This morning I went out in the sunshine to take some images of the emerging spring.

I went to Greenbank Gardens and here are the results

Daffodils and Narcissus coming into bloom in the woods.

Garden pond with duck
Garden view
Garden view
This statue/fountain is called 'Foam' and dates from 1938 when it featured in the Empire Exhibition, Glasgow.
Another garden view.
Greenbank was very quiet and relaxing, yet very close to Glasgow.

Labels: Gardens

posted by Catswhiskers @ 5:42 AM  0 comments

Stirling Castle is an excellent example of a Scottish castle and well located for the visitor to Scotland. It is situated on the rock of Stirling (an ancient volcano) and was the key to medieval Scotland. All invading armies had to come to the rock of Stirling to to enter Scotland's hinterlands.

The first record of a castle date from Alexander I who died there in 1124.

Close by were fought two major, decisive battles in which the Scots beat the English:

• Stirling Bridge in 1297
• Bannockburn in 1314
  

The Stewart age brought stability, and money was lavished to tun the castle into a symbol of royal authority:

• The Great Hall of 1500
• Gatehouse 1510
• Royal Palace of King James V 1540

However, the palace was little used by royalty after 1603 but witnessed action in 1651 during a siege by Roundheads and was badly damaged.

Here is a recreation of the Castle kitchens.


Here is the main entrance
Here is the Palace (interior of which is being refurbished)

Another view of the entrance
Palace view

Labels: Stirling Castle

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:57 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am posting an image of a memorial from Glasgow's Southern Necropolis. This is unusual because it includes reference to a couple who appear to have died in Dunfermline which is in the east of Scotland, near Edinburgh.

The inscription simply records the passing of:

James Bryden
Jane Bryden, wife of James.

No dates or ages are given.

Judging by the sequence on the memorial, the Brydens appear to have died sometime between 1874 and 1898.

Labels: dunfermline

posted by Catswhiskers @ 4:55 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images, from a recent tour, of Inveraray Castle which is located on the West of Scotland.

We arrived late in the evening and had the grounds to ourselves, which was great.

Inveraray Castle is the seat of The Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell. The castle is located close to Loch Awe and dates from 1745-86. It was designed by Roger Morris and Robert Mylne.

Inside the castle can be viewed:

• the famous Armoury collection
• French tapestries
• Scottish and European Furniture
• The Clan room with its genealogical display.

Labels: Inveraray

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:37 PM  0 comments

This afternoon, I am presenting some images of a recent visit to Balnuaran of Clava, near Inverness which was incorporated in a recent tour.

This is an exceptionally well preserved group of prehistoric burial cairns dating back about 4000 years.

Here is a kerb stone with evidence of cup-marks.These are small, dish shaped depressions which have been carved into a rock surface by pecking away with a hard stone implement for what motive no-one knows for certain. There are 104 theories to explain the function of cup marks.


Here is an overview of the site looking towards the N.E.Cairn which is a well preserved passage grave.
Here is inside of one of the cairns which would have contained a body.

Anothse aspect of the site
Here is a friendly tour guide against one of the circle of standing stones which circle the N.E.Cairn.
Scotland is particularly well endowed with pre-history. If you are seeking a specialized tour then post a comment!

Labels: prehistory

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:06 AM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images of a recent Scotland tour which entailed a visit to Edradour which is a classic farm distillery and the smallest legal distillery in Scotland.

Edradour was founded in 1825 and currently produces 90,000 litres p.a.

The management of Edradour provide an excellent free tour taking visitors through the whole process of malting,mashing,fermentation, distillation and maturation.

There is an excellent whiskey shop at the Distillery which sells a wide range of specialist whiskeys.


Here is an aspect of the Distillery buildings.

Here is a copper still
Here is the glass-fronted spirit safe where the expert separates the middle cut containing the best quality alcohol from the feints or lower grade alcohol.

Malt mill
Tour group inspecting colling system which is used to cool the hot, alcoholic vapours rising up the neck of the still and condense them back into a liquid.


