Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Gilnockie Tower On History Visit To Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn travel video of a Scotsman wearing a kilt and Sporran and walking by trees and Gilnockie Tower on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to Dumfries and Galloway, Britain, United Kingdom. Originally built around 1518, the tower was the stronghold of the notorious Border Reiver chieftain Johnnie Armstrong of Gilnockie. The region was known as the Debatable Lands because neither England nor Scotland could definitively claim ownership, leading to centuries of lawlessness and raiding. In 1530, King James V of Scotland lured Johnnie Armstrong and 36 of his men to a meeting under a slice of peace, only to hang them all without trial at Carlenrig Chapel, an execution later immortalised in traditional border ballads and by writer Sir Walter Scott. The tower itself faced numerous English raids, being burned down by Lord Dacre in 1528 and damaged again in the 1540s before being rebuilt. Clan Armstrong was one of the most powerful and feared families of the Scottish Borders, renowned as formidable Border Reivers who dominated Liddesdale and the lawless Debatable Land between Scotland and England. Tradition holds that the surname comes from Fairbairn, an armour bearer to a Scottish king. When the king's horse was killed in battle, Fairbairn hoisted the king up behind him with a single arm, earning him lands in the Borders and the name Armstrong. The family's recorded presence in the Border region dates back to the 13th century, with Adam Armstrong mentioned around 1235. Early on, figures like Gilbert Armstrong served loyally as steward and ambassador for King David II. By the 16th century, the Armstrongs had grown into a massive riding clan capable of fielding up to 3,000 mounted horsemen. They lived by cattle-rustling, raiding, and extortion known as rieving across both sides of the Anglo-Scottish border. They answered more to family loyalty than to either the Scottish or English crown. 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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Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Nisbet Castle On History Visit To Borders Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn travel video of a Scotsman wearing a kilt and Sporran and walking by trees and Nisbet Castle on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to Borders, Britain, United Kingdom. The Nisbet family originally built two defensive pele towers in the area: East Nisbet and West Nisbet. The current building sits on the footprint of the West Nisbet tower, which was defended by a moat and burned by an English army during the Rough Wooing in 1545. Around 1630, Sir Alexander Nisbet dismantled much of the older fortress to build a grander, fortified three storey tower house. The lands of Nisbet were officially granted to Aldan de Nisbet by King David I of Scotland in 1139. For nearly five centuries, the clan expanded its regional presence and wealth, cementing West Nisbet as its primary power base. The family’s fortunes completely collapsed during the English Civil War. Sir Alexander Nisbet was a fierce and loyal royalist who overextended his finances to fund King Charles I. The conflict proved devastating: his eldest son, Sir Philip Nisbet, was executed in 1645 after the Battle of Philiphaugh, and two other sons were killed in action. Deeply in debt and politically ruined, Sir Alexander was forced to sell the property to John Ker in 1652, effectively stripping the senior line of their ancestral seat. Clan Nesbitt also spelled Nisbet, Nesbit, Nisbett is a prominent historic Lowland Scottish Border family originating from the fertile agricultural region of the Merse in Berwickshire. The surname derives from the barony and lands of Nisbet near Edrom in Berwickshire, likely named after a nose shaped hill or a nose shaped river bend. The lands appear in records as early as 1139, confirmed by King David I, and the earliest individual record of the name is William de Nesbite, who witnessed a charter to Coldingham Priory around 1160. Family members such as Philip de Nesbit signed the Ragman Roll in 1296, and Adam Nisbet later received land grants from Robert the Bruce. During the 17th century British Civil Wars, Sir Alexander Nisbet and his sons fiercely supported King Charles I, mortgaging their lands and raising royalist cavalry. The family paid a devastating price: Sir Philip Nisbet was executed in 1645 after the Battle of Philiphaugh, alongside other family members. Overwhelmed by debt, the family lost their ancestral home and lands in 1652, leading descendants to transition from rural Border gentry into Edinburgh’s legal, clerical, and professional circles. 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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Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Drumin Castle On History Visit To Moray Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn travel video of a Scotsman wearing a kilt and Sporran and walking by trees and Drumin Castle on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to Moray, Britain, United Kingdom. The history of the site begins in the 1370s. In July 1372, King Robert II granted the lands of Strathavon and Badenoch to his fourth illegitimate son, Alexander Stewart, 1st Earl of Buchan. Stewart is famously known to history by his terrifying moniker, the Wolf of Badenoch. Renowned for his cruelty, volatile temper, and fierce enforcement of personal justice, the Wolf is most infamous for his 1390 raid on Elgin, where he burned down the majestic Elgin Cathedral following a bitter feud with the Bishop of Moray. While the Wolf originally commissioned a stronghold at Drumin, it was rarely his permanent residence. He preferred more secure fortifications like Lochindorb and Loch-an-Eilean, leaving Drumin to be managed by his sons or a regional bailie. The tower house seen in ruin today was likely rebuilt or heavily updated in the late 1400s by his grandson, Sir Walter Stewart. In 1490, Sir Walter Stewart sold the castle and its surrounding lands to Alexander Gordon, 3rd Earl of Huntly. Under the Gordons, the castle became the administrative core of the Lordship of Inveravon. Following the defeat of the Earl of Huntly at the Battle of Corrichie, Queen Mary ordered John Grant of Freuchie to seize the castle. The Clan Grant took possession in December 1562, holding it as royal caretakers.In the run-up to the Battle of Glenlivet, the Archibald Campbell, 7th Marquis of Argyll, used Drumin Castle as a temporary military base to camp his army before marching into conflict. The Gordon family eventually built Blairfindy Castle nearby, shifting their primary seat of power and leaving Drumin to be occupied by tenants and bailies. Members of the Stewart family ironically returned to live in the tower during its later years, but only as rent paying tenants. 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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Grey Squirrels On Autumn Sunday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland 4K Autumn Sunday 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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Magpie Bird On Autumn Sunday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn Sunday 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.

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