Tour Scotland

Tour Scotland Photograph Sunset Castle Stalker

Tour Scotland photograph of sunset behind Castle Stalker, Scotland. The original castle was a small fort, built around 1320 by Clan MacDougall who were then Lords of Lorn. Around 1388 the Stewarts took over the Lordship of Lorn, and it is believed that they built the castle in its present form around the 1440s. The Stewart's relative King James IV of Scotland visited the castle, and a drunken bet around 1620 resultied in the castle passing to Clan Campbell. After changing hands between these clans a couple of times the Campbells finally abandoned the castle around 1840, when it lost its roof. Then in 1908 a Stewart bought the castle and carried out basic conservation work, and in 1965 Lt. Col. D. R. Stewart Allward acquired the castle and over about ten years fully restored it. Castle Stalker remains in private ownership and is not generally open to the public, although visits can be made by appointment.

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Tour Scotland Photograph Blackfriars Chapel

Tour Scotland photograph of Blackfriars Chapel, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Located on South Street, this is all that remains of a mid 15th Century foundation for Dominican Friars. The chapel dates from the 16th Century.

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A fascinating and comprehensive history of St Andrews, from the dawn of Pictish times to the present, based on several decades of residence in the burgh and on original study of its thoroughfares and byways. The book focuses on a lively selection of colourful characters who have made St Andrews what it is, from doughty residents Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair and Cardinal Archbishop David Beaton to illustrious visitors like Mary, Queen of Scots, John Knox and Samuel Johnson. Thousands of others, from artisans to golfers, have contributed to St Andrews' past, to make it a burgh whose history forms the core of Scotland's story. St.Andrews: City by the Northern Sea.

Tour Haunted St Andrews Cathedral Scotland

Tour Haunted St Andrews Cathedral, Fife, Scotland. St Andrews Cathedral, dating from the twelfth century, lies in ruins now but was once the largest cathedral in Scotland and a powerful and influential religious center. In all, building work took almost two hundred years. The royal burgh of St Andrews, in which the cathedral stands, is a very old and beautiful university town, of great interest both to the historian and the ghost-hunter.

The female ghost is a white lady who has been seen in the grounds of the cathedral. The ghost was observed to be wearing white gloves. Some of the sightings may well have been fanciful, perhaps fuelled by alcohol, as they were made by students returning from late-night revelries. Nevertheless, the White Lady has also been seen by more sober citizens of the town from time to time over a period of nearly two centuries. The identity of the White Lady is not known, but it may be that her burial place is very near. In 1868, historians investigating the tower opened a sealed vault there and discovered it to be a burial place. There were six or so coffins inside it. They also found, it is claimed, the mummified body of a young woman wearing white gloves. The vault was re-sealed, but it appears that the historians had discovered part of the answer to the mysterious appearances of the White Lady of St Andrews.

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Haunted Scotland

Tour Haunted St Rules Tower St Andrews Cathedral Scotland

Tour Haunted St Rules Tower, St Andrews Cathedral, Fife, Scotland. St Andrews Cathedral, dating from the twelfth century, lies in ruins now but was once the largest cathedral in Scotland and a powerful and influential religious center. In all, building work took almost two hundred years. The royal burgh of St Andrews, in which the cathedral stands, is a very old and beautiful university town, of great interest both to the historian and the ghost-hunter.

In the grounds of the cathedral at St Andrews is St Rule's Tower, a remnant of St Rule's Church, which was build before the cathedral and used to hold the relics of St Andrew. It is here that the male ghost can be seen. The tower is quite high, and the view from the top, looking over the town, is well worth seeing, so it is quite a popular visiting place. One visitor to the tower several years ago was startled by a figure in a cassock who appeared as he was climbing to the top. The tourist lost his footing on one of the steps and stumbled. Far from wishing to frighten the tourist, the cowled figure had genuinely intended to be helpful, for the tourist heard him offer to give him his arm on the way up the stairs. The tourist, swiftly recovering his balance, refused politely, and the figure stepped to one side to allow him to pass and then vanished without trace. When the tourist came out of the tower at the end of his visit, he asked the man at the door whether anyone else had been in the tower at the same time as himself. The man at the door said there had been no one else there, but he knew who, or what, the tourist had seen. The tourist discovered that the figure he had seen was well known to those who knew the tower. He was a monk who would appear from time to time at St Rule's, not a malevolent spirit at all, it would seem, but a kindly ghost who liked to make sure that visitors made their way safely to the top of the spiral staircase.

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Haunted Scotland. Collected over many years, the author retells stories that have evolved through the mists of time, while others he recounts are based on interviews with those who claim to have experienced real-life paranormal encounters. Divided into geographical chapters covering the Borders, the South West, Strathclyde, the South East, the Central Belt and Trossachs, the Eastern Highlands, the Kingdom of Fife, the Western Highlands, the North, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, Roddy Martine examines stories of paranormal activity and the legends and folklore of haunted Scotland. Haunted Scotland.