Edradour is located close to Pitlochry in Perthshire and is well worth a visit.

Labels: Whisky

posted by Catswhiskers @ 3:26 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting some images of a recent tour when we visited the Loch Tay area of Perthshire.

The Falls of Dochart are found at Killin at the south end of Loch Tay where the River Dochart enters Loch Tay.

Here it is possible to have a bit of fun and scramble across the rocks.

As will evident from one of the images, there was snow on the mountain peaks at time of our visit.

The name Killin is indicative of an early Christian settlement and means 'at the white cell'.

Labels: perthshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 5:00 AM  0 comments

This afternoon, I am presenting some images from a tour just completed which was undertaken in very snowy conditions. The route took us up to Spittal of Glenshee in the Highlands where we came to an abrupt halt due to adverse weather which resulted in the road being closed.We had a break at the Spittal hotel ( full up with two stranded coach parties) and then doubled back to Pitlochry and on up to Inverness via Killiecrankie and the A9.

The expedition proved quite a bit of fun and provided opportunity for good photos-and some snowball fights!

Spittal is a Scots word meaning a hospice or refuge for travellers, especially in mountainous country. The Spittal of Glenshee proved very apposite on the day we arrived-just standing room only!

Labels: Highlands

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:10 AM  0 comments

Today I was on the last leg of a Scotland tour which included a visit to the famous Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness. The visit coincided with a heavy snow storm but that did not upset enjoyment of the visit.

There was fortifications at the Urquhart site back in prehistory but the present ruins date from around AD 1275 under the powerful Comyns.Subsequently the castle experienced a chequered history including:

• Garrisoning by the English in 1296
• Attack by Robert the Bruce in 1306
• Embellishment and re-build by the Stewarts by 1400
• Capture by the MacDonalds in 1452
• Plundering by clansmen in 1544-45
• Slighting of the defences afetr a Jacobite uprising in 1689.
  

This was just one leg of a great 3 day tour.

Labels: castles

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:05 PM  0 comments

This morning I went into the Gorbals area. This is a name long associated with social deprivation although back in the 18th century was an upscale area.

Here is an image of a former tenement block for which the area was notorious. Its all boarded up now but seems structurally sound.


This is an image of a local car repair company operating under a former railway bridge.


Here is an image of a road intersection with pub in foreground and a redundant derelict church in the background. the church is very interesting. It is known as the Caledonian Road Church and was designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson 1856-7. The tower is most unusual and may have been inspired by German architecture of the time.


Here are some images of tower blocks, formerly used for social housing, which are being prepared for demolition. There will be controlled explosions during first weekend in June. Should be quite a show!!


See this site for more information on the Gorbals area

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 7:43 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images of Glasgow's Kelvingrove museum.

This is both art gallery and museum which dates from 1901 and re-opened July 11th 2006.

The building is of red sandstone and was designed by London architects Simpson and Milner Allen

Kelvingrove features over 8,000 objects including:

• Art masterpieces by Rembrandt and Titian
• Impressionist paintings
• Weaponry and suits of armour.
• Dali's Christ of St.John of the Cross
• A mummy and many other objects from ancient Egypt
  

This fascinating site is well worth a visit when in Glasgow.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:47 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting images of today's tour Loch of Lomond, Scotland. For March the weather was unusually fine and dry.

Here are some images of former slate workers cottages at Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond and now a heritage site.

This is a view of a snow capped Ben Lomond. In the past I have climbed this mountain.


For more information on Loch Lomond tours contact www.catswhiskerstours.co.uk

Labels: Luss

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:51 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting some images of a visit to Elgin Cathedral which is about 38 miles east of Inverness.

The Cathedral has had a very chequered life. It was founded in 1224 and which time was considered the finest in Scotland. In 1390 it was burned by the 'Wolf of Badenoch' (Alexander Stewart) following his excommunication form the church. The Cathedral suffered further damage during the Reformation.





