Nigel's Photo Blog

  Tonight, I am posting a selection of fungi images most of which were obtained on my walks around Rouken Glen Country Park in south Glasgow.  It seems that autumn (fall) is the optimum time for fungi spotting. I am planning a dedicated trip to a site at nearby Darnley which, from past experience, offers a good hunting ground for the organisms. In the U.K. there are 15,000 species of fungi which thrive on habitats as diverse as water, air, plants and animals.Virtually all of my sightings grow on dead wood and act as nature's recyclers.I think we are well endowed with species of fungi because of the warm, wet climate which we experience in the west of Scotland. I recall reading somewhere that, without fungi, humankind would not exist.  Caution : None of the above species should be considered edible.  

 Introduction This morning I noticed a press report to effect that the Nevis Range ski resort (near Fort William ) is to delay its winter season in a bid to fight for 'survival' consequent upon the actions of climate change.  Library picture of Aonach Mor Ski Run (Nevis Range) This report resurrected memory of an outdoor but unofficial 'bonspiel' (curling on outdoor frozen loch/lake) at Lake of Menteith the likes of which we have not seen since nor likely to again. Blog post extract from 2010 Today, I availed of a little jaunt out to Lake of Menteith , about 1 hour from Glasgow in the Trossachs. Prime purpose was to view curling on the frozen lake, which is a once in 20/30 year event in turn due to the extreme cold weather we have experienced of late which froze the water to a thickness of 5-7 inches. Some folks walked over the ice to the Inchmahome Priory but I could not be tempted. The curling authorities had hoped to hold a ‘bonspiel’ on the lake but, sadly,...

On October 3rd 2024 I reported on excavations of a nationally important Roman site at Carlisle Cricket Ground. 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 (ruled AD193-211) 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.More information on the site can be found via this link . Recently this head was discovered which probably represents Fortuna or the Goddess of Luck.The presence of this high quality carving underlines the importance of the site in Roman times. Image is courtesy of Frank Geicco. I will continue to monitor progress at the site and hope to volunteer again next year.    

 Introduction This post reprises a one day segment of a Scotland tour.  Information on the tour Today was characterised by unseasonally mild weather, mainly overcast and with some rain. We departed our lodgings in Aberdeen and drove west with first stop at a rural tea room at Old Post Office House, Chapel of Garioch, Inverurie. Tea Room   Next to Glenfiddich Distillery in the Speyside Whisky region. Here we had lunch with one guest joining a tour of the distillery. At Glenfiddich Distillery Next to nearby Mortlach Parish Church where we visited the burial ground which included an ancient Pictish carved stone dating back about 1200 years. Pictish Stone at Mortlach Church Next, we drove on through Elgin to Culloden . site of the last battle on British soil in 1746. Culloden Battlefield, Scotland Next, just a mile and half away to the prehistoric site known as Clava Cairns which dates from the period 2000 BC to 1000 BC. Clava Cairns Finally, we m...

Here are some interesting images obtained during my walk around Rouken Glen, Glasgow this morning. This is a fascinating site with geology stretching back over 300 million years. Through the glen (valley) flows the Auldhouse Burn (stream) which would not be a fun place for a human to be without a wet suit. However, dogs seems to be better insulated and enjoy their aquatic activities.  Dog jumps in water to catch ball thrown by owner.  Dog retrieves ball Dog returns to owner on bank. With the west of Scotland having a relatively mild but wet climate this is a good hunting ground for fungi of all types. In effect they recycle decaying wood. I found the specimens below with no effort as they were close to the path.  Here is a very unusual fungi which looks like polystyrene.  Another, more common fungi.  Overall a rewarding trip. More information For more information on Glasgow and Scotland in general please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-916133...

This evening I am posting images and information on certain murals celebrating famous Glaswegian comedian, Billy Connolly. In commemoration of Billy Connolly’s 75th birthday BBC Scotland commissioned three portraits of the comedian by top Scottish artists. In conjunction with Glasgow City Council representations of these original works were then installed around the city Connolly is also known as the ‘Big Yin’. This world famous entertainer once worked as a welder in Glasgow shipyards before he went on to develop a career as a musician, comedian and actor. Now Sir Billy, the retired comedian is currently battling Parkinson's disease.  A social housing organisation commissioned the 20ft by 16ft artwork  below immediately below which cost GBP45,000  (USD72,000) and which is now positioned on the wall of  a residential block in Anderston, close to where Connolly was born. The mural is the work of Andy Scott who has produced other pieces of public art around Glasg...

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on an interesting example of Scottish architecture. This is the Daily Record Building, one of a portfolio of extant designs by famous Glaswegian architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Daily Record Building, Renfield Lane, Glasgow Information on the Daily Record Building This building is located in central Glasgow, albeit on a rather grubby side street known as Renfield Lane. There is limited access to the interior, via a ground floor restaurant known as Stereo. On the plus side, Stereo is a good spot for lunch in course of a Mackintosh themed tour of Glasgow . Appreciation of the front elevation is restricted due to the narrowness of Renfield Lane. Here is a summary of key aspects: Designed 1901 by C.R.Mackintosh as a newspaper printing works. Comprises a six story block of offices west of a four storey printing works. Ground floor comprises prominent arches in red sandstone. Note vertical line of oriel windows...