Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt By Strome Castle On Spring History Visit To Highlands Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Spring travel video clip of a red haired Scotsman wearing a Kilt and Sporran and walking by the coast on ancestry, genealogy, history visit and trip to Stome Castle, Highlands, Britain, United Kingdom. The ruined 15th century fortress sits on a rocky ridge on the north shore of Loch Carron. The castle was built in the 1400s by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles to guard the narrow waters of the loch. Because of its great location, powerful Highland clans fought over it for generations. The fortress met its dramatic end in 1602 during a fierce feud between the MacDonalds of Glengarry and the Mackenzies of Kintail. One night, a Clan MacDonald woman accidentally poured water into a barrel of gunpowder instead of a water container.The Escape: A prisoner overheard the argument about the ruined powder, escaped, and told the Mackenzies.The Blast: Knowing the castle was defenseless, the Mackenzies forced a surrender and blew up the stronghold with dry gunpowder. It was never rebuilt. Scotland has the highest concentration of redheads in the world, with about 6% to 13% of the population possessing natural red hair. 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 In Garden On Spring History Visit To Neidpath Castle Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Spring travel video clip of a red haired Scotsman wearing a Kilt and Sporran and walking by daffodils and flowers in a garden on ancestry, genealogy, history visit and trip to Neidpath Castle, Borders, Britain, United Kingdom. Sir Gilbert Fraser built the very first castle on this site around the year 1190. His grandson, Sir Simon Fraser, fought alongside William Wallace. The English burned down this early structure during the wars. In the early 1300s, the Hay family acquired the land through marriage. Sir William de Haya built the sturdy stone tower house you see today in the late 14th century. They held the castle for over 300 years. The Hay family went bankrupt in 1686 and sold the castle to William Douglas, the Duke of Queensberry. Today, it remains under the private ownership of his descendants, the Wemyss family. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed at the castle in 1563. Oliver Cromwell attacked the castle in 1650. The castle held out bravely against his forces longer than any other castle in south Scotland. However, Cromwell's heavy cannons eventually blasted and damaged the walls. The castle is famous for the ghost of Jean Douglas, known as "The Maid of Neidpath". According to the sad legend, her father forbade her from marrying the man she loved because he was from a lower social class. She fell deeply ill from a broken heart. When her lover finally returned, she was so thin and altered by sickness that he did not recognize her and rode right past. Jean died of grief that very day. People say her ghost still walks the ramparts wearing a long brown dress. This tragic tale inspired poems by Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth after they visited the ruins in 1803. Scotland has the highest concentration of redheads in the world, with about 6% to 13% of the population possessing natural red hair. 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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Spring Road Trip Drive With Music To West Port On History Visit To St Andrews Fife Scotland

Tour Scotland 4K short Spring travel video, with Scottish bagpipes music, of a road trip drive to the West Port on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit to St Andrews, Fife, Britain, United Kingdom. Between 1820 and the middle of the 19th century there was little development in what was to become Hepburn Gardens. This emerging residential area was still seen as the urban periphery of the town and was not as important a residential asset as it is today. The West Port at the West end of St Andrews’ South Street is the best surviving example of a Scottish fortified gate. St Andrews is a former royal burgh and parish located 10 miles south east of Dundee and 30 miles north east of Edinburgh. The establishment of the present town began around 1140 by Bishop Robert on an L-shaped hill, possibly on the site of the ruined St Andrews Castle. According to a charter of 1170, the new burgh was built to the west of the Cathedral precinct, along Castle Street and possibly as far as what is now known as North Street. St Andrews was the most important centre of pilgrimage in medieval Scotland and one of the most important in Europe. Pilgrims from all over Scotland came in large numbers hoping to be blessed, and in many cases to be cured, at the shrine of Saint Andrew. The presence of the pilgrims brought about increased trade and development. Recognised as the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, the town now had vast economic and political influence within Europe as a cosmopolitan town. The Scottish Parliament met in the town in 1304, when King Edward I, in his capacity as overlord of Scotland, came to be received by Bishop William de Lamberton. As many as 130 landowners turned up to witness the event ranging from Sir John of Cambo to Sir William Murray of Fort. In 1559, the town fell into decay after the violent Scottish Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms losing the status of ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. Even the University of St Andrews was considering relocating to Perth, Perthshire, around 1697 and 1698. Under the authorisation of the bishop of St Andrews, the town was made a burgh of barony in 1614. Royal Burgh was then granted as a charter by King James VI in 1620. In the 18th century, the town was still in decline, but despite this the town was becoming known for having links well known to golfers. By the 19th century, the town began to expand beyond the original medieval boundaries with streets of new houses and town villas being built. Today, St Andrews is served by education, golf and the tourist and conference industry. The town is home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. The town is named after Saint Andrew the Apostle, who was a Galilean fisherman before he and his brother Simon Peter became disciples of Jesus Christ. . Saint Andrew is not only the Patron Saint of Scotland but also Romania, Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Barbados. 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, while by the meteorological calendar, spring will start on Tuesday 1st March All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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

Tour Scotland 4K Spring 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. 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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Starling Bird On Spring Saturday Visit To My Cottage Garden Scone Perth Perthshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Spring Saturday wildlife nature camera travel video clip of the sight and sounds of a purple and green Starling bird spotted eating on morning visit and trip to my Scottish cottage garden in Scone by Perth, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. The Starling is a familiar bird that breeds in farmland, suburban areas and open woodlands. Seen from a distance, starlings look black with a short tail and pointed yellow bill, but when seen close-to, they are very glossy with a metallic sheen of purples and greens. Starlings forage in lawns, fields, and other open areas with short vegetation. They are primarily insectivores in their natural habitat, but will feed on a wide variety of items outside of their natural diet, including fruits and seeds. The starling can be found throughout lowland Scotland where there is cultivation and pasture. It is generally absent in highlands and in areas dominated by grass or heather moorland. Highest densities are found along the East coast, Central lowlands and Dumfries and Galloway. 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. 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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