For more information on Scotland tours contact Catswhiskerstours info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk

Labels: Elgin

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:47 AM  0 comments

This morning I visited Rouken Glen, South Glasgow to obtain images of emerging Spring.

Here are trees in early stage blossom and bulbs


Crocus
Heathers in formal garden
White heather


Contact www.catswhiskerstours co.uk for a Gardens tour

Labels: rouken glen

posted by Catswhiskers @ 8:20 AM  0 comments

This evening I am posting an image of the Scott Monument in Princes Street, Edinburgh.

This dates from 1844 and was designed by George Meikle Kemp, a self-taught architect.

Unfortunately, Kemp died by drowning in the Union Canal whilst the monument was being constructed.

The statue of Sir Walter Scott by John Steell was installed in 1846.

This monument dominates Princes Street. A good clean would do wonders for the image of the area,






Contact www.catswhiskerstours.co.uk for more information on Edinburgh architecture tours.

Labels: Edinburgh

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:50 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting further images of my trip to Edinburgh yesterday.

Here is Bank of Scotland's Headquarters building. Dates from 1802-6. Originally a sedate, classical building later extended into Roman Baroque.

National Gallery. This was designed by William Playfair 1845.

Waverley Railway Station. This dates back to 1854 and is named after Sir Walter Scott's Waverley novels.

View of Calton Hill. It is the skyline which is important. Meant to portray the 'Athens of the North'. Buildings include the National monument, Old Observatory, New Observatory, Playfair's Monument, Nelson's Monument and more.


Contact www.Catswhiskerstours.co.uk for more information on tours of Edinburgh

Labels: Edinburgh

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:31 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I went to Edinburgh and took the opportunity to take a few pictures in the centre area.

Here is a view of the Royal Mile looking down towards Holyrood.

Here is a little known memorial to the Protestant reformer, John Knox. This plaque is located in Mary King's Close

Here is the memorial to Sir Walter Scott author of the Waverley Novels and much more. The monument is located in Princes Street. It is possible to climb up on the inside although I passed on that today because of the bad weather. This monument is in need of a good clean.

For more information on walking tours of Edinburgh contact www.catswhiskerstours.co.uk

Labels: Edinburgh

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:30 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting an image of a successful day at Kinnaird, near Dunkeld, Perthshire.

The Tay holds records as:

• The longest river in Scotland ( 120 miles)
• Having the largest catchment area in Scotland of 2400 sq miles

It is famous for trout and salmon

Contact Catswhiskerstours for information on salmon fishing at Kinnaird, Perthshire

Labels: River Tay

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:25 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting some information on Mary Thomson, viz:

• Married Archibald McMillan, merchant service seaman, in Glasgow on Dec 3rd 1793 by the Minister of the Gaelic Chapel in Glasgow.
• Born Campbelltown Sept 25th 1786, daughter of Archibald Thomson,
• Parents: Archibald Thomson, a custom house boatman and mother Barbara Williamson.
• Died Campbelltown Sept 28th 1878

Comment: The above information may contain an error as such would imply that Mary married at age 7 yrs.

For more information on Scotland Ancestry tours visit this web page

Labels: ancestry tours

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:29 AM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting research on the ancestry of Ian McMillan Sillars whose great, grandparents were Duncan Sillars and Barbara McMillan who married in Glasgow in December 1841.

Ten years later at the 1851 Census they were living in Frederick Lane, Glasgow with their three children at that time, Duncan Sillars ( 14 yrs) working as a calenderer, Mary (10 yrs) and Daniel (2yrs). The father, Duncan was a tailor by trade and both he and his wife, Barbara were born in Campbelltown parish, Kintyre.

On the Campbelltown Parish Register it is recorded that Duncan Sillars was born there on March 11th 1810 and baptized next day. His parents were Duncan Sillars, a hand loom weaver, and mother was Anne (or Agnes) Niven. There is an entry for their marriage proclamations in the Campbelltown parish Register on Feb 7th 1794 followed by their marriage in March 1794.

