Mark's son training his falcon to fly away and come back.


Tom (one of the falcons) is very impatient.


The "rabbit" chase.

posted by Catswhiskers @ 8:08 AM  0 comments

Videos

Highland Dancing Competition

The Wrestling

Running

Labels: Highland Games

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:54 AM  0 comments

Wrestling at Ceres Highland Games

Labels: Scotland tour

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:31 PM  0 comments

This eveining, I am presenting some images taken during a recent tour of Auchentoshan Distillery.



The manaufacture of whiskey entails a convoluted process of Malting, Crushing,Fermenting, Distilling and Maturation.



Here is the final product, maturing on oak casks.





Copper stills. These are really giant kettles in which the wash is heated to the point where the alcohol is driven off and then condensed into liquid spirit.






This is where fermentation occurs, where the enzymes in the malt convert the starch into sugar. The resultant liquid is known as wort which is cooled and pumped into washbacks where yeast is added.

Labels: Whisky

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:33 PM  0 comments

This afternoon, I am posting some images of a small herd of Highland Cattle which are kept in Pollock Park, Glasgow.

This is an ancient breed with two root stocks, one red and one black. The red version appears the more dominant.

Highland Cattle are very hardy animals and seem to thrive on the high hills/mountains with poor pasture. They are well suited to Northen climates but are very slow to mature and hence are not popular with beef growers.

The animals are very placid and photogenic and hence popular with tourists.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:01 AM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images from a recent tour covering South Lanarkshire and Ayrshire and mainly centering on the Avon Water valley between Strathaven and Darvel/Newmilns.

This area is traditional mixed farming country.

Here are some sheep; these animals outnumber people in Scotland by a ratio of 1.5:1


Do not tangle wuth this gentleman!

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:09 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images from a recent visit to Paisley.

Focus is on the Coats Observatory on Oakshaw Street. This was a gift from the textile philanthropist, Thomas Coats in 1883 to Paisley's Philosophical Institution which dates from 1808 and included Thomas Coats in its membership.

The Observatory is open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

The Observatory is located in an area of interesting local architecture.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:53 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images of interesting architecture in Paisley, near Glasgow.

Here is a view of the Coats Observatory which dates from 1883; a gift from Thomas Coats, a philanthropist who controlled thread-making factories in the locality.


Oakshaw Trinity Church which dates from 1750.


The Town Hall, finaced by textile magnate George A Clark and his family 1870s.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:54 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am presenting some images of Glasgow's City Chambers, a magnificent Victorian edifice which was opened by Queen Victoria in 1888. The building was designed by William Young . The above is the exterior entrance facing George Square in the centre of Glasgow.

The Chambers house the Head Office of Councils (local government) serving the City of Glasgow

Below are images of the interior which incorporates pillars of marble and granite.








Scottish Country Dancing Ball in process.


Guided tours of the Chambers are available.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 11:00 AM  0 comments

This evening I am posting a video taken at Glasgow's sumptuous City Chambers of the the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society's Glasgow Branch 85th Anniversary Ball. Music was provided by The Lothian Band. This video is quite lengthy, suggest fast forward through first few minutes (start up) and then enjoy.

Labels: Scottish Dancing

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:46 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am presenting some images from a stroll around Paisley yesterday.

Paisley is a fascinating town. A long history with the Abbey dating back to 12th century but best known for the textile industry boom in the 19th century which generated huge wealth and employment opportunities and left a legacy of grand public buildings and redundant mills.

Here is some interesting architecture-the old Liberal Club. 19th century

Statue of John Witherspoon (1723-1794) in front of the University. He preached in Paisley and went to found a medical school in the U.S. and signed the American Declaration of Independence.

Paisley Museum, Art Gallery and Library

Images of the Coats Observatory. This was a gift to Paisley's Philosophical Institution from the industrialist Thomas Coats in 1883 .


Impressive house entrance in Oakshaw Street

Memorial Plaque in grounds of Oakshaw Trinity Church

Aspect of Oakshaw Trinity Church

Steps to Meeting House Lane
Clark Town Hall. Funded by textile money in the 19thC

Art Deco architecture in Causeyside Street, 1931


Victorian architecture-former Co-Op building in Causeyside St

Unusual example of a Paisley tiled close (entrance) in above former Co-Op building.

Paisley Abbey, founded 1163.
Statue near Abbey

Labels: Paisley

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:49 PM  0 comments

Thins evening I am presenting an image of a statue of John Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister who was born in East Lothian, Scotland (descended from John Knox) and after spells preaching in Scotland, including Paisley, went to America (New Jersey) in 1768, where he founded the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and signed the Declaration of Independence, the only minister of religion to do so. He died in 1794.