Tour Scotland Photograph David John Robertson Gravestone

Tour Scotland photograph of the David John Robertson gravestone in Caputh, Perthshire, Scotland. Erected by Mary Scott in memory of her husband David John Robertson, Chief Petty Officer, R.N., who died during diving operations at Loch Fyne on 11th August, 1930, aged 28.

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Tour Scotland Photograph Dornie Loch Long

Tour Scotland photograph of cottages and houses in Dornie, Loch Long, Scotland. Beautiful loch and mountain views. Nestling by the shores of Loch Long, this traditional fishing village enjoys a peaceful location surrounded by magnificent scenery. Just a mile from the colourful village of Dornie, stroll along the edge of the loch to the local shop, pub and restaurant. The holiday village makes a super base for exploring this lovely part of the western Highlands; visit the nearby Eilean Donan Castle or take a trip to the lovely Isle of Skye, Plockton, Glenelg, Ullapool and Gairloch, all within easy reach. Nearby are the Five Sisters of Kintail for climbers, and mountain biking, sea fishing, boat trips and kayaking are just some of the wide variety of outdoor pursuits in the area.

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Tour Scotland Photograph House Glencoe Highlands

Tour Scotland photograph of a house in the village of Glencoe, Scotland. Within easy walking distance of the Glencoe mountains. The use of the term Glencoe Village is a modern one, to differentiate the settlement from the glen itself. The village is on the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, in which 38 members of the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by forces acting on behalf of the government of King William III following the Glorious Revolution. The village occupies an area of the glen known as Carnoch. Native Gaelic speakers who belong to the area always refer to the village as A'Charnaich, meaning " the place of cairns ". Even today there is Upper Carnoch and Lower Carnoch. Glencoe is a popular holiday destination.

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Tour Scotland Photograph Loch Lochy Scottish Highlands

Tour Scotland photograph of Loch Lochy, Lochaber, Scotland. Located 10 miles south west of Loch Ness along the Great Glen, the loch is over 9 miles long with an average width of about 0.6 mile. The River Lochy flows from its south western end while the Caledonian Canal links its north eastern extent to Loch Oich. The Battle of the Shirts was fought at its northern end near Laggan in July 1544, between Clan Donald and Clan Fraser. The Stand-off at the Fords of Arkaig in September 1665 ended a 360 year feud between the Camerons and the Chattan Confederation. It took place at Achnacarry, on the isthmus between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig. Folklore tales mention a supernatural being called the River Horse which was said to emerge from the lake and assume a horse's shape before feeding on the loch's banks. The River Horse was also known as the Lord Of The Lake and the Water King and would overturn boats and entice mares from their pastures. Another tradition was that of the River Bull, a gentle, harmless creature, who would emerge from the lake into the pasture of cows.

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Tour Scotland Photographs Castle Sween

Tour Scotland photograph of Castle Sween, Loch Sween, Scotland. Castle Sween stands guarding the mouth of Loch Sween and set upon a low rocky point beside a sandy beach facing south. The low ground between the site and the hills leaves the castle highly visible to those farther up Loch Sween. Alexander MacMillan built the tower at Castle Sween, often said to be the oldest stone castle in Scotland, which he held for the Lord of the Isles in the 1470s.

Tour Scotland photograph of Castle Sween, Loch Sween.

Tour Scotland photograph of Castle Sween, Loch Sween.

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Old Photograph Cottage Loch Lomond Scotland

Old photograph of a cottage near Loch Lomond, Scotland.

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Old Photograph Muirfield Scotland

Old photograph of Muirfield Golf Course, Scotland. The 1972 Open at Muirfield was one of the most dramatic in the history of the championship. Jack Nicklaus had already won that year’s Masters and US Open titles, but Lee Trevino holed out three times from off the green in his quest to retain the silver claret jug. Golf Scotland.

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Tour Scotland Video Winter Drive South Alyth

Tour Scotland video of part of a Winter drive to South Alyth, Perthshire, Scotland. Icy roads and bright sunshine on this drive from near Coupar Angus towards South Alyth. Alyth is located on a burn which bears its name and owes its position to a confluence of drovers' roads used by hill farmers to bring their sheep down to market. Alyth was granted a Charter by King James III in 1488, raising Alyth to the rank of Burgh of Barony with the right to hold markets and fairs.

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Old Photograph Falkland Fife Scotland

Old photograph of Falkland, Fife, Scotland. Falkland, situated in historic Fife, shot to importance in the 14th century when the Stewart monarchy acquired Falkland Castle from Macduff, the Thane of Fife.

