shop, resident artist and herbal soap manufac...

  Introduction This evening I am reporting on T he Glasgow Gallery of Photography . Information  on The Glasgow Gallery of Photography. Clearly a new set-up which is located in the High Street, not far from Glasgow Cathedral. Here there are galleries and exhibitions on one floor which are free to view.  The Gallery is not run on a commercial basis.However, some of the pictures may be available for purchase through negotiation with the relevant photographers. Photographers may be able to offer their work to be included in suitable exhibitions. Other visitor sites in the area are Provand's Lordship, the Cathedral and Necropolis .  The gallery can be accessed on foot (from central Glasgow) or by rail or bus. More information  An extensive range of information on Glasgow can be found here . Also refer to the publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.This book is also available via Kindle .

Today, I set off on a pre-planned trip into Glasgow's city centre. As predicted, the weather featured very strong winds interspersed with heavy rain showers. Below is a pic taken this evening of a Christmas light display at a nearby residence in Glasgow's Southside. First, on entering the city centre I encountered a seasonal performance by the Govan Salvation Army Band. Video clip of the band. In Buchanan Street I encountered this unusual pro-peace lobbying group. Glasgow has significant populations of both Jewish people and Palestinians.   Next, I encountered a full blown pro-Palestinian demonstration which was heavily policed but seemed to proceed in a peaceful manner.  Next for refreshment (hot drink and scone) at an excellent cafe in St George's Tron Church . Nativity Tableau inside Church. Altar at St. George's Tron Next, I proceeded along George Street where I noticed a burst pipe gushing out water. This is strange because, so far, we have not experienced a ma...

   Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Cardhu Whisky Distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland. Summary information as follows : Commenced as an illegal distillery in 1811 with first legal licence granted to John Cumming in 1824. In the early years two women were prominent in management of the distillery: Helen Cumming and then Elizabeth Cumming between 1846 and 1884. Purchased by John Walker & Sons in 1893 and now part of global drinks giant Diageo plc. Capacity of 3.4m litres p.a. from three pairs of stills. Flagship malts comprise 12, 15 and 18 year-olds These are supplemented with two expressions without age statements, namely Amber Rock and Gold Reserve. Cardhu malt forms a major constituent of Johnnie Walker blends. Additionally, the single malt is one of top selling single malts in the world with strong following in Spain and France. The Distillery has a visitor centre and provides guided tours. Location is near Archiestown, about fift...

Today, I traveled into Glasgow city primarily to attend to technical matters regarding certain cameras and my cellphone.These were sorted. Next, I availed of refreshment at a cafe inside St George's Tron Parish Church whjch is renowned for it's delicious scones.   Suitably refreshed, I walked on up to the Cathedral which is located high in the centre of the old medieval sector. En-route I encountered a new allotment layout for city centre locals known as Greyfriars Biophilic Garden and a charming puppy known as a 'Chalkie' being a cross between a Chiihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier.  Greyfriars Biophilic Garden Chalkie Here are some images of the Cathedral interior. (N.B. This place of worship is, technically, no longer a cathedral as the Presbyterian church does not have bishops.The cathedral was built under the catholic era which ended in 1560 but the name lives on.)     Stained Glass St Mungo' s Tomb Cathedral Nave Close to the Cathedral is a memorial to J...

Introduction This evening, I am reporting on Clynelish Distillery which is located at Brora, Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland. Information on Clynelish Distillery . Located about sixty miles north of Inverness on the route of the ' North Coast 500 '. Owned by international drinks group, Diageo. Capacity is 4.8M litres p.a. Equipped with a 12.2 ton full lauter mash tun, ten washbacks (eight wooden and two steel) and three pairs of stills. External view of still room  Core product is a 14 year old. This has been supplemented by two special releases: a 16 year old (2021) and a 10 year old (2023). Tastings at distillery More Information For more information on distilleries and many other aspects of Scotland please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.

 Below is the legendary Basil Fawlty. Yesterday evening myself, my wife and a friend enjoyed a memorable experience as dinner guests of Basil Fawlty, his wife Sybil and waiter Manuel. This was a spin-off from the famous Fawlty Towers , a   British television sitcom written by John Cleese and Connie Booth ,   originally   broadcast   on BBC television 1975 and 1979. Two series of six episodes each were made. The series is set in Fawlty Towers, a dysfunctional fictional hotel in the English seaside town of Torquay in Devon.The six episodes are collectively acknowledged as classic and rank as one of top TV sitcoms ever made in Britain. Last night, our group, together with about 60 other 'guests'  were treated to a conventional meal but served by the unconventional trainee waiter (from Barcelona) and overseen by the husband and wife hosts, Basil and Sybil Fawlty. It was a riotous evening lasting about two hours. If it comes your way don't hesitate to attend. ...