Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn travel video of a Scotsman wearing a kilt and Sporran and walking by trees and Buittle Tower House on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to Dumfries and Galloway, Britain, United Kingdom. It sits directly on the historic outer bailey of the original 13th century Buittle Castle, an ancient stronghold that was once the royal seat of the Lords of Galloway and the Balliol dynasty. Built using stone salvaged from the ruins of that older, wartorn medieval fortress, the tower house has transitioned over 500 years. Built as a stone castle in the 1240s by John Balliol and his wife, Lady Devorgilla of Galloway, it served as their capital. Lady Devorgilla signed the founding statutes for Balliol College, Oxford right here in 1282. Their son, King John Balliol, used the castle as a winter palace and royal capital during his brief, tumultuous reign. Because of its Balliol ties, the original castle was besieged and completely destroyed by Robert the Bruce's forces in 1313 during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Around 1490, the Black Douglases, then Lords of Galloway, constructed a rectangular tower house. They recycled the highquality dressed stones from the ruined 13th century castle to build it. In the late 16th century, ownership shifted to the Maxwells, the Earls of Morton, and the Gordons of Lochinvar. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome. Meteorological Autumn or Fall is different from standard and astronomical Autumn and begins September 1 and ends November 30
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
Tour Scotland
Tour Scotland photographs and videos from my tours of Scotland. Photography and videography, both old and new, from beautiful Scotland, Scottish castles, seascapes, rivers, islands, landscapes, standing stones, lochs and glens.
Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt On Motte of Urr On History Visit To Dumfries and Galloway Scotland
Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn travel video of a Scotsman wearing a kilt and Sporran and walking by trees and Motte of Urr on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to Dumfries and Galloway, Britain, United Kingdom. Often spelled Mote of Urr it is the most extensive and best preserved earthwork Anglo Norman motte and bailey castle in Scotland. Located near the village of Haugh of Urr on the west bank of the River Urr. It stands as a monumental physical reminder of the medieval Scottish crown's efforts to consolidate power over the independently minded region of Galloway. Around 1165, King William I of Scotland granted the lands of Urr to Walter de Berkeley, who served as the royal chamberlain. The creation of the castle was part of a strategic, state sponsored effort to force independent local Celtic lordships under the central authority of the Scottish kingdom. The stronghold functioned as a regional administrative hub for dispensing justice, raising armies, and collecting taxes. Walter de Berkeley constructed a classic motte-and-bailey design. This involved building a massive, steep, man-made mound of earth, the motte, topped by a wooden defensive tower, which sat inside a larger lower courtyard, the bailey, protected by wide ditches and timber palisade fencing. In 1174, a major rebellion erupted in Galloway. and the early timber castle was completely destroyed by fire during this unrest. Following the rebellion's suppression, the castle was heavily fortified. The height of the earthen motte was significantly increased, strengthened by a clay bank, and a central stone lined pit was dug into the mound to act as a beacon or defensive kiln. Before 1200, the estate and castle passed to the prominent Balliol family. While they founded a newer stone castle nearby at Buittle, the Motte of Urr remained occupied and active as a secondary site. Control of the castle shifted rapidly during the Scottish Independence conflicts. Inherited by Ingram de Umfraville, it was forfeited and handed to the English noble Henry Percy by King Edward I of England in 1296. The site was permanently abandoned following the aggressive 1307–1308 Galloway military campaign led by Robert the Bruce and his brother Edward Bruce. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome. Meteorological Autumn or Fall is different from standard and astronomical Autumn and begins September 1 and ends November 30
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt On Burnswark Hill On History Visit To Dumfries and Galloway Scotland
Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn travel video of a Scotsman wearing a kilt and Sporran and walking on Burnswark Hill on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to Dumfries and Galloway, Britain, United Kingdom. The hill is the site of the only known Roman siege complex in Britain, representing one of the most violent clashes between the Roman Empire and the indigenous tribes of Scotland. Rising prominently over the Solway Plain, this 300 million year old volcanic basalt hill has served as a defensive stronghold, a ritual site, and a bloody battleground across millennia. The hilltop features a massive hillfort, making it one of the largest prehistoric settlements in southern Scotland. It is widely believed to have been a principal stronghold or oppidum for the Selgovae, or possibly the neighbouring Novantae, tribe, dominating the primary natural route heading north into the Scottish Lowlands. The defining chapter of Burnswark’s history occurred around 140 AD, during the Roman reconquest of Scotland under Emperor Antoninus Pius and his governor, Quintus Lollius Urbicus. To crush the rebellious Caledonian tribes, Urbicus, a general who had previously built a brutal reputation putting down hillforts during the Jewish War in Judea, brought a massive force of around 6,000 Roman soldiers to Burnswark. There was a ruthless, bloody massacre where the native defenders were systematically wiped out. This victory cleared the path for the Romans to advance further north and construct the Antonine Wall. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome. Meteorological Autumn or Fall is different from standard and astronomical Autumn and begins September 1 and ends November 30
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
Grey Squirrel On Autumn Tuesday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland 4K Autumn Tuesday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of a bushy tailed Grey Squirrel spotted eating peanuts on morning visit and trip to my Scottish cottage garden in Scone by Perth, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. While Squirrels are known for their agility and resourcefulness in finding food, providing them with supplementary nourishment can offer an exciting opportunity for observation and interaction. As its name suggests, this squirrel typically has a grey coat with white undersides, though the coat colour can also be quite brown at times. Grey squirrels are mainly herbivorous, eating acorns, hazel nuts, berries, fungi, buds and shoots, and even bark. The grey squirrel was introduced to Great Britain in the middle of the 19th century. There is now an estimated population of 2 million making them much more common than the native red squirrel. They arrived in England from North America and are now one of Britain's most well known and frequently seen mammals, with an estimated population of 2 million. It is a myth that grey squirrels chase red squirrels away. Greys are just more adaptable to new surroundings. Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing. Feeding grey squirrels provides a wonderful opportunity for observing their behaviours up close. You might witness their playful antics, social interactions, and even their impressive agility while navigating your garden. While squirrels may become accustomed to your presence, it's essential to remember that they are wild animals. Maintain a respectful distance, and never attempt to handle or approach them closely . Feeding grey squirrels in your garden can offer a unique connection to nature, fostering a sense of appreciation for the wildlife that coexists alongside us. By providing suitable and healthy food options, you can contribute to their well being while enjoying the delightful charm these creatures bring to your outdoor space. Meteorological Autumn or Fall is different from standard and astronomical Autumn and begins September 1 and ends November 30
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
Magpie Bird On Autumn Tuesday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn Tuesday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of a beautiful, sociable, black and white Magpie Bird spotted eating on morning visit and trip to my Scottish cottage garden in Scone by Perth, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. The magpie bird is one of our most familiar birds and the source of much myth and legend: '" ne for sorrow, two for a joy "is a rhyme that many children learn. Magpies are, in fact, small crows, and are omnivorous, feeding on carrion, invertebrates, and chicks and eggs. They are sociable birds and are often seen in small groups across many habitats, from gardens to parks, and heaths to hedges. The magpie is an unmistakeable long tailed bird. It is mainly black, with a white belly and white patches on the shoulders and wings. Folklore surrounds the magpie: from providing good luck when greeted, to being in league with the Devil, its ubiquitous presence has provided plenty of opportunities for stories. Many surround religion, including the belief that it didn't mourn with all the other birds at Christ's crucifixion, and that it refused to enter Noah's Ark, preferring to stay on the roof and swear for the whole journey. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome. Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing. Meteorological Autumn or Fall is different from standard and astronomical Autumn and begins September 1 and ends November 30
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
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