Nigel's Photo Blog

(Above image is a capture of Eilean Donan Castle.) This evening, I am posting information on locations associated with major film productions. Highlands Region Culloden Battlefield, about seven miles east of Inverness. Film: Outlander. Glen Etive, near Glencoe. Film: Skyfall (James Bond).  Glenfinnan, about seventeen miles west of Fort William. Film: Harry Potter. Eilean Donan Castle, about nine miles east of Kyle of Lochalsh. Film: Highlander, Rob Roy and World Is Not Enough (James Bond). Wardlaw Mausoleum, about ten miles west of Inverness. Film: Outlander Glencoe, about sixteen miles south of Fort William.Films: Braveheart, Rob Roy and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Glen Nevis, a minor road running south from Fort William. Films: Harry Potter, Braveheart, Rob Roy and Highlander.   Central Scotland Drummond Castle & Gardens, about twenty miles north of Stirling.  Films: Outlander and Rob Roy. ...

Introduction This evening, I am posting information on the pleasant village of Dornoch which is located about forty four miles north of Inverness on the east coast of the Scottish Highlands.   Beach at Dornoch Firth     Information on Dornoch   Dornoch has much to offer the discerning visitor. A gentle stroll around the town centre will provide an appreciation for the extensive history, heritage and architecture together with, perhaps, a foray into some the intriguing specialist small shops which can be found in the town.If the weather is fine take a short walk down to the sandy beach and inspect the local golf courses.   At Dornoch can be found restaurants and a wide range of hotels and other accommodation. The name Dornoch has a Gaelic origin and translates as the “pebbly place”. Here is a listing of specific places of interest: Dornoch Castle- Now a hotel but originally formed the great Palace of the Bishops of Sutherland comprising three t...

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on the Black Isle. This destination is located a short distance north of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.  Boat trip in Cromarty Harbour  Information on the Black Isle The name is a misnomer because the piece of land referred to is a peninsula which lies between two stretches of water, the Cromarty Firth and Moray Firth.( Firth is a Scottish term meaning bay or estuary.) It is believed that the description ‘black’ derives from the fact that snow rarely settles leaving the land surface black when the surrounding is covered in white snow. Avoch Bay on east coast.   Barley growing (for the whisky industry) and forestry are two important rural industries. A circular tour around the 'island' can be completed in one day with sites and activities including: A talented community of artists and craftspeople. Fortrose Golf links near Chanonry Point. Possibility of witnessing cavorting dolphins near th...

(Above image is a capture of a wall mural at Govan.) Govan which is part of Glasgow (about three miles from the city centre) and located on the south bank of the River Clyde. Population is 32,000. Whilst not a key tourist destination Govan has lots to offer the visitor including: Govan Old Parish Church (Presbyterian) which is located on an early Christian site perhaps dating back 1500 years.In relative terms the Govan Christian community reached its zenith in the 9th and 10th centuries as manifested in the existence of 30 sculptured stones plus the Govan Sarcophagus, a beautifully carved shrine coffin which represents the earliest example of art in the Glasgow region.The Old Parish Church housing the ancient stones ( 866 Govan Rd, Glasgow G51 3UU) is usually open to visitors between April and October each year.  Govan Carved Stones Carved Sarcophagus from 9th century AD. Scandinavian influenced 'hogback' grave markers. A long ship-building tra...

  (Above image is a capture of Red Deer at Glen Etive.) This evening, I am posting information on a selection of back roads tour routes in Scotland. Visitors embarking on these trips should remember that most of the roads are single track with passing places. The object is to travel rather than arrive. Allow plenty of time assuming average speed of about 25-35 mph. There are usually opportunities for sightseeing and photography stops en-route. Ensure vehicle has plenty of fuel as petrol (gasoline) stations are infrequent. Invariably sheep and cattle are encountered on the roads. Treat the long-horned Highland cows with respect. These animals are usually passive (and very photogenic) but if too close an involuntary twitch of the animal's head can cause serious injury. Keep at least one human body length away from Highland cattle. Glen Lyon, Perthshire Commence Killin, a village at southern end of Loch Tay in central Scotland. At the southern end of Killin can be viewe...