Nigel's Photo Blog

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Maryhill. This is a division of the City of Glasgow located in the City’s North West. Population is about 52,000 with a strong multi-cultural element, particularly Chinese.  Maryhill Road, Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland Information on Maryhill  The 2nd century AD Antonine Wall runs through the area. However, the catalyst for development was construction in the late 18th century of the Forth & Clyde Canal , linking East and West Scotland. The route of the canal ran through lands owned by one Mary Hill who gave her name to the area. The new canal acted as a catalyst for various industrial activities, including a boatyard, in the area. These activities in turn triggered population growth and development. In 1877 a large military barracks was opened but this was demolished and replaced by social housing in the 1960s. However, parts of the former exterior wall of the barracks remain. Maryhill is ...

This evening I am reporting on an important collection of pottery on display at Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museum, Scotland. This collection  is a gift from the family of the late Alexander Arbuthnott Dunbar (1929-2012), which has been made on the understanding that each piece can be handled by visitors   Video clip of collection     

Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Old Kilpatrick. This is a village community of 3200 which is situated on the north bank of the River Clyde . County is West Dunbartonshire, with village about 15 miles NW of Glasgow .  Erskine Bridge, River Clyde, Scotland . Information on Old Kilpatrick  The village sits in the shadow of the Erskine Bridge which was built in 1971 and spans the Clyde with a length of 4336 feet. There is a railway station shops, pubs and a church. Prior to the bridge a ferry operated between Old Kilpatrick and Erskine. Old Kilpatrick was the site of a Roman Fort which formed part of the western end of the 2nd century AD Antonine Wal l. The fort’s remains were discovered and excavated intermittently between 1790 and the 1920s. They are no longer visible. The fort extended to about four acres. More information on Old Kilpatrick: Is a candidate for the birthplace of St Patrick in the 5th century although there is no compelling pro...

Introduction This morning I attended an excellent 'Potfest' at Glasgow 's Briggait Galleries which are part of a Category A listed building of architectural merit.The Briggait building dates from 1873, thus the building and art exhibition are over 150 years apart. Location is Glasgow's Merchant City close to the Clutha Bar. Originally, the Briggait building was Glasgow's fish market but is now used for arts events and cultural activities. The building was designed by architects Clarke & Bell in the French Renaissance style, with painted stone facades and, inside, a galleried market hall of cast iron and glass.    Information on the Pottery Festival   A three day event with 73 exhibitors from all around the U.K. I was very impressed by the range, quality and scale of the exhibition which benefited from a large throng of visitors.Here was an extensive collection of talented ceramic makers creating work that highlights the diversity of clay. Below is a por...

  Introduction Today, I visited Greenock on the River Clyde to see the Armada 86 03, a ship which can be operated without crew. Bow section of vessel.    Information on the Armada 86 03 An offshore support vessel owned by Ocean Infinity of Texas. Sails under the flag of Singapore. Launched 2022. The vessel is reported to have a skeleton crew but, ultimately, it and it's sister ships will likely be controlled onshore. Length is 78 metres. Arrived Greenock form Portugal. Will consume only renewable fuel such as ammonia.  The vessel is moored in the James Watt Marina at Greenock. This could be by accident or design because James Watt (1736-1819) was the promoter of leading edge technology of his time by improving efficiency of the steam engine and thereby founded the Industrial Revolution which transformed peoples lives across the world. Below is a statue of James Watt at Greenock.     More Information For more information on Scotland’s industrial his...

 Introduction  This post focuses on the ancient skill of stonemasonry (in Scotland).  Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland More information on Stonemasonry   There is a  saying that England is constructed with bricks as Scotland is constructed of stone.   As most tourists will know, Scotland is liberally endowed with stone resources which have been utilised to build castles, cathedrals, churches, houses, walls and more. Aberdeen is called the ‘granite city’ because most of the buildings are built from local granite whilst, on the other hand, Glasgow is largely built of softer sandstone. All around the countryside and Highlands can be seen stone walls (field boundaries) made from local stone and which last hundreds of years.    Video clip of stonemason at work       Stonemasonry is a skill still in demand today especially for reconstruction and conservation work. The images and video  shown here were taken...