Paisley is a fascinating town, although somewhat mixed in terms of economic standing boast much history including the famous Abbey and much industrial history with the notable textile mills.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Catswhiskers @ 3:16 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting an image from a recent ancestry themed tour covering Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. We stopped at Drumclog Memorial Kirk which dates from 1812 and maintains a historic connection with the Battle of Drumclog 1679 when the Covenanters defeated the Government forces.


Drumclog is located on A71 between Strathaven and Darvel. Not far away is located Loudon Hill, a prominent feature on the landscape.

Labels: South Lanarkshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:17 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting an image of Strathaven Castle which sits on a rocky mound above the conservation village which shares its name.

The first castle was built by a branch of the Baird family. The first stone castle was built c 1350 but burned down in the 1450s.possibly in context of a strategy of James II to curb power of local nobles. The castle was gifted by the King to Sir Andrew Stewart and subsequently acquired by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart. Later, in 1611, the castle was passed to the Marquess and Dukes of Hamilton in 1611 in whose hands the castle remained until 1912




The castle is close to the town centre and entry is free. Worth a visit if in the area.

Labels: South Lanarkshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:03 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am posting an image taken during a recent tour which included this fascinating ruin which dates to the 12th century.

Loudon Kirk is located down a road opposite the entrance to Loudon Castle. Although a ruin, the building and grounds are very well cared for and afford an oasis of calm.

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 3:05 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some video footage of a recent tour of Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire focusing on the Miller Family ancestry.

The following are videos taken at Burnfoot Farm where the Dykes Burn meets the Avon Water.

This semi-derelict house is where William Miller and Jean Cochrane lived.

To activate the video click on the little arrow under the still image.

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:48 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting a video of a visit to a Scottish Farm in context of researching family history for a group of visitors from the U.S.A. Lady at the farm was very helpful.

Labels: Farm tour

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:56 PM  0 comments

Today, I visited Loudon Hill near Darvel in East Ayrshire

Views of the stunning local scenery were aided by dry, sunny weather.

Loudon Hill is a very visible landmark on a relatively flat/undulating landscape. It would appear to be of volcanic origin.

Loudon Hill has a very interesting history, including:

Iron Age settlement

A nearby Neolithic Cairn

A Roman Fort

Battle sites: 1296 (William Wallace); 1307 Robert the Bruce; 1679 (Covenanters).

There are walking trails across/around the site.


This site is well worth a visit. Nearby is the Loudon Castle theme park.

Labels: Ayrshire

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:33 PM  0 comments

posted by Catswhiskers @ 7:52 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images, taken by Simon, of Scottish Country Dancing in progress. We have a video but have experienced problems in posting same to the Blog. Will try again tomorrow.

Labels: Scottish Dancing

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:25 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting images of Linn Park, Glasgow taken yesterday by Simon.

Linn Park is the second largest public park in Glasgow ( 82 hectares) and contains many facilities including equestrian, golf, orienteering and children's play areas. The park has much to offer the naturalist including 60 different bird species, bats and wild flowers. For more information see this website.







Gravestones

Ducks
Reflections in the water.


With history, scenery, flora and fauna Linn park is a pleasant place for an evening stroll.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:18 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images taken by my associate, Simon during a recent visit to Rouken Glen park, Glasgow Southside.

Rouken Glen has much wildlife and scenery. There is also an adjacent golf course. The park is very popular with dog walkers.

Here are some ducks from the boating pond.


Weir. This can be quite spectacular after heavy rain.

Reflections on the boating pond.

Two images of a cheeky squirrel



Swans. The collective noun for a group of swans is a lamentation.



After a stroll visitors can obtain refreshment at the Boater's Cafe

Labels: rouken glen

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:25 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images taken during today's tour of Glasgow for a group of visitors from Singapore.

Here are some images taken at Charles Rennie Mackintosh's House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park. It took almost 100 years from the time Mackintosh and his wife designed the building to the date of final construction, but it was worth the wait! A stunning and unique interior comprising main hall, dining room, music room and oval room.



Here are some Highland Cattle which live in the unusual setting of Glasgow's Pollock Park. They are quite docile and very photogenic, albeit far removed from their natural habitat of the mountains and hills.

Here are some images of the famous Burrell Collection , which contains some 8500 art treasures collected by William Burrell (1861-1958) and donated to the City of Glasgow in 1944. The collection covers a vast span of time from ancient Egypt through to the medieval.


This is the Ubiquitous Chip in Ashton Lane where the group enjoyed a good meal. An award winning restaurant and the city;s favourite for 'Mctastic' Scottish food, especially venison and seafood.

Exterior of Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Inside is one of the most famous municipal collections of Scottish and European paintings in the country.

Here are some images form a tour of the Auchentoshan Whisky Distillery

Guide giving introductory presentation.