The only Duncan Sillars born in Kintyre at this time was born on March 22nd 1770 in Killean and Kilchenzie parish to father Archibald Sellers. This Duncan had younger siblings, Mary born 1772, Jean born 1774, John born 1775 and Daniel born 1777.

This Sellars family of Killean parish are found in a list of the inhabitants upon the Duke of Argyll's property in Kintyre in 1792. The Sillars family was one of 7 families living at South Crubastill, Killean parish, Kintyre. The father, Archibald was 52 years. his wife Mary Kelly 43 and their three youngest children, Donald (10 yrs), Archibald (7 yrs) and Cathrine ( 4yrs). Also living with them at the time was a 12 year old Jean McMillan, a relation or domestic servant. All the older children, including Duncan ( age 22 yrs at time of the 1792 census) had left the family home by this time.

The only Archibald Sillars marriage at this time is an Archibald Sillars who married a Mary (Sillars) on Aug 7th 1768 in Kilbride parish on the island of Arran. It is believed that Archibald and Mary moved to Kintyre after their marriage.

For more information on Glasgow ancestry tours visit this web page

Labels: glasgow ancestry

posted by Catswhiskers @ 7:47 AM  0 comments

This posting is a test. Can't load images. My other blog works fine.

Labels: ancestry tours

posted by Catswhiskers @ 3:08 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting some images from this morning's cycle ride. I took the opportunity to take some images of Rangers FC stadium at Ibrox in the spring sunshine.

Rangers Football (Soccer) Club dates back to 1872 and vies for position as Scotland's top club.

More information can be found at this website.




For tours of Glasgow visit this web page

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 8:43 AM  0 comments

This morning I visited Glasgow's Bellahouston Park and took some pictures of Mackintosh's famous House for an Art Lover from a garden perspective with many bulbs and flowers beginning to emerge.

Although designed in 1901, the House of an Art Lover was not completed until 1996. It is a stunning creation, both internally and externally. It looks particularly appealing in the spring sunshine!


Visit this web page for information on Glasgow Tours. Gardens tours are also available.

Labels: Mackintosh Tours

posted by Catswhiskers @ 8:06 AM  0 comments

This morning I went out (during a break in the rain) to take some photographs of the emerging flowers in Bellahouston Walled Garden, Glasgow (near House for Art Lover).

Provided below are images of a colourful spectacle including crocus, daffodils, polyanthus ( I think!), snow drops and more.

Overall, quite a feast for the eye!







For more information on tours of Scotland's gardens visit this web page.

Labels: Gardens

posted by Catswhiskers @ 7:22 AM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting images from yesterday's Mackintosh tour of Glasgow.

The images below are of the final site we visited, the famous Mackintosh Church, the only church built to the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and which now houses the HQ of the Mackintosh Society.

The building was commissioned by the Free Church of St. Matthew, Glasgow. The foundation stone was laid on June 23rd 1898 and the building opened for worship on Sept 10th 1899.

This building was contemporary with Mackintosh's design for the Glasgow School of Art.



Here are some Mackintosh designed chairs in the hall which is accessed from from the rear of the church. There is also a piano in the hall-which one of out tour members payed very well!


Here is a view of the nave taken from the gallery.


Pulpit
View of the East Gallery. Note barrel vaulted roof which is similar to an upturned boat keel. This may have been an important symbol because at the time the church was built Glasgow was the powerhouse of world shipbuilding and there would have existed a pool of skilled craftsmen able to construct such a roof.

View of the south gallery

For more information on Mackintosh Architecture tours visit this web page

Labels: Mackintosh Tours

posted by Catswhiskers @ 6:57 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images of the interior of Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts.

I found this by chance. The Centre aims to create a relaxing, creative environment. The Centre's programme is focused on:

• Visual arts
• Contemporary music and film
• Dance performance and spoken word

Light refreshments are available. Its a nice to drop in for refreshment and to absorb the atmosphere. The architecture is interesting.



Visit this web page for more information on Glasgow Tours.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:02 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am presenting an image of the exterior of the Glasgow School of Art which is acknowledged as the finest of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's architectural projects to have been built during his lifetime.

