Nigel's Photo Blog

 Auldhouse Burn in full spate. Overnight, here in Glasgow , we had experienced the force of Storm Amy which produced strong winds, high levels of precipitation and some minor structural damage. Aware that the aftermath of such events usually provides some useful photographic opportunities I went for a walk around our local country park, Rouken Glen, the results of which are shown here. Another view of Auldhouse Burn, benefiting from a shaft of sunlight.  Houston we have a problem! A blown down branch blocking the pathway.   Waterfall video which captures the full torrent of water cascading down Auldhouse Burn.    More Information   For more information on Scotland’s landscapes, it’s cities and much more please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindl e.   

This evening, I am posting images of artwork by Alasdair Gray (1934-2019) in what would have been the artist's 90th year.Gray was a Scottish writer and artist, best known for his novel, Lanark.The work is on display at Glasgow 's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum .   Four folk in Glasgow Publishing 1977.   Original artwork for the cover of Poor Things, published in 1992.   Two versions of artwork in progress for the jacket design for a book of short stories.  A working mother, 1994.    Dust jacket design for Old Negatives , 4 verse sequences 1952-1983   Working Legs, A Play for Those Without Them, 1997       Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties, 1964.  (Cowcaddens is part of Glasgow.) Songs of Scotland , 1996 with representation of legendary fiddler, Niel Gow.    This post connects nicely with Scottish art, architecture and culture . More Information For more information on Glasgow and many other asp...

  This morning, benefiting from bright autumn sunshine and absence of rain, I ventured out to nearby Rouken Glen Country Park where light conditions provided some useful photo opportunities. Here is a record of a similar trip from 2024. Above is a popular waterfall where the Auldhouse Burn (river) starts it's journey through the local gorge. River scene in heart of the glen (valley)      Another riparian scene  Preening swans at boating pond On return trip home I captured this image of Glasgow reflecting in the sunshine with Campsie Fells (hills) in background. Overall, a pleasant and rewarding trip.   More Information   For more information on Scotland’s landscapes, it’s cities and much more please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindl e.       

  Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on the impending 130 year anniversary of the Shiskine Golf Club on Scotland's Isle of Arran. Information on Shiskine Golf Club Located on the S.W. coast of the Isle of Arran near the Machrie Moor Stone circles . Isle of Arran is situated off the S.W.of Scotland opposite Troon and within easy reach of Glasgow .  Originally designed as a nine hole course by Willie Fernie of Troon. Founded by Alexander Boyd and formally opened in 1896 by The Lord Advocate for Scotland.  In 1911 decision made to extend course to eighteen holes with majority of work completed by 1913.  Due to WW1 restrictions the course morphed into an unusual twelve hole layout which remains extant today. The club is heavily dependent on visitors.There are currently 763members of whom 177 live on Arran. The course boasts seven Par 3 holes with the signature third requiring a blind shot up a hill. Shiskine is one of seven courses on Arran the totality of which...

   Here in our Glasgow (S.W. Scotland) garden we have we have a well established collection of Sea Buckthorn bushes which, technically, should not prosper here but they do. I planted young bushes about 10 years ago inspired by a TV report focusing on the berries health properties which include: Vitamins A,C, E and K. Anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating conditions like eczema and cardiovascular function. Antioxidant effects. Skin health.  Potential blood sugar regulation  As will be evident from the image herein I had a good 'harvest' this morning. In the past I have eaten the berries with breakfast cereal.In isolation, the berries have a bitter-sweet taste.   More information The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains information on Scotland’s gardens plus a wealth of further information for the tourist. The ISBN of the publication 978-1-9161332-0-4. This is also available via Kindle .          

 Tour group at Dunbar’s Close Garden with Calton Hill in background Introduction This evening, I am focusing on an unusual oasis of calm in Edinburgh’s busy Royal Mile (Scotland). Information on Dunbar's Close Garden  Only a tiny fraction of the huge number of visitors to Edinburgh are aware of the little known Dunbar’s Close Garden in the Canongate section of the Royal Mile. A summary background of the garden is as follows:- The name ‘Dunbar’ is derived from one David Dunbar, a writer in Edinburgh. This gentleman owned tenements (apartments) on both sides of the close circa 1773. (A close is a passage-way leading to residential housing tenements.) The garden was the creation of Sir Patrick Geddes (1854-1932). He was an eminent Scots biologist who promoted the link between health and environment. The garden today is the work of restoration undertaken in 1978 by the Mushroom Trust. Style is that of a late 17th century garden with flowers, fruit trees and unusual p...