Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Kildonan Castle On Spring History Visit To Arran Scotland

Tour Scotland very short 4K Spring travel video clip of a Scotsman wearing a Kilt and and Sporran and walking by the 13th century Kildonan Castle on ancestry, history visit and trip to the South East coast of Island of Arran, Britain, United Kingdom. The castle was built by the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles. Its construction followed the Battle of Largs in 1263, which marked the collapse of Norse control over the region. Along with Brodick and Lochranza, it formed a trio of fortresses protecting Arran and the strategic approaches to the River Clyde. Before 1406, the property passed to the Scottish Crown. King Robert III granted the castle to his illegitimate son, John Stewart of Ardgowan. During this era, the Stewart monarchs primarily utilized the tower as a fortified hunting lodge. During a series of coastal raids, English forces under the command of the Earl of Sussex sacked and burned the castle. The Earl of Arran chose not to rebuild it, favouring his primary residence at Brodick Castle. The structure subsequently fell into a state of permanent decay. It was originally constructed as a vital coastal stronghold to defend western Scotland against naval incursions, it later served as a royal hunting lodge before it was sacked and permanently abandoned in the 16th 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. The date for astronomical Spring is 20th March, ending on 21st June All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Crossford Castle On Spring History Visit To Borders Scotland

Tour Scotland very short 4K Spring travel video clip of a Scotsman wearing a Kilt and and Sporran and walking by Crossford Castle on ancestry, history visit and trip to the Borders, Britain, United Kingdom. A massive, highly fortified 15th century ruined stronghold located near the village of Crossford, roughly midway between Jedburgh and Kelso. Constructed around 1450 by Andrew Ker, it served as the principal seat of the Kerr, or Ker, family, who were powerful and notorious Border Reivers. Designed strictly for defense rather than comfort, the castle features exceptionally brutal engineering, with defensive walls measuring up to 14 feet thick. In 1523, the English military famously esteemed it the third strongest fortification in all of Scotland. The castle's owners often served as Wardens of the Middle March, tasked with policing the notoriously lawless Anglo-Scottish border. During a massive English invasion, the Earl of Surrey besieged Cessford Castle with an 11 cannon artillery battery. The Scots famously thwarted English gunners by setting fire to the ammunition before it could detonate. The castle was only surrendered when Sir Andrew Kerr returned to negotiate safe passage for his men. The Kerrs of Cessford were locked in a multi generational, incredibly violent blood feud with the neighbouring Scotts of Buccleuch, resulting in numerous retaliatory killings and castle torchings across the Borders. 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. The date for astronomical Spring is 20th March, ending on 21st June All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Fatlips Castle On Spring History Visit To Borders Scotland

Tour Scotland very short 4K Spring travel video clip of a Scotsman wearing a Kilt and and Sporran and walking by Fatlips Castle on ancestry, history visit and trip to the Borders, Britain, United Kingdom. It is an iconic 16th century peel tower perched dramatically atop Minto Crags overlooking the stunning landscape of Teviotdale and the English border. It is highly regarded as a prominent, historic landmark. Built in the early 1500s by the Turnbull family of Barnhills, who were notorious Border reivers , raiders and bandits, active in the region. The tower was burned down in 1545 by the Earl of Hertford under orders from King Henry VIII during the War of the Rough Wooing. The exact origin of its unusual name remains a mystery, but a few amusing theories persist:. Acording to regional tradition, it was customary for the resident family to greet every visiting guest with a kiss, a habit considered quite forward and gauche in the 16th century. Another local story suggests that members of the founding Turnbull clan simply possessed notably full lips. 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. The date for astronomical Spring is 20th March, ending on 21st Jun All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Spring Road Trip Drive With Bagpipes Music On History Visit To Aberuthven Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland 4K Spring travel video of a road drive, with Scottish bagpipes music, West on the A9 road then onto the A824 road on ancestry, genealogy, history visit to Aberuthven, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. The name Aberuthven comes from the old Gaelic spelling of eabar Ruthven, the marshy plain of the river Ruthven ’. The village was historically known as Smiddyhaugh, emerging around a blacksmith's forge by the bridge over the Ruthven Water. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it thrived as a hub for cattle fairs and cotton weaving. The village was built on safe higher ground. The line of the river kept changing, until the land was drained for farming. James Graham 1st Marquis of Montrose, born 1612 died -1650, was Scotland’s great cavalier poet and military leader. He lived in nearby Kincardine Castle. He was a Church elder and had his horses shod and swords sharpened in Aberuthven. farmingIn 1715, the Protestant and Catholic factions of the Stuart royal family fought an indecisive battle at Sheriffmuir. The Jacobites, supporters of Catholic Prince James. then looted and set fire to Aberuthven and surrounding villages. Until the 19th century Aberuthven was named Smiddyhaugh, a blacksmith forge by the bridge over the Ruthven. In days gone by the village was known for its cattle fairs and filled with hand loom weavers working away in their cottages. The A9 is a major road running from the Falkirk council area in central Scotland to Scrabster Harbour, Thurso in the far north, via Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Perth and Inverness in the Highlands. At 273 miles it is the longest road in Scotland and the fifth longest A road in the United Kingdom. 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. The date for astronomical spring is Sunday 20th March, ending on Tuesday 21st June All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Grey Squirrel On Spring Thursday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland 4K Spring Thursday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of a bushy tailed Grey Squirrel 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. The date for astronomical spring is 20th March, ending on 21st June All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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