KIN

Tuesday, 1 March 2016

Even after two days of castles and Scottish Highlands, nothing could have prepared me for the still beauty of Loch an Eileen

My photographs do not come near the beauty of the space and the wonder of standing amongst the trees

Where did I go?

Loch an Eilein

Cairngorm is high, and cold, and covered in snow.

I ran out, took photographs, ran back in, defrosted my fingers and started again!

It was beautiful and I loved every minute.

Yup... this is how cold...

The weather at the bottom was so still and beautiful

and then onto Urquhart Castle

Although this looks sunny, do not be misled, it was freezing...

Urquhart Castle is on Loch Ness and near my favourite town, Drumnadrochit.

There is a lovely short film at the Castle's centre, don't miss it as there is a dramatic finish which takes one's breath away!

Where did I go?

Cairngorm Mountain

Great for skiing

Urquhart Castle

Make sure to check it is open, they have to close when it snows

Where did I stay?

The Bothy, Nethy Bridge

The battles between English and Jacobite have an aspect of lore in the telling, and Soldier's Leap does make one wonder about the myth arising from battle...

At the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, the Jacobites surprised the English by storming them. Having no where to run, but down into the gorge, it is said that a desperate Redcoat jumped the River Garry.

As I looked over the edge of Soldier's Leap, I felt the fear that must have been ever present and would driven a man to leap 5,5 metres over the River Garry.

The rock from which Donald McBane leapt

I have visited a few places of battle, but it is the walk to Soldier's Leap that has been the most beautiful.

___________________

Where did I go?

Solider's Leap over River Garry

Please check opening times if you wish to visit the historical centre. Many places in Scotland close from January to March. The walks are still open and they are regularly maintained.

A visitor to Soldier's Leap records his experience

Into the Highlands, I visit Beatrix Potter's Garden, Dunkeld Cathedral and the Hermitage. I taste Scottish blood sausage for the first time and eat haggis for breakfast...

Beatrix Potter's Garden

Beatrix spent her childhood summers in Birnam, and some of the ideas for her characters are said to be traced back to this little town

Birnam inspired another famous writer. In 1599, the Bard visited the area as one in a troupe of comedians and, it is Birnam Wood that the three witches forsee marching and defeating Macbeth.

Dunkeld Cathedral

To travel to the Highlands, one uses the A90 road and Dunkeld is one of the towns on the way.

Before the cathedral was built in 1325, the town was home to Romans and Picts.

The cathedral was badly damaged during the Reformation, and remains mostly in ruins. The beautiful choir section serves as the church for the one thousand that live in the town.

The trees hold my heart wherever I go in Scotland. It is said, that a squirrel could cross North to South of the Island without once touching the ground. Isn't that a lovely thought?

Dunkeld Cathedral sits on the River Tay, the longest river in Scotland.

The Hermitage Pleasure Ground

The river before the Hermitage...

Overwhelmed by the view at the Hermitage, I did not take a single photograph and will have to return...

Inside Ossian's Cave built by the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th century to honour the blind bard Ossian.

___________________

Where did I go?

Beatrix Potter's Garden

Dunkeld Cathedral

The Hermitage Pleasure Ground

Where did I stay?

With Debbie at Firtrees Bed & Breakfast

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

Cafe Animals

The Drawing Room Cafe invited me to exhibit in their beautiful gallery|cafe over December and January. Here are some images of the exhibition which closes 25 January 2016.

Please pop in and have a delicious coffee with the owners Derek and Candice. My favourite breakfast dish is the Spanish omelette!