Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Dundonald Castle On History Visit To South Ayrshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K early Autumn travel video clip of a Scotsman walking wearing a Kilt and Sporran by Dundonald Castle on ancestry, genealogy, history visit and trip to South Ayrshire, Britain, United Kingdom. By the late 1st millennium AD, the site evolved into a complex drystone rampart fortress. The name Dundonald stems from the Gaelic Dùn Dòmhnaill, meaning Fort of Donald, likely named after King Dyfnwal or Donald of the Kingdom of Strathclyde. This Dark Age fort was ultimately destroyed by an intense fire around 1000 AD. In 1136 Walter FitzAlan, the first High Steward of Scotland, constructed a timber motte and bailey fortress to leverage the hill's commanding views. In 1260 Alexander, the 4th High Steward, replaced the timber structure with a massive, kite shaped stone castle. It featured an impregnable curtain wall and twin towered gatehouses, architecturally rivaling Edinburgh and Stirling Castles. During the Wars of Scottish Independence, the castle was deliberately dismantled or destroyed to prevent it from serving as an English stronghold. In 1371, Robert Stewart ascended the throne as King Robert II, establishing the Stewart royal line. He chose to build a magnificent stone tower house on his ancestral lands to project his new royal authority. The castle served as a favoured personal retreat and hunting lodge. Notably, both King Robert II and his successor, King Robert III died within its walls. By the 1590s, the castle ceased to be a royal residence when the Wallaces of Dundonald acquired it and relocated nearby. It passed through several noble families, including the Cochranes, before falling into complete ruin by the 18th century. 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.

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Autumn Road Trip Drive With Music To Burleigh Castle On History Visit To Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland 4K early Autumn travel video, with Scottish bagpipes music, of a road trip drive West on the A911 route to Burleigh Castle on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit to Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. The castle dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. The lands of Burleigh were held by the Balfours from 1456, when they were granted by King James II to John Balfour of Balgarvie, and a tower house was erected in the late 15th or early 16th century. Sir James Balfour of Pittendreich extended the castle in the late 16th century, adding a curtain wall with a corner tower, and other outbuildings. King James VI of Scotland was a frequent visitor in the time of his son, Sir Michael Balfour. James was at Burleigh in January 1589 after spending Christmas at Kinneil House. An Act of Parliament in 1600 made Michael Balfour wealthy, directing landowners and people of standing to buy armour from him, for defence musters. Several men complained that Balfour tried to make them buy more armour than their rank and income demanded. In 1607 Michael Balfour was raised to the peerage as Lord Balfour of Burleigh. Legend tells how Robert Balfour, before his accession as 5th Lord, narrowly escaped death when, in 1707, he was sentenced to beheading for the murder of the schoolmaster of Inverkeithing in Fife, who had the misfortune to have married Balfour's childhood sweetheart. Escaping from Edinburgh tolbooth, Balfour joined the Jacobite cause, proclaiming the Old Pretender James Stuart king at Lochmaben, and fighting in the 1715 rising. Following the defeat of the Jacobites, Balfour was attainted, dying in France in 1757. The castle was forfeit to the Irwins, then passed to the Grahams of Kinross. The surname Balfour was first found in Fife, where they held a family seat from ancient times. Balfour has been spelled Balfour, Balfoure, Balfower, Balfowir, Balford, Balforde and many more. The Balfour clan takes its name from the barony of the same name and is located near the joining of the rivers Ore and Leven in Fife. The first record of the name is that of John de Balfure who appears on an assize in 1304, and there is note of a William de Balfure who witnessed a charter by Duncan, Earl of Fife. James Arthur Balfour was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 until 1905. Robert Balfour, aged 31, arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship Star Queen; William Balfour, a Scottish settler travelled from Glasgow on the Clyde aboard the ship Sir William Eyre arriving in Bluff, Southland, South Island, New Zealand in April 1863; James Balfour arrived in Newfoundland, Canada, in 1764; George Balfour landed in Rhode Island, America, in 1701; William Balfour landed in Virginia, America, in 1738; Janet Balfour landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, America, in 1775; Andrew Balfour arrived in North Carolina, America, in 1782. 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. When driving on Scottish roads in Scotland slow down and enjoy the trip. 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.

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Grey Squirrels On Autumn Saturday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland 4K early Autumn Saturday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of bushy tailed Grey Squirrels spotted opening feeder box and 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.

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Male Blackbirds On Autumn Saturday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K early Autumn Saturday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of male Blackbirds spotted eating on morning visit and trip to my Scottish cottage garden in Scone by Perth, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. This widespread bird is a common visitor to United Kingdom gardens, and has adapted well to suburban areas, it’s often possible to get quite close. It can also be found in woodland and grassland areas, but you’re much less likely to see it on areas of higher ground and in some parts of Scotland, Common and widespread across Britain, the blackbird population is currently stable, although it has seen periods of decline in the past. One of the biggest threats is lack of food availability, particularly when the weather is dry. Leaving mealworms and ground feeder mix out on bird tables and planting bushes that attract caterpillars to your garden are great ways to help blackbirds. If you were to believe various myths and folktales, you’d find this solitary, territorial bird to be imbued with evil and supernatural powers. Welsh poet R. S. Thomas observed that there was “ a suggestion of dark Places ” about the blackbird that was at odds with its beautiful song. In the story of the life of Saint Benedict, the Devil was said to have come to tempt the saint in the form of a blackbird. The English nursery rhyme “ Sing a Song of Sixpence ” involves blackbirds “ baked in a pie ” which reanimate and sing when the pie is opened. 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.

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Magpie Birds On Autumn Saturday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K early Autumn Saturday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of beautiful, sociable, black and white Magpie Birds 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.

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