Tour Scotland photographs and videos from my tours of Scotland. Photography and videography, both old and new, from beautiful Scotland, Scottish castles, seascapes, rivers, islands, landscapes, standing stones, lochs and glens.
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 shot today of storm clouds over the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, Fife, Scotland. This magnificent cathedral founded in 1160 in one of Europe’s major historical cities used to be the largest church in Scotland.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Kingdom of Fife: 40 Coast and Country Walks. This guidebook explores the stunning coast and countryside of the Kingdom of Fife. Featured here you'll find 40 inspiring short walks in and around the Kingdom, stretching from the north side of the famous Forth Bridges, along the Firth of Forth to Culross, and Gleneagles and Dollar further north, and then east beyond Kirkcaldy to the string of picturesque fishing villages of the East Neuk. The volume travels north through Dunfermline and Glenrothes to Falkland and beyond to St Andrews, Tentsmuir Forest and the mighty Tay, with forays also into Kinross.Ranging from lochside nature trails to short, exhilarating routes up into the Lomond and Ochil Hills to the best stretches of the Fife Coastal Trail and circuits around historic towns and villages, this book is all you need to really discover Fife.Many of these circular routes are suitable for families and accessible by public transport. Kingdom of Fife: 40 Coast and Country Walks (Pocket Mountains).
Tour Scotland photograph of storm clouds over St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. The first Castle of St Andrews was built about 1200 by Bishop Roger, son of Robert, third Earl of Leicester. It was seized by Edward I, and he held here the parliament at which the Scottish barons gave him their allegiance. It was again garrisoned by Edward III, but shortly after he retired to England, Sir Andrew Moray, the Regent, captured it after a siege of three weeks, and entirely demolished it. It was reconstructed by Bishop Trail about the end of the fourteenth century.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland photograph of an early evening rainbow above Perth, Perthshire, Scotland. A rainbow and black clouds over Perth, lots of rain heading towards this area this evening.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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).
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).
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).
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 shot today of storm clouds over rural Perthshire, Scotland. Every kind of Scottish weather today in Perthshire with rain, sleet, snow, and lots of sunshine as well. The local farmers worked through the storms as best they could.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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).
Old photograph of travelling people in Perthshire, Scotland. Highland Travellers also known as Tinkers are closely tied to the native Highlands, and many traveller families carry clan names like Macfie, Stewart, MacDonald, Cameron, Williamson and Macmillan. They followed a nomadic or settled lifestyle; passing from village to village and are strongly identified with the native Gaelic speaking population. Continuing their nomadic life, they would often pitch their tents on rough ground on the edge of the village and earn money there as tinsmiths, hawkers, horse dealers or pearl fishermen. Many found seasonal employment on farms, e.g. at the berry picking or during harvest time
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland photograph of a Doig gravestone in Parish Churchyard, Newtyle, Scotland. This beautiful gravestone is in memory of a child, Henrietta Doig, who died in infancy in Newtyle.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland photograph shot today of the Parish Church, Newtyle, Scotland. Newtyle is a village in the west of Angus, Scotland. It lies 11 miles to the north of Dundee in the south west of Strathmore, between Hatton Hill and Heather Hill in the Sidlaws. The present Newtyle parish church was built in 1870 on the site of one built in 1767. The earliest recorded church was granted to Arbroath on its foundation by William the Lion in 1178, and it was dedicated to an unknown saint by Bishop de Bernham in 1242.
Tour Scotland photograph shot today of the Parish Church, Newtyle, Scotland.
Tour Scotland photograph shot today of the Parish Church, Newtyle, Scotland.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland photograph of Hatton Castle, Scotland. Hatton Castle stands on the lower part of Hatton Hill, the most easterly of the Sidlaw Hills, to the south of Newtyle in Angus, Scotland. The lands of Hatton were given to Sir William Olifard in 1317 by Robert the Bruce. Robert the Bruce's daughter, Elizabeth, married Sir William Olifard's son, Sir Walter Olifard, who also inherited the Newtyle estate. The castle was built in 1575, commissioned by Laurence, fourth Lord Oliphant (1527–1593).
Tour Scotland photograph of Hatton Castle, Scotland.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland photograph shot today of a tree situated beside the High Keillor Pictish Stone, Strathmore, Scotland. I do enjoy photographing Scottish trees.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
The Pictish Symbol Stones of Scotland. Of all the early historic peoples of Scotland, the Picts capture the popular imagination like no other. Although archaeology is gradually uncovering more information about how they lived, they are still best known for their carved monuments, which offer remarkable testimony to their artistic skills. The symbol stones of the Picts are among the most fascinating and enigmatic groups of early medieval sculpture. The purpose and meaning of the stones and carvings still remain something of a mystery - theories range from their use as personal memorials and testaments of clan membership to records of ancient ceremonies and rituals. Pictish sculpture has been the focus of in-depth study for over 200 years, yet the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland's approach of taking photographic records using oblique peripheral flash and producing measured drawings on site, has led to many exciting advances in the field.This highly illustrated volume is the definitive guide to the arcane history of Scotland's Pictish stones, for the first time featuring every symbol stone in Scotland, including a large number of previously unseen discoveries. Over 100 new drawings by John Borland, plus photographs and archive sketches, will feature alongside the details and locations of all the Scottish stones recorded so far. Combining expert research and photography with unique artwork, The Pictish Symbol Stones of Scotland is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of one of our nation's most mysterious and captivating ancestors. The Pictish Symbol Stones of Scotland (Rcahms).
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).
