Review of 2018
It’s been a very difficult year, but the sadness has been diluted a little with some lovely memories along the way. Here’s to a better 2019.
Review of 2018
Christmas with an iPhone
We spent the Christmas and New Year period travelling to Scotland and back by road again.
Loch an Eilein
Jo took me to visit Loch an Eilein, in the Rothiemurchus estate, during one of my first trips to Scotland way back in 2005. I love pine forests and, in particular, Scots pines, so I was in my element there. The walk around the loch is an easy one, ranging 4-5 miles over pretty unchallenging terrain, and offers plenty of…
Duke Of Sutherland Monument, Golspie
George Leveson-Gower, a British Member of Parliament, married Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland, in 1785. The land they subsequently controlled was amongst the largest estates in Europe. A statue to his memory was erected in 1830 on the summit Beinn a’ Bhragaidh, standing 30 metres tall and overlooking the estate, Dunrobin Castle and the north-eastern coast of Scotland. The Duke…
Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge
The Commando Memorial stands above Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands, with a commanding view across the former Commando Training Depot to the Nevis range of mountains. The memorial stands for the British Commando units who trained here in the Second World War, and was unveiled by the Queen Mother in 1952.
The Rottenrow
Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital, or to many Glaswegians “The Rottenrow”, was founded in 1834 and demolished in 2001. The Victorian building had fallen into disrepair by the time of its demolition and was deemed inadequate for modern requirements. A replacement for The Rottenrow was built at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the original building was purchased by the University of Strathclyde…
Rest in peace, little pooch
Archie Meadies, 2001-2017.
Kilmuir Easter Church
The only remains of antiquity that stood in this parish, were last year removed. In the place of Delny, once a principal seat of the Earls of Ross, stood the ruins of a Romish chapel on a pleasant bank surrounded by graves. This spot has been deserted as a burying place for many years; and the present farmer (not adverting…
A place of irregular marriages
The small town of Gretna Green, which lies alongside the M6/A74M on the border between Scotland and England, is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world.
Invergordon, Scotland
Invergordon, a small town on the Cromarty Firth in the north of Scotland, which relies heavily on the local oil industry.
Brora beach
A winter visit to the large beach at Brora, in the far north of Scotland.
Croick Estate, Scotland
A winter drive along a ten-mile single-track road in northern Scotland led to a remote church and a still, wet, beautiful landscape.
Treasure Hunt
Treasure Hunt was a British television show in the 1980s, inspired by an idea from France called La Chasse au Trésor. Presenters Kenneth Kendall and (in the later episodes) Wincey Willis were joined by members of the public in the studio, to guide “sky runner” Anneka Rice to find clues and the “treasure” within 45 minutes. I loved…
Travel many roads on many islands
A lovely video of a journey on the Isle of Skye by StokedEverSince, posted to Vimeo by Calum Creasey.
Danny Macaskill on the Cuillin Ridgeline
“The Ridge” is the brand new film from mountain-biker Danny Macaskill. For the first time in one of his films Danny climbs aboard a mountain bike and returns to his native home of the Isle of Skye in Scotland to take on a death-defying ride along the notorious Cuillin Ridgeline. Even if you’re not fussed about…
Garvault Hotel, Kinbrace
If you drive up to the far north west of Scotland from Inverness, you'll probably pass the Garvault Hotel: touted as the most remote hotel in mainland Britain.
My most popular photograph is for sale
The most popular photo I've posted to Flickr is of Loch Garry, off the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
Travel recommendation for the mid-west of Scotland
I am often asked for ideas what to see and where to visit in Scotland. This route takes in many of my favourite spots in the west and centre of the country and is great for first-time visitors.