Tour Scotland Photograph Lewis Chessmen

Tour Scotland photograph of the Lewis Chessmen which were discovered in 1831 on the Island Of lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The Lewis Chessmen, or Uig Chessmen are named after the bay where they were found, are a group of 78 chess pieces from the 12th century most of which are carved in walrus ivory. The chessmen were probably made in Trondheim, Norway, in the 12th century, although some scholars have suggested other Nordic countries. During that period, the Outer Hebrides, along with other major groups of Scottish islands, were ruled by Norway. They may constitute some of the few complete, surviving medieval chess sets, although it is not clear if a set as originally made can be assembled from the pieces. When found, the hoard contained 93 artifacts: 78 chess pieces, 14 tablemen and one belt buckle.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Tour Scotland Photograph Rainbow Loch Awe

Tour Scotland photograph of a rainbow over Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle, Scotland. Scottish Castles. Kilchurn Castle is located on an islet in Loch Awe to the west of Dalmally in Argyll and Bute, the ruined remains of the Campbell stronghold of Kilchurn Castle date from the mid 15th century whilst extensions were added in the 17th century when the castle was used as a garrison. The roof was removed in 1770 when the building was left to ruin. Since 1953 it has been in the care of Historic Scotland.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Old Photograph Kilchurn Castle Scotland

Old photograph of Kilchurn Castle, Scotland. Kilchurn Castle is located on an islet in Loch Awe to the west of Dalmally in Argyll and Bute, the ruined remains of the Campbell stronghold of Kilchurn Castle date from the mid 15th century whilst extensions were added in the 17th century when the castle was used as a garrison. The roof was removed in 1770 when the building was left to ruin. Since 1953 it has been in the care of Historic Scotland. Scottish Castles.

All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Old Photograph Birnam Hotel Perthshire Scotland

Old photograph of the Birnam Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland. Style, elegance and good old-fashioned Scottish hospitality is what the newly upgraded Birnam Hotel is all about these days.

All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Old Photograph College Street Buckhaven Fife Scotland

Old photograph of people, shops and cars on College Street, Buckhaven, Fife, Scotland. I was born not far from College Street, in Randolph Street, Buckhaven. Once a thriving weaving village and fishing port, in 1831 it was reported as having the second largest fishing fleet in Scotland with a total of 198 boats. Fishing declined during the 19th century, but in the 1860s Buckhaven developed more into a mining town. Although coal waste blackened its beaches and silted up its now non existent harbour, it later became a Fife coast holiday resort and recreation area for locals. The fishing community of Buckhaven is said to have been largely the descendants of Norsemen who settled there in the 9th century. Centuries later Buckhaven's fisherfolk bought an Episcopal Church in St Andrews in 1869 and transported it stone by stone to Buckhaven, using fishing boats.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.