In 1896 Mackintosh won a competition which provided a somewhat revolutionary design incorporating a combination of huge windows and plain masonry.

Sadly, photographs of the interior are not permitted but guided tours of this still thriving art academy are provided by students and last about one hour. The interior is packed with distinctive Mackintosh designs and furniture.

A major US$15M refurbishment programme is in process.This will serve to boost visitor numbers by improving public access. Work on the building will include restoration of original features and removal of modern additions, plus a full programme of timber and stone repair. The new facilities will include a (Mackintosh) interpretation centre.

A visit to the School of Art will prove of great interest, especially to persons familiar with architecture and design. From the top floor a panoramic view of Glasgow is provided. However, there are no lifts/elevators.

For more information on Glasgow Mackintosh tours visit this web page

Labels: Mackintosh Tours

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:40 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting various images from today's Charles Rennie Mackintosh tour which included the famous House for an Art Lover. This design was submitted in 1901 for a competition sponsored by a German magazine for a sumptuous Haus eines Kumsdtfreundes. This inspired Mackintosh and his wife Margaret MacDonald to create a princely private dwelling which is acknowledged as a masterpiece of early Modernism.

The House was finally completed in 1996 and can be found in Glasgow's Bellahouston Park near to the famous Burrell Collection.

There are a number of interesting Mackintosh sites in Glasgow and there exists a society dedicated Mackintosh's work.










See this web page or more information on Mackintosh tours.

Labels: Mackintosh Tours

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:22 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting an image of a McNair family memorial recording various family members including Bella Anderson who died Nov 22nd 1880 age 66 years.

This memorial stone can be found in Glasgow's Southern Necropolis.


Contact Catswhiskerstours for Glasgow ancestry tours

Labels: glasgow ancestry

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:42 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting an image from a Glasgow grave-marker which records a death on the other side of the world.

This stone is found in Glasgow's Southern Necropolis and records the passing of various members of the Lindsay family including one Daniel, son of David. Daniel's inscription is partly eroded but my best guess is that he died Jan 4th 1896 in Concordia, South Australia age 32 years.Daniel seems to have been the longest lived of the Lindsay children.

For more information on Glasgow ancestry and genealogy visit this web page

Labels: glasgow ancestry

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:52 PM  0 comments

Here is an image of a friendly urban fox taken last night.

Incredibly, all the snow has melted now.

Our fox is quite friendly and will usually allow humans within about 10 feet.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:16 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting an image of a memorial from Glasgow's Southern Necropolis. Like many other Victorian era family grave-markers the stone records a sad tale of infant mortality which was a function of the rampant disease and poor water supply prevalent in mid 1800s Glasgow.
Here are the details:

• Patriarch, David Lindsay died Feb 16th 1877 age 61 years
• Mary, died July 16th 1849 age 15 months
• Devina, died Oct 11th 1855 age 10 months
• David, died Oct 14th 1859 age 3 years and 2 months
• Jessie died August 23rd 1873 age 11 years and 9 months
• Daniel, died in Concordia, South Australia on Jan 4th? age 32yrs?
• David's wife, Margaret McBeth, died Sept 18th 1897 age 75 years.

Many times I see grave-markers with high levels of in fact mortality but with a common feature that the parents live to a good age by our standards, let alone the much lower life expectancy experienced in Victorian times.

The Scottish House of Lindsay was founded in the early 12th century by Sir Walter de Lindsay.

There are now many branches of the Lindsay family and some 200 spellings of the name


For more information on Glasgow ancestry themed tours see this web page

Labels: glasgow ancestry

posted by Catswhiskers @ 10:50 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting an image of a grave-marker from Glasgow's Southern Necropolis.

The stone chiefly records members of the Harper family but includes Elizabeth Brown, cousin of Ebenezer Harper, who died on May 17th 1893.



For information on Glasgow based ancestry tours visit this web page

Labels: glasgow ancestry

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:40 PM  0 comments