Nigel's Photo Blog

 Introduction This evening, I am focusing on the village of Mortlach, near Dufftown in Speyside . This is the heart of Scotland’s whisky industry View of Mortlach   Information on Mortlach The key features of Mortlach are: A very ancient Christian settlement contemporary with Whithorn and Iona , i.e.back to around the 6th century AD. The current church building incorporates features dating to the 13th century.    Mortlach Church       Dufftown Distillery, a major producer of whisky for blending. Giant’s Chair Walk embracing a wooded gorge, waterfall and river.   Looking slightly further afield, options for the visitor include Balvenie Castle, Glenfiddich Distillery , Balvenie Distillery , Speyside Cooperage and the Keith and Dufftown Railway. More information The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland provides a wide range of information including the Scotch Whisky Industry and Speyside. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. ...

Introduction This year, 2025, is being celebrated at the 850th anniversary of Glasgow 's founding. The founding date of 1175 records the year in which the city was granted burgh status by King William 1st of Scotland (1143-1214).The burgh status strongly points to the city already having achieved a certain commercial standing by then. A burgh entitled a town/city to hold markets and engage in trade.   More information on Glasgow's history   It is very likely that Glasgow has a history stretching back well into the first millennium.There are a number of pointers to this,viz: The name Glasgow is derived from the Brittonic glas-cau  which translates as 'green hollow'. Brittonic is linked to modern-day Welsh and appears to have been the default language of mainland Britain until arrival of the Gaels (to Scotland) around the 5th century and Anglo-Saxons (to England) around the 6th century. There is archaeological evidence of dug-out canoes and similar boats and a Crannog bot...

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on a trip to the southern islands of the Outer Hebrides chain off the west coast of Scotland.   Castlebay, Barra Information on the Outer Hebrides trip This morning, we arrived at Castlebay after an 11 hour crossing from Oban on the Scottish mainland.This journey had taken twice the normal time due to delays caused by severe weather conditions. Upon arrival at Castlebay we checked into the hotel for a freshen up and breakfast and then commenced a tour of the island taking in: The magnificent sandy beaches and coastline resplendent in the sunshine. Ancient religious site of Cille Bhara which dates from the 12th century but with a Christian heritage dating back to the 7th century. Traigh Mhor Airport, Barra’s unique beach landing strip. Here we waited patiently for a scheduled plane to land but it failed to arrive and we eventually gave up. Mid afternoon we caught the ferry to Eriskay, across the Sound of Barra, an...

  Introduction This evening I am reporting on a recent, very satisfying, dining experience at Ranjit's Kitchen in Glasgow Southside. The proprietor/chef is a lady (Ranjit).    Information on the dining experience For some time my wife and myself have been aware of the excellent reputation of Ranjit's Kitchen but location and access have tended to conspire against a visit. However, together with two friends we finally made it yesterday evening.Here is feedback: Style: Punjabi, vegetarian. Location: 607 Pollokshaw's Road. This is a clogged artery with difficult parking. However, we travelled by bus which proved very convenient. Opening hours 12.00-8.30pm, Tuesday-Sunday. No prior reservations.Just turn up and hope for availability.  Seating: Basic (benches). Flavours: Bold and sophisticated.  Menu: Includes pakora, sabjis, alloos, rotis and parathas. Atmosphere:Bustling and full to capacity. Service: Relaxed, minimal but pleasant. Price: Outstanding value.  ...

    This evening, I am focusing on the village of Dornie which is located near Kyle of Lochalsh in the Highlands of Scotland . Here are some facts and information concerning Dornie: The name is of Gaelic origin and translates as ‘at the pebbly place’. Situated very close to the A87  highway along which passes huge volumes of tourist traffic en-route between Isle of Skye  and Loch Ness. Close by is the iconic Eilean Donan Castle (above) which itself is a major tourist attraction. Like Eilean Donan, Dornie sits at the confluence of three lochs: Loch Duich, Loch Alsh and Loch Long. Population extends to about 360 persons. Apart from residential houses, Dornie has a shop, hotel and facilities for tourists. The environs offer good mountain hiking trails.  Dornie is within easy access of Plockton and Loch Carron . Video clip of Dornie      More information for the visitor For more information on the Scottish Highlands please refer publication, V...

This evening I am posting information and video on the magnificent painted walls from Lullingstone Roman Villa in S.E. England.     Lullingstone villa is located about 27 miles SE of London in/near Lullingstone Country Park, Kent. These restored areas of wall-painting are from a room in the villa which was evidently used for Christian worship in the late Roman period of 3rd/4th centuries AD.  One panel bears the Chi-Rho monogram, the first letters of Christ's name in Greek.This was a standard symbol of Christianity at this time. The other shows a series of figures at prayer. Christian priests still use the standing pose with raised hands when praying before a congregation. The walls are on display at the  British Museum in London . An accurate reconstruction of a Roman Villa can be found here .  

This evening, I am  providing an update to my 2022 post, principally to include a section on the monument to King Edward 1st who died in 1307. April 01, 2022 Today, I am reporting on the English village of Burgh-by-Sands (pop 1200). This is located on the southern side of the Anglo-Scottish border on the banks of the estuary known as the Solway Firth .  Solway Firth landscape near Burgh-by-Sands    The nearest major town is Carlisle , some seven miles to the east. Burgh-by-Sands is on the line of the Hadrian's Wall Path (hiking trail) and as such attracts considerable numbers of hikers and cyclists passing through.The local environment would also appeal to naturalists and photographers. History buffs would find the ancient church of interest and the former Roman era fort which housed a contingent of soldiers from North Africa. Close by is a monument to King Edward I of England who died at Burgh-by-Sands during the Scottish Wars of Inde...