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Old Photograph Union Street Aberdeen Scotland

Old photograph of Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland. Union Street was named to commemorate the Union of Britain and Ireland. The traditional industries in Aberdeen were fishing, paper making, shipbuilding, and textiles.

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Old Photograph Castle Leod Strathpeffer Scotland

Old photograph of Castle Leod, Strathpeffer, Scotland. This Scottish castle is currently the seat of the Chief of the Clan MacKenzie, although the lands belonged to the Chief of the Clan MacLeod of Lewis until the 17th century. In the early seventeenth century the main chieftainship line of the Clan MacLeod of Lewis became extinct, and the chieftainship passed to the MacLeods of Raasay. Later the Lewis MacLeod clansmen were forced to accept the ascendancy of their cousins at Dunvegan and the two MacLeod clans became one. As a result the Barony of Lewis fell into the hands of the chief of the Clan MacKenzie. The last chief of the MacLeods of Lewis had married a daughter of the MacKenzie chief. The MacKenzie chief thereby claimed the barony of Lewis as his own. However, the MacLeod clansmen prospered under the chieftainship of the Clan MacLeod of Skye. The castle was granted to John of Killin, 10th Chief of Clan MacKenzie (1485-1561) after he fought at the Battle of Flodden. The castle was passed to his great grandson Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail, who granted it in 1608 to his brother Sir Roderick "Rorie" Mackenzie. In 1605 Sir Roderick married Margaret MacLeod, heiress of Torquil MacLeod of Lewis, bringing her immense wealth into the family and also settling the feud between the MacLeods and the Mackenzies over the Barony of Coigach, which thus passed into the Mackenzie family.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photographs War Memorial Dowally

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the First World War Memorial at Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland. The memorial in the tiny village of Dowally, beside the A9, just North of Dunkeld. John Menzies, Kindallachan, died in France, March 31st, 1918. William Robertson, Kilmorich, died in France, May 28th, 1918. Robert MacDonald, Countlich, died in France, August 8th, 1918. John Alex MacDonald, Balledmund, died in France, October 24th, 1918. Robert Robertson, Kilmorich, died in Germany, October 28th, 1918. Robert Munro, Kilmorich, died in France, September 12th, 1918.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the First World War Memorial at Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland.

The distance from Dowally to Glasgow and Paisley is 76 miles

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Tour Scotland Hame, Hame, Hame, Video

Tour Scotland Hame, Hame, Hame, video. A beautiful and sad song, sung by Andy M. Stewart of Silly Wizard.

Hame, Hame, Hame,
Hame wad I be.
Hame, Hame, Hame,
In my ain country

Where the bark and the pine
and the bonny rowan tree
They are all bloomin' fair,
In my ain country

Hame, hame, hame,
Hame wad I be,
Hame, hame, hame
In my ain country

Where the wild deer run
through the glen I'll never see
Where my heart will lie to mend
In my ain country

Hame, hame, hame,
Hame wad I be,
Hame, hame, hame
In my ain country

Where the glint thru the mark
aye tells tae me
it'll shine upon them yet
In my ain country

Hame, hame, hame,
Hame wad I be,
Hame, hame, hame
In my ain country

Where the bark and the pine
and the bonny rowan tree
They are all bloomin' fair,
In my ain country

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Iron Jougs Dowally

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the iron punishment Jougs at Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland. Jougs were an iron collar fastened by a short chain to a wall, often, as above, at the parish church, or to a tree. The collar was placed round the offender's neck and fastened by a padlock. The jougs were in reality a pillory. They were used for ecclesiastical as well as civil offences. Examples could still be seen in Scotland at the beginning of the 20th century. It may have lent its name to the modern "jug", slang for prison. A criminal in the jougs would expect to be abused but his or her life was not be endangered.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Graveyard Dowally

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the graveyard at Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland. Dowally can be seen from the A9 road 4miles North of Dunkeld. One of the Memorials is to John Robb, a minister of the parish who perished in the shipwreck in which Grace Darling became a national heroine. Shot these photographs on January 9th, 2010.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the graveyard at Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the graveyard at Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Dowally Kirk

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of St Anne's Church, Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland. Built in 1818 on the site of a 16th century building, St Anne's is a small rural church. Shot these photographs on Sunday, January 9th, 2010.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of St Anne's Church, Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of St Anne's Church, Dowally, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Tour Scotland Photograph Beinn Gaire and Glen Gluitanen

Tour Scotland travel Blog photography of Beinn Gaire mountain and Glen Gluitanen, West of Loch Shiel on ancestry, genealogy, history visit and trip to Moidart, Scotland. Moidart is primarily associated with the Clanranald branch of the Clan MacDonald, a prominent Scottish clan. The Clanranalds ruled the area of Moidart for about 700 years, beginning in the mid-14th century. They were known for their power and influence in the region, which included Moidart, Arisaig, Morar, Knoydart, and Ardnamurchan.
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Tour Scotland Winter Video Drive To Amulree

Tour Scotland Winter video of part of a drive to Amulree, Perthshire, Scotland. A careful drive on the A822 road to Amulree. Very icy roads at times, but a very beautiful day. Amulree was far more populated in days gone by, but a large number of people emigrated to North Easthope, Canada, in the early 19th Century.

