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Cycle Ride along River Clyde, Scotland

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 Introduction This afternoon, I am posting information on a (since discontinued)  'Storybike Ride ' which followed a route covering 14.5 miles along the River Clyde from Glasgow to Blantyre. These rides are led by a professional with local knowledge to encourage people to take up cycling. Information on the Ride    Colourful flowers The route started at Glasgow Central Station then followed an easterly direction passing through Glasgow Gree n and stopping for a break at Bothwell Castle . Participants were able to connect with local landscape and wildflowers. Image of Glasgow Green  Doulton Fountain, Glasgow Green.  Final destination was the David Livingstone Centre at Blantyre. At conclusion of tour the group returned to Glasgow by train. Refreshment stop at Bothwell Castle Cycle Group at Bothwell Castle River Clyde at Blantyre David Livingstone Centre, Blantyre The weather remained dry during the ride. More information for the visitor...

Art by Mariuccia

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Introduction This evening, I am reporting on an exhibition by Mariia Nechaliuk at the Briggait Galleries in Glasgow , Scotland. Images and Information The work immediately below is made from silicone, teardrop crystal beads, white cotton fabric, wooden crosses and makeup shadows. Horuguva 24424 This image is titled 'Don't Save Your Body, Save Your Mind' and made from silicone, soil and violet plant. This work is titled 'Blessing' and is made from silicone and LED balloon lights. This work is 'Untitled' and made from silicone and an earring. Information on the Artist Mariia was born in the Ukraine in 2003. She commenced painting when very young. At the age of 9 years she enrolled in her hometown's art school and completed her studies by the age of 14 years.Subsequently, she continued art studies through private lessons with a local artist. Following commencement of the Russo-Ukranian War Mariia moved to Scotland. This followed online studies of architectu...

Prestwick, Scotland on a Hot Day

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 View of Isle of Arran from Prestwick Introduction With temperature around 24 C (75 F) my wife and myself decided today to spend some some time on the sandy beach at Prestwick (pop 15,000), about 35 miles SW of Glasgow on the Firth of Clyde . Prestwick Beach looking north   Information on the trip to Prestwick   Our decision was vindicated by the continuing spell of hot, sunny weather. Prestwick benefits from extensive sandy beaches, shallow waters and views of the Isle of Arran. As the images herein show, the facilities at Prestwick proved very popular with locals and other visitors today. Prestwick Beach looking south  Paddle boarder with what seems to be a military ship in background.  Paddle Boarder with dog   Yachting at Prestwick   Information on Prestwick Town  Prestwick Golf Club This is the Birthplace of the Open Championship, a traditional links golf course designed by Old Tom Morris in 1851.  A shady nook sheltered by wisteri...

Walk with Alpacas

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      Introduction Earlier today my wife and myself paid a visit to a farm in Ayrshire, SW Scotland which specialises in Alpacas.Location is ten miles east of Ayr and thirty-eight miles south of Glasgow . Information on the animals and tour experience. In total there are some 84 Alpacas which are looked after by a young lady (above) who seems to have an  encyclopaedic knowledge of each individual animal. Some key facts: Alpacas are from South America and are related to camels. The herd comprises two modern breeds of Alpaca which are Suri and Huacava.These sub-breeds do not interbreed. Gestation period is 12 months. Usually one baby (a Cria) is produced at each birthing but occasionally there are twins  Typical life expectancy is 20 years. Mainly grass eaters. The animals in this herd are not bred for their wool but to develop a high quality genetic line.  Alpacas are predominantly friendly and inquisitive but are known to use spitting as a form of defence....

Glasgow Green, Scotland

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Introduction On Friday, I had occasion to walk across Glasgow Green , on trajectory from west to east. This was a hot, sunny day with temperature around 21C (70F), even warmer than Madrid, Spain. Images and Comment This is the McLennan Arch. The story behind this imposing monument dates back to late 18th century when James Adam was commissioned by John Glassford of Dougalston (a wealthy tobacco lord ) to design a new assembly hall on Ingram Street. This magnificent building was completed in 1796 but sadly didn’t survive long due to financial difficulties faced by its owner following economic downturns. In 1890, after nearly a century later from its demolition, parts of Adam’s original façade were salvaged and used in creating what we now know as McLennan Arch – named after Bailie James McLellan who funded this project.    William Collins Temperance Memorial Avenue leading to Battle of Trafalgar Monument Monument to the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. This naval victory led to B...