Nigel's Photo Blog

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on the Abbey Strand and Sanctuary which are close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland.   Information on Abbey Strand and Sanctuary . The 16th century Abbey Sanctuary buildings are often overlooked by the many thousands of visitors who are focused on the nearby Royal Palace and Scottish Parliament. The buildings formed part of a residence for aristocratic debtors up until 1880 when imprisonment for unpaid debt was abolished.The occupants were known as ‘Abbey Lairds’ and were able to live under effective house arrest within the confines of a designated sanctuary area which included Holyrood Park, a few minutes away, and Arthur’s Seat , also close by. The occupants were safe from arrest provided they stayed within the designated sanctuary area. However, they were at liberty to stray outside the designated sanctuary area on Sundays only. The western section of the bui...

Scott Monument, Princes Street, Edinburgh This evening, I am focusing on the Scott Monument in Princes Street , Edinburgh , Scotland. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and Princess Street is the principal shopping area. This monument was erected in 1844 to commemorate the life ( 1771-1832) of romantic novelist, Sir Walter Scott who achieved worldwide fame principally through his series of twenty-six romantic, historical novels collectively known at the Waverley Novels which include such famous works as: Heart of Midlothian Ivanhoe Rob Roy Lady of the Lake Waverley The Fortunes of Nigel. Guy Mannering. Sir Walter also produced poetry and prose. His writings covered the period 1799- 1831 and acted as a catalyst for tourism in Scotland during the 19th century. Scott’s former home at Abbotsford , near Melrose in the Scottish Borders is now a visitor attraction. Waverley Bridge and Scott Monument, Edinburgh   Key features of the above Monument are: In...

 Abraham Lincoln Statue at Scottish-American Soldiers Memorial   This evening, I am posting information on Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh where are buried some of Scotland’s learned and celebrated personages from the 18th and 19th centuries, viz: David Hume, Philosopher and Historian: 1776 David Allan, Historical Painter: 1796 William Woods, Actor: 1802 Daniel Stewart, founder of Daniel Stewart Hospital: 1814 Professor John Playfair, Mathematician and Philosopher: 1819 Archibald Constable, Publisher: 1829 Thomas Reid, Horologist: 1831 William Blackwood, Founder of Blackwood’s Magazine: 1834 Charles Mackay, Actor: 1857 Thomas Hamilton, R.S.A., Architect:1858 Rev. Principal Candish D.D.: 1873 Lord Gifford: 1887 James Lumsden, Scottish Vocalist: 1899 There is also a Scottish-American Soldiers Memorial with statue of Abraham Lincoln. The cemetery is in the centre of Edinburgh, off Waterloo Place and close to Calton Hill. Video clip of cemetery

Tourists capturing images of firing of the One O’Clock Gun This evening, I am posting information on the One O’Clock at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. This popular tourist attraction dates back 157 years when it was set up as an aid to navigation for ships using the ports of Leith and Firth of Forth over two miles away. The only alternative at the time was the Calton Hill Time Ball which was often obscured by adverse weather or being out of line of sight.Thus, an audible signal offered advantages. Maritime navigation technology has moved on considerably over the past century and a half but the gun-firing tradition continues. Original weapon was a 18-pound gun but today a L118 Light Gun supplied by the Royal Artillery is used. Firing the One O’Clock at Edinburgh Castle

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. This image encompasses Canongate Kirk (church), Dynamic Earth visitor attraction, Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat. This evening, I am posting a schedule for a typical within-the day tour of Edinburgh and environs.   First to the Port of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia which retired from service in 1997 and is now a major visitor attraction. This is a mini-cruise liner. formerly used for State and other occasions from 1954 through to decommissioning. The vessel is a very well presented example of 1950s marine engineering and is a popular visitor attraction. Image below shows the Royal Yacht. Next, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at foot of the Royal Mile. This is the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh. The Palace evolved out of  a guest suite at the former abbey on the same site. However, the Palace grew and evolved while the abbey fell into disrepair and is now a romantic ruin. Most of the Palace which ...

                               (Above image is a capture of the Royal Mile from west to east.) This afternoon, I am focusing on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a popular visitor site in Scotland's capital city with many and varied places of interest. The Royal Mile is a partly pedestrianised thoroughfare which comprises a succession of streets in the Old Town and stretches between Edinburgh Castle (top) and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (bottom). Summary information on particular sites and places of interest is provided below. Edinburgh Castle, dominating the Edinburgh skyline. The top visitor attraction in Edinburgh. The castle, which is built on an ancient volcanic plug, was first recorded in the 11th century with the present structure evolving over subsequent centuries. Features include: One O’Clock Gun. St. Margaret’s Chapel (1076). Mons Meg Cannon (1449) Half Moon Battery (1574). ...

Canongate Kirk Burial Ground, Edinburgh This evening, I am posting information on Canongate Kirkyard in Edinburgh, (Please note the term Canongate has nothing to do with weaponry or entrances. Canon is derived from a term for a church official and gate comes from gait.Canonongate is where the church officials walked in medieval times.) Canongate is located in the bottom section of the Royal Mile near Holyrood. Some visitors find time to admire Canongate Kirk (church) but many would be oblivious of the opportunity to connect with the rich seam of Scottish history from the 18th and 19th centuries as manifested in memorials in the Kirk burial ground. Here can be found the burial places of: Leading academics. A murder victim. A leading poet. Novelists and literary people. Evidence of early immigration from Europe. A proto trade union. A surgeon. More information is provided below using a sample of the memorials. Adam Smith was probably the leading figure of th...