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Tour Scotland Photograph Mercat Cross Doune

Tour Scotland photograph of the Mercat Cross in Doune, near Stirling, Scotland. Visit an exceptionally picturesque and tranquil holiday village, only a 7 mile drive from Scotland’s heritage capital, Stirling, a unique old town, whose streets climb steeply towards its imposing castle. Edinburgh and Glasgow are both within an hour’s drive. First time visitors will find the Bannockburn Heritage Centre and the Wallace Monument are a must.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Huntingtower Castle

Tour Scotland Winter photograph shot today of Huntingtower Castle by Perth, Perthshire, Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots came to stay here in 1565 with her new husband, Lord Darnley.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph shot today of Huntingtower Castle by Perth, Perthshire, Scotland.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph shot today of Huntingtower Castle by Perth, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the most famous Scots in history. And yet the debate rages on as fiercely as ever about what this enigmatic Queen was really like. To some, Mary was a naive fool who allowed her errant heart to rule her head. To others, she was a clever, strategic thinker who secured the Scottish throne and the direction of the British monarchy. Murder, infidelity and intrigue permeate this story of one of the most turbulent times in history. Rosalind Marshall is renowned for her work on Mary, Queen of Scots and she takes us through the key myths that surround this fascinating story. Mary, Queen of Scots: Truth or Lies.

Tour Scotland Winter Video Deer On The Road

Tour Scotland Winter video shot at dusk of deer on the road today in Highland Perthshire, Scotland. It is quite common to see deer on the road at this time of day on the back roads through wooded areas, and you have to keep your eyes open for them.

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Tour Scotland Winter Video Highland Drive

Tour Scotland Winter video of a drive through the Highlands of Perthshire, Scotland. A careful drive on the A826 road to Aberfeldy. Very icy roads at times, but drive certainly worth it.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph The Sma’ Glen

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of The Sma’ Glen, North of Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland. Photographs shot today of the snow covered high hills and steep slopes in the the 'small' glen.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of The Sma’ Glen, North of Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Glenturret

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of Glenturret, near Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland. Glenturret Distillery is hidden in this valley and its secluded location may have contributed to its early history as the site of several illicit bothy stills. I shot these photographs at 1pm today.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of Glenturret, near Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of Glenturret, near Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland.

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Tour Scotland Winter Video Evening Snow Perth

Tour Scotland Winter video of part of my walk tonight in Perth, Perthshire, Scotland. Part of my walk tonight in Perth ending up by the old bridge over the River Tay. Snow starting to fall.

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Tour Scotland Winter Video Rural Drive

Tour Scotland Winter video of part of a drive today in rural Perthshire, Scotland. Part of the road from Coupar Angus to South Alyth. Lots of new snow overnight, but a beautiful day in Scotland.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Sunset

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of sunset over the valley of the Tay this afternoon in Perthshire, Scotland.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of sunset over the valley of the Tay this afternoon in Perthshire, Scotland.

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Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Carmichael Burial Enclosure

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the Carmichael Burial Enclosure in Ardler Churchyard, Perthshire, Scotland. There are many Carmichael gravestones in this Scottish churchyard.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the Carmichael Burial Enclosure in Ardler Churchyard, Perthshire, Scotland.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of the Carmichael Burial Enclosure in Ardler Churchyard, Perthshire, Scotland.

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A Scottish Graveyard Miscellany explores in words and extraordinary pictures the folk art of Scottish graveyards from the eighteenth century, when gravestones began to be widely used, to the present day. Each old kirkyard is a riotous celebration of folk art: there are skulls and skeletons, ships and lighthouses, angels galore, carved portraits of our forebears and even a gravestone decorated with a picture of Bart Simpson and his skateboard! More than mere memorials, the graves are a collection of pages in stone taken from the history of Scottish everyday life. Scotland's kirkyards are not gloomy places to be shunned, but places to find vivid stories from the lives of people, without distinction of class or creed. There is much humour in this book, and the photographs throughout taken by the author illustrate better than words why we should look after the unique treasuries in our midst. The Scottish Graveyard Miscellany: The Folk Art of Scotland's Graves.

Tour Scotland Winter Photograph Farm Road Perthshire

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of a farm road today in Perthshire, Scotland. This Scottish farmer had got up early this morning and ploughed the road up to his farm.

Tour Scotland Winter photograph of a farm road today in Perthshire, Scotland.

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