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 of the High Keillor Pictish Stone, Strathmore, Scotland. A wonderful Pictish standing stone, dramatically located on the slopes of the Sidlaw Hills overlooking Strathmore. Of all the early historic peoples of Scotland, the Picts capture the popular imagination like no other. Although archaeology is gradually uncovering more information about how they lived, they are still best known for their carved monuments, which offer remarkable testimony to their artistic skills. The symbol stones of the Picts are among the most fascinating and enigmatic groups of early medieval sculpture. The purpose and meaning of the stones and carvings still remain something of a mystery - theories range from their use as personal memorials and testaments of clan membership to records of ancient ceremonies and rituals.
Tour Scotland photograph of the High Keillor Pictish Stone, Strathmore, Scotland.
Tour Scotland photograph of the High Keillor Pictish Stone, Strathmore, Scotland.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old Photograph Dornoch Castle, Scotland. Dornoch Castle is situated opposite Dornoch Cathedral in the village of Dornoch in Sutherland a little over 40 miles north of Inverness. Dornoch Castle was built around 1500 as the home of the bishops of Caithness. Bishop Robert Stewart gifted the castle to John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland in 1557. In 1570 the castle was set alight in a feud between the Clan McKay and the Clan Murray. The rebuilding which followed included the addition of the upper part of the tower. The castle decayed during the 18th century, but was restored in 1813–1814 to serve as a school and jail. In 1859 it became a court house, and was made the headquarters of the Sheriff of Sutherland. Further alterations were made around 1880, including the heightening of the south-west block, and the addition of a three-storey east tower. Following the restoration the castle became a hunting lodge for visiting sportsmen. In it is now a hotel.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of a crofter spinning wool outside a cottage on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Crofters here originally lived in blackhouses made of turf or stone, burned peat for cooking and heating, kept small black native cows and grew mostly oats on small strips of land which were fertilised by manure and seaweed. There was fishing from some of the sheltered bays on the east coast and on the neighbouring islands.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of golfers on the golf course at Carnoustie, Scotland. Golf is recorded as having been played at Carnoustie in the early 16th century. In 1890, the 14th Earl of Dalhousie, who owned the land, sold the links to the local authority. It had no funds to acquire the property, and public fundraising was undertaken and donated to the council. The original course was of ten holes, crossing and recrossing the Barry Burn; it was designed by Allan Robertson, assisted by Old Tom Morris from St Andrews, Fife, and opened in 1842. The opening of the coastal railway from Dundee to Arbroath in 1838 brought an influx of golfers from as far afield as Perth, Perthshire, Edinburgh and Glasgow, anxious to tackle the ancient links. Carnoustie first played host to The Open Championship in 1931, after modifications to the course by James Braid in 1926. The winner then was Tommy Armour, from Edinburgh. Later Open winners at Carnoustie include Henry Cotton of England in 1937, Ben Hogan of the USA in 1953, Gary Player of South Africa in 1968, Tom Watson of the USA in 1975, Paul Lawrie of Scotland in 1999 and Pádraig Harrington of Ireland in 2007.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of Kyle of Lochalsh, across from Isle of Skye, Scotland. A ferry linked Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin for centuries, but the village boomed as the main terminus after the 1819 Inverness road and especially the 1897 Highland Railway arrival.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of fishermen by the harbour at Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The name " Lerwick " comes from the Old Norse words Leirvík or Hladberg, meaning " muddy or clay bay " or "landing place," reflecting its natural topography. The location, sheltered by the island of Bressay, attracted Dutch fishermen in the summer for the rich herring grounds, The crews of Dutch herring boats found the rich fishing grounds off Shetland in the 17th century and gathered each summer in the sheltered waters of Bressay Sound, coming ashore at the bay at Lerwick where initially a seasonal settlement grow up. Fishing in various forms would dominate the life of the community for hundreds of years and today the modern industry is still a cornerstone of the way of life.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph golfers on the Golf Course at Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland. The club was formally established in 1890, with women members admitted as early as 1894.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of Trams, people, buildings and shops on Charing Cross, Glasgow, Scotland. Charing Cross is situated north of the River Clyde at the intersection of Sauchiehall Street, St George's Road, Woodlands Road, North Street and Newton Street, as well as being at a major interchange of the M8 motorway. Formerly the gateway from the shopping area of Sauchiehall Street to the more prosperous Woodlands area, its architectural qualities were largely razed by the building of the motorway. It still marks the boundary between the City Centre and the West End of the City. Nearby landmarks include the Mitchell Library, the biggest reference library in Western Europe. Charing Cross was also part of the so called Square Mile of Murder, the location of a series of sensational murders which scandalised Victorian society,
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of Crichton Castle, Midlothian, Scotland. In the late 14th century John de Crichton who died in 1406 built a tower house here as his family residence. John's son, William who died in 1453, served as Lord Chancellor of Scotland, and was made Lord Crichton around 1443. In 1440 he had been partly responsible for organising the " Black Dinner ", where the young Earl of Douglas was murdered. As a result, he obtained the Douglas property of Bothwell Castle in Lanarkshire for himself. John Forrester of Corstorphine, a Douglas adherent, stormed and slighted the castle in 1445 in retaliation. William, however, reconstructed and extended the castle, and also built the nearby collegiate church. The 3rd Lord Crichton was a supporter of Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, and his lands and titles were forfeit in 1483, when Albany was sentenced for treason. Crichton Castle, along with Bothwell Castle, was briefly granted to Sir John Ramsey, who forfeited it in 1488.
That year, James IV granted Crichton to Patