To Shetland

On Tuesday 28th July, we headed to Insch near Aberdeen. We were going to spend a night there at the home of the mother of our son's wife.
We meandered along the road.
We stopped for a bite to eat and then in a forest where I got out to take photographs of a pre- historic stone circle.
Well, I wish the builders had better sign posted it, or even had built it beside the car park.  The notice said 1 mile. I walked 2, on the basis it might be on the next bend....or just at the top of the rise there. So no photographs, but one of an owl in the distance.
We spent a pleasant night in Insch in a beautiful house. We had dinner, a glass of wine and lots of conversation.
John and Jordanna arrived just before dinner.

Next morning we left for the ferry at Aberdeen. Johanna's mum was going to be flying up early on Thursday morning. We would be sailing at 7pm, but it is a 12 hour crossing, so the flyer  would arrive before us.

We boarded the ferry at 5.30pm. The car safely on the car deck, we went up to our cabin.
The cabin included free access to the Magnus Lounge, where coffee, tea, soft drinks, shortbread and nibbles were freely available. It has a some tables to where we sat down for a meal as the ship left Aberdeen.
Now....as we got into open sea, the swell began. and after an hour or so we decided that it would be more comfortable lying down in our cabin, which had a window.
I am assured that this was a smooth crossing. But that is a meaning of smooth with which I am unfamiliar.
the return sailing is another story for another day.

Next morning, the ship docked at Lerwick, a brisk sunny day. The rule is cars must be removed on arrival. But you can park beside the terminal go back on board where a complimentary continental breakfast is available for cabin holders.
You can remain on board till 9.30am. By 10 o'clock we were at the granny's for tea before we began sight seeing.

http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/
http://www.shetland.org/60n/webcams

http://www.shetland.org/

Lerwick

Presently on Lerwick on the Shetland Isles. Will be posting lots of photos on return home.
Watch this space.

Crichton Castle

And so to another castle. This time in the tiny village of Crichton near Edinburgh. The castle is a short walk for the small car park. The castle stands on a high point above the River Tyne.
It was built for the Crichton Family and later became the property of the Bothwell family.
It is a very interesting castle, well worth a visit, but is only open in the summer months.

There are the remains of a 14th Century Tower House, the oldest in Scotland.
The castle is built of sandstone, a soft porous rock. It allowed for some interesting carving, but sandstone is not the hardest of stones and liable to corrosion.

Clearly the castle has a long history, and you will find links to this below.

Just a thought. If you intend to visit any of these castles, do consider a membership in Historic Scotland. There is a charge to enter most properties. If you were to visit Stirling castle and Edinburgh Castle, you will be paying close to annual membership. You can also purchase 3 day and 7 day passes. Annual membership gets you half price entry to English and Welsh properties in your first year, and free in subsequent years. end of adverts.

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_076

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crichton_Castle

http://www.rampantscotland.com/visit/blvisitcrichton.htm

Glasgow by Night

Next to the place where I live, the Burgh of Clydebank, is the City Of Glasgow.Once upon a time the second City of the United Kingdom in terms of population.

The city began near where today stands the High Street and Glasgow Cathedral. The patron saint of Glasgow is St. Mungo, also known as Kentigern. He is buried in the under crypt of the Cathedral. He features on the City's Coat of Arms.

Glasgow has undergone much change, and the old Glasgow is long gone, but can be found in history books and in photographs.
Today Glasgow is a vibrant place of business and Culture. There are many interesting place to visit. Museums, Galleries, Historic houses and many parks. The old name of Glaschu means "dear green place"

By night it can be spectacular too.
Here are some of my photographs taken by the River Clyde in the heart of the city.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/glasgow

https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/

http://www.theglasgowstory.com/image/?inum=TGSA05045