Nigel's Photo Blog

 Introduction This evening, I am focusing on one of Glasgow’s visitor attractions, namely the Tall Ship ‘Glenlee‘. This vessel is now moored on the River Clyde close to the Riverside (Transport) Museum .   Glenlee moored alongside Riverside Museum   Information on the Glenlee .  The Glenlee was built in Port Glasgow in 1896, just a few miles away from its current moorings. Here are some important facts and figures relating to the ship: Length 74.4m, Beam 11.4m and Depth 6.8m. Gross tonnage: 1613 tons. Cargo capacity: 2,600 tons. Originally named Glenlee but renamed Islamount i 1899. Employed as a cargo vessel under the British flag until 1919 when sold to an Italian company and renamed Clarastella. Completed four circumnavigations of the world. Acquired by Spanish Navy in 1922 for sail training purposes and renamed Galatea. Acquired by Clyde maritime Trust in 1992 and returned to the Clyde. Restored and opened to the public in 1999. It is appropriate...

   (Property above is the former doctor's surgery (consulting rooms). Introduction This evening, I am reporting on the charming Cotswold village of Hook Norton (pop 2100). The name was Hocneratune in the early 10th century which may translate as 'farmstead of a tribe called Hoccanere, a tribal name which in turn means 'people at Hocca's hill-slope'. Information on Hook Norton This is a classic Cotswolds village which probably dates from deep into the first millennium.The centre of the village is populated by an interesting array of classic, honey-coloured properties some of which may date back to the 17th century. Thatched roofs are common here.Note also the lush gardens and related vegetation. Hook Norton is located about 5 miles N.E. of Chipping Norton and 9 miles S.E. of Banbury.  Here is Hook Norton Brewery which dates from 1849 and produces a range of real ales and bottled beers. Tours and refreshments are available.  Pear Tree Inn   Village houses...

  Introduction This afternoon, I am reporting on a recent visit to the Warwickshire village of Whichford (pop 350). Information on Whichford This village has it's origins in an ancient settlement, probably stretching back well into the first millennium. Hitherto, I had understood the name to mean 'dairy farm near stream' but another source has suggested 'ford of a tribe called the Hwicce'.  Today,Whichford has a prosperous feel with numerous well maintained honey coloured stone houses, some with thatched roofs.As will be evident from the images herein there is a good display of colourful plants,trees and other vegetation.. Nearby villages and towns include Banbury (with rail station), Shipston on Stour ,  Long Compton ,  Cherington and Chipping Norton .  Whichford is well known for it's commercial pottery and connected cafe/restaurant.  Recreation field   Crossroads  Terrace houses  Locally made conserves for sale  Row of houses...

Loch Lomond at Balmaha Introduction This evening, I am focusing on Balmaha, a tiny village on the eastern side of Loch Lomond in the Trossachs region of Scotland. Access is by boat or the road from Drymen .  Loch Lomond from nearby Conic Hill  Information on Balmaha Due to its location Balmaha witnesses many thousands of visitors passing through.These people can be on a loch tour boat, navigating the West Highland Way or climbing nearby Conic Hill. There is a small boatyard and marina here as illustrated in image below.  From my perspective, the key attraction is the photographic opportunities when light conditions are favourable. Examples of recent images are provided in this post together with video clips. A superb spot, especially in the early morning when the sun is rising on a clear day! View of Loch Lomond from Balmaha  Video clip 1 Video clip 2     More information The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes ...