Old Image Highland Clearances Scotland

Old image from the Highland Clearances in Scotland. The old shepherd takes his crook and sheepdog with him to a new world in America. The Highlander and the lass who weeps at his knees are leaving the mist clad hills of home having been cleared from their native homeland.

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

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The Highland Clearances. In the terrible aftermath of the moorland battle of Culloden, the Highlanders suffered at the hands of their own clan chiefs. Following his magnificent reconstruction of Culloden, John Prebble recounts how the Highlanders were deserted and then betrayed into famine and poverty. While their chiefs grew rich on meat and wool, the people died of cholera and starvation or, evicted from the glens to make way for sheep, were forced to emigrate to foreign lands. Mr Prebble tells a terrible story excellently. There is little need to search further to explain so much of the sadness and emptiness of the northern Highlands today. The Highland Clearances.

Old Image Highland Piper Cottage Scotland

Old image of a Highland Piper in his crofters' cottage in Scotland.

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

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The Highland bagpipe, widely considered Scotland's national instrument, is one of the most recognized icons of traditional music in the world. It is also among the least understood. But Scottish bagpipe music and tradition, particularly, but not exclusively, the Highland bagpipe, has enjoyed an unprecedented surge in public visibility and scholarly attention since the 1990s. A greater interest in the emic led to a diverse picture of the meaning and musical iconicism of the bagpipe in communities in Scotland and throughout the Scottish diaspora. This interest has led to the consideration of both the globalization of Highland piping and piping as rooted in local culture. It has given rise to a reappraisal of sources which have hitherto formed the backbone of long standing historical and performative assumptions. And revivalist research which reassesses Highland piping's cultural position relative to other Scottish piping traditions, such as that of the Lowlands and Borders, today effectively challenges the notion of the Highland bagpipe as Scotland's 'national' instrument. The Highland Bagpipe provides an unprecedented insight into the current state of Scottish piping studies. The contributors, from Scotland, England, Canada and the United States, discuss the bagpipe in oral and written history, anthropology, ethnography, musicology, material culture and modal aesthetics. The book will appeal to ethnomusicologists, anthropologists, as well as those interested in international bagpipe studies and traditions. The Highland Bagpipe (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series).

Old Photographs Holyrood Palace Edinburgh Scotland

Old photograph of Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Old photograph of Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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Edinburgh. In Old Photographs. This fascinating selection of 170 archive images, many previously unpublished, captures some of the changes and developments that have taken place in Edinburgh between the 1850s and 1970s. Each image is accompanied by a detailed caption, bringing the past to life and describing many aspects of life in Scotland's capital city during this time, including childhood and schooldays, street life and domestic life, work and recreation, as well as grand occasions - including Edward VII's coronation celebrations. This book will appeal to everyone with an interest in the history of Edinburgh, and will awaken memories of days gone by for all who know and love this beautiful part of Scotland. Edinburgh: In Old Photographs.

Tour Scotland snowy Video Drive February 7th

Tour Scotland video of a drive through the snow this morning to Coupar Angus from Perth, Perthshire, Scotland. Shot this wee video on part of my drive this morning to Coupar Angus. Quite a lot of fresh snow overnight and still snowing this morning.

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

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Perthshire is at the very heart of Scotland and one of the most popular regions for visitors, offering a variety of Highland and Lowland landscapes with some of the most scenic and accessible countryside for shorter walks as well as evidence of its rich history at every turn. Perthshire 40 Town and Country Walks features traditional tourist hubs, such as Pitlochry, Dunkeld and Killin, with its historical connections to the county, as well as countryside around Blairgowrie, Crieff and Aberfeldy, finishing up at the Fair City of Perth and nearby Kinross. Perthshire: 40 Town and Country Walks (Pocket Mountains).

Tour Scotland Photograph Stained Glass Window Luss Church

Tour Scotland photograph of a stained glass window in the Parish Church Luss, Scotland. This picturesque Scottish church, the third built on this site on the banks of Loch Lomond, with its beautiful stained glass windows and uniquely timbered roof. The ancient graveyard has 15 listed ancient monuments. Luss lies in Clan Colquhoun countryside on their private estate. It is situated at the foot of Glen Luss, where the River Luss runs into Loch Lomond.



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

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.