Nigel's Photo Blog

  Here are images taken yesterday evening from Glasgow, Scotland of the Hunter's Moon. One image was taken with a long lens camera and the other (below)with a cellphone. The Hunter's Moon is the third (and brightest) of four consecutive supermoons in 2024.  

 Young mothers out with their babies at Rouken Glen. This morning, influenced by the unusual (for Glasgow) combination of blue skies and brilliant, low- angle sunshine I ventured out to photograph the varied population of trees which can be found in our local parks and which are currently resplendent with multi-colour leaves pending arrival of the first frosts. Waterfall at Rouken Glen  Rouken Glen scenery More Rouken Glen scenery Back-lit path at Rouken Glen Steps at Rouken Glen Reflections at Rouken Glen Stunning line of trees at Rouken Glen Interesting colours on way to park.   Pièce de ré sis tance at Eastwood Park. Another aspect of the tree featuring in image immediately above. Overall, a productive and satisfying trip!

 Introduction This evening, I am presenting information on Dirleton which is located between Gullane and North Berwic k, about 20 miles south east of Edinburgh .Village population is 530 persons. Information on Dirleton Dirleton is ranked as one of the prettiest villages in Scotland and is well worth a visit. The village is dominated by the ruins of the eponymous castle which, together with associated gardens, is a popular attraction. This is a formidable structure dating from the Golden age of Scottish castles in the 12th century. Connected with the Haliburton and Ruthven families. Entrance to Dirleton Castle Here is a video clip of the village which centres on the village green.The castle perimeter is on the right whilst the hostelry, Castle Inn (serves traditional ‘pub’ meals), is in the distance. Tour tip : Using Edinburgh as a base, visi t Rosslyn Chapel, Glenkinchie Distillery and Dirleton in one day. More information for the visitor A wide range of information ca...

 Introduction This evening, I am focusing on the unusually named, Snuff Bridge which spans the White Cart Water (river) in the Cathcart district of Glasgow, Scotland.   Information on the bridge The bridge is of substance and dates from 1624, although it may have been rebuilt in the 18th century. Formerly the bridge carried the main Glasgow to Ayr road but its role diminished in 1800 when a new bridge was built half a mile downstream. The bridge obtained its name from industrial milling activities powered by the White Cart close to the bridge, viz: In 18th century a mill was in operation to grind grain. This was known as the Cathcart Meal Mill. The mill converted to manufacture of cardboard in 1812. Snuff was milled from 1814, hence name of bridge. However, snuff milling was never more than ancillary activity. In later years the mill was abandoned and eventually converted into flats. The area around Snuff Mill and the bridge is now a quiet, residential are...

 Introduction This evening, I am posting information on Blairgowrie. a small, prosperous town with population of 8,000 in Perthshire, central Scotland. River Ericht at Blairgowrie, Scotland     Information on Blairgowrie Here is a video clip of the centre of Blairgowrie-   Summary facts and information concerning Blairgowrie: The name is likely derived from the description of a plot of land or plain belonging to Gabran (Gowrie). The River Ericht flows through the town. In days past this powered textile and other mills. There are walking trails along the river banks. Tourism is an important but not dominant industry. The town is well served with shops, hotels, B&Bs and restaurants. Blairgowrie is a gateway to Glenshee , Speyside and the North of Scotland whilst Dundee and St. Andrews are within easy reach to the East. Nearby can be found Meikleour Hedg e, the Meigle Stones  and site of the 2000 year old Roman For...

Introduction This evening, I am reporting on the small village and ferry terminal of Craignure on the Isle of Mull in the Inner Herbrides off Scotland's west coast. Video clip of Craignure   Information on Craignure Firstly, the etymology: The name is derived from Gaelic and means ‘yew-tree rock’. Moving on to features of the village, it comprises a few houses, lodgings, pub and shop. However, each year tens of thousands of people if not hundreds of thousands pass through Craignure due to its function as a major ferry terminal link with the Scottish mainland, and Oban in particular. The link also provides access to Iona and Staffa . In summer there are frequent ferry crossings between Oban and Craignure with journey time of about 45 minutes. When weather conditions are right Craignure offers superb views of Loch Linnhe , the Western Highlands and Duart Castle which is home to Clan MacLean. Refer above video clip. Below is an image of the Oban-Mull ferry.  Isle ...

Introduction Yesterday, I was privileged to be a volunteer worker on the extensive Roman excavation site at Carlisle in N.W. England. For half the day I was engaged in heavy duty earth moving with second half sitting with the finds curator and recorder. In essence the site consists of a high status, villa type complex incorporating terraces with a luxury bathhouse close by. It is likely that the Emperor, Septimus Severus commissioned the residence and/or actually resided there for a short period. Some sources speculate that the residence may have been similar in design to the Septizodium in Rome which was also associated with Severus. 9.00 am site briefing for volunteers. Carlisle's Roman Bathhouse Project Professional archaeologists began work in 2017 following which they discovered the remains of a monumental Roman bathhouse which has been determined to be of national importance.Location is the outer perimeter of Carlisle Cricket Club grounds. The bathhouse facility may have be...