Copper stills

Maturation in process. About 2pct p.a. is lost due to evaporation and is known as the 'Angels Share'.
Overall, a good tour which was aided by reasonably clement weather.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:38 PM  1 comments

This evening I am presenting a feature on a piece of industrial history in the form of Paisley and the textile industry.

During the 19th and 20th centuries Paisley and silks and were Kashmir shawls imported by the East India Company was at the heart of a thriving textile industry with a skilled workforce. The town's hand loom weavers were expert at weaving fine lawns, muslinsthus well positioned to seize the opportunity when the intricately patterned became the height of fashion.

Paisley's output soon dominated the market to the extent that the output of shawls and traditional patterns became known as 'paisleys'.

During the late 19th and early 2oth centuries paisley's prosperity was driven by the great thread mills of the Coats and Clark families which owned mills where thousands of local people produced sewing thread for export all over the world.

Some of the of the mill buildings still remain and the wealthy mill owners gifted to the town a legacy of buildings which include:

• The Museum
• Coats Observatory
• The Clark town Hall
• Thomas Coats Memorial Church

Sadly the textile business has declined to a shadow of its former self with many of the former mill buildings now demolished or converted to other uses, e.g.business parks.

This is an image of a refurbished mill. I have other images but am experiencing difficulty uploading them.


For persons interested in industrial history Paisley is deserving of a visit.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:56 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images taken during recent research for an ancestry tour.

Seedhill Road, Paisley is on old industrial/residential part of Paisley with a former textile mill (Anchor Mill) which has been converted to a business centre.

This is Seedhill Road with the former mill in the middle distance.


Once aspect of the former mill.
This is 19 Seedhill Road where the ancestor of my client lived at one time in the 1800s.
Seedhill Road and the mill.

Overall, I think its fair to say that Paisley is somewhat jaded and need to reinvent itself to re-capture the glory days of the 1800s boom town when the local textile industry reined supreme. Paisley has a great heritage, particularly the magnificent Abbey which is underrated and does not normally feature on the tourist trail.

On each visit I get a different appreciation of Paisley, with its fascinating industrial history, and may set up a dedicated web page in the future.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:01 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images from the Cathedral and Necropolis, an elevated area where it is believed that Glasgow started life.

Here is an image of the Necropolis with John Knox memorial in the middle distance. The Necropolis ( City of the Dead) is a fascinating place where have been laid to rest the 'great and good' of Glasgow during the 19th century. It contains the remains of almost every eminent Glaswegian of its day.


The following images are of Glasgow Cathedral, the only complete medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland. This was built on the site of St.Mungo's original church established AD 543.

Most of the Cathedral dates from the 13th century with completion at end of the 15th century.

Blackadder Aisle

Nave
The Cathedral is a "must" for the visitor to Glasgow.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:45 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am posting some images taken during a recent visit to Doune Castle, which is a well preserved and authentic medieval castle which featured in the film 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'.

The castle is protected by the River Teith on the west and by the Ardoch Burn on the east.

The castle sits on the site of an earlier earthwork fortification. It was built by Robert Stewart and subsequently became a hunting lodge for the Stewart Court. Doune has experienced many changes and activity including:

• A Royal fortress in the 15th century
• A Hunting Lodge
• A Dower house for three Stewart queens.
• Stayed loyal to Mary Queen of Scots until 1570.
• Under control of Earls of Moray since 1590.
• Occupied by garrisons of redcoats in 1689 and 1715.
• Captured by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.
• A prison for soldiers captured at the Battle of Falkirk in 1746.
• Restoration in 1883.
  

This castle is close to Stirling and worth a visit.

Labels: castles

posted by Catswhiskers @ 8:48 AM  0 comments

This evening I am posting a feature on Culloden, near Inverness.

In essence, Culloden was the last battle on British soil.It took place on April 16th 1746 with adversaries being The Jacobites under Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Hanoverians under command of the Duke of Cumberland.

Location of the battle was Drumossie Moor, near Inverness.

The Jacobite army was some 5000 strong and comprised mainly of men form the Highland clans. They were armed with targ (shield), Brown Bess musket and just 10 three pound cannon and broadswords. They possessed no artillery.

The Hanoverians comprised a well disciplined force of about 9000 including about 2500 Scots.This army was equipped with latest technology firelocks which were fitted with bayonets.

After taking heavy punishment from the Hanoverians for about 40 minutes, the Jacobites charged but only a few Jacobites managed to reach the Hanoverian lines.

The battle was over within one hour resulting in some 1200 Jacobite casualties against some 300 on the Government side.

No quarter was given by the Hanoverians with the result that no battle honours were awarded to the Government side.

Labels: battlefields

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:16 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am posting images from a round Scotland tour just completed.

This is an image of the Abbey Church of Dunfermline. The Abbey and the ruins around are all that remain of a Benedictine Abbey founded by Queen Margaret in the 11th century.Inside is the tomb of King Robert the Bruce.


Here is a view of Edinburgh (with Castle in the background) taken from the vantage point of Calton Hill.

very popular owing to The following are images of the famous Rosslyn Chapel which dates from 1446 and is currentlyconnection with the Da Vinci Code book and film.

The scaffolding and roof are temporary-to allow the stone work to dry out and thus preserve the fabric of this historic building.



The famous and quaint fishing village of Crail situated in the East Neuk of Fife.


Beneath this innocuous looking building is a very deep Cold War era command and control centre which is now a tourist attraction known as the Secret Bunker.


This is beach at St. Andrews where the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire were shot. It is surprisingly close to the famous Old Course.


A medieval building at St. Andrews.


Evening shadows at St. Andrews Cathedral. This building dates from about 1160 and was the focal point of the Scottish Church throughout the Middle Ages.


This is Castle Campbell in Clackmannanshire. A small castle set high in the Ochills which affords great views when the visibility is right.

Aspect at Castle Campbell


This is the famous Doune Castle where scenes from 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' were shot. It is a fascinating attraction in its own right, being a former royal hunting lodge of the Stewarts.


Our visit at Doune was fortunate to coincide with a local event which entailed a Pipe Band.


View of Loch of the Lowes where Ospreys are nesting. We were able to view the chicks on CCTV .

Tour guide and group at Edradour Distillery. This is Scotland's smallest distillery which provides an excellent free guided tour. The single malt is highly acclaimed.


The following are images at Balmoral, a private highland estate owned by the Royal Family.




This is Cawdor Castle which dates from the 14th century and is connected with Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle on British soil in 1746.

This redcoat has just captured an American revolutionary!

View of Culloden Battlefield


Aspect of Inverness, capital of the Highlands. The castle actually dates from the 1830s but fits in with the local scenery. The building houses various administrative functions of the local Council and judiciary.


Piper at Castle Urquhart at Loch Ness. a fascinating castle which sits on a promontory on LochNess. Sadly the monster was sleeping at time of our visit.




Views at Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye. This has been the home of Clan MacLeod since the 1270s.



This is a view taken at the Quaraing on Skye. Image affected by heavy rain.


The following are images of the remains of a Broch on Skye. Brochs are distinctive settlements found only in Scotland and date to the Iron Age. The y comprise dry stone built towers 33 or more feet in height and about 82 feet in diameter.Shape tends to be slightly conical and built with a double skin so that stairways and chambers can be fitted on the core of the wall. There is a suggestion that the double skin is actually a very sophisticated heating system.



This is Hotel Eilean Iarmain on Skye, which has great water-front location.


During our tour we were shadowed by a procession of Morgan sports cars also on a tour of Scotland.They seemed to originate mainly from France.

Here is the famous Jacobite Steam Train in the run up to Mallaig. Also known as the 'Harry Potter' train (Hogwarts Express).
Here is an image of the ruins of Kilchurn Castle at the head of Loch Awe. This dates from 1440 and was an integral part of the Clan Campbell control of the West Highlands.


This could be the Catswhiskers Tour Guide-but is actually a scarecrow at Auchindrain Township near Inveraray. Auchindrain comprises a number of dwellings which display life in a Highland community in bygone years.



Maritime museum at Inveraray.
Reflections on Loch Fyne at Inveraray.


Church of Scotland at Inveraray
More reflections on Loch Fyne

View of Loch Fyne taken from the north end close the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.


Inchmahome Priory which is located on an island on Lake of Menteith. The Priory is now a ruin and dates from 1238. It ceased to function at the Reformation in 1560. The Priory is only accessible by boat.



Images from the famous Burrell Collection in Glasgow.



Images from Charles Rennie Mackintosh's 'House for An Art Lover', Glasgow. Fascinating design and architecture dating from the early 1900s.



Images of the Gallery of Modern Art in Central Glasgow.




Inside of Provand's Lordship, Glasgow's oldest house which dates back to the 1400s.


Image at Glasgow's Necropolis with a memorial to John Knox (centre of image).

Glasgow Cathedral viewed from the Necropolis.This is the only mainland cathedral in Scotland to have survived the aftermath of the Reformation without major structural loss.The building dates from the 1200s and succeeds an earlier cathedral dating to around AD 600.

The Blackadder Aisle at the Cathedral

Nave of the Cathedral
Overall., a good tour aided by the fact that the weather mainly dry and sunny, with exception of our sojourn on Skye.

Labels: Scotland tour

posted by Catswhiskers @ 6:00 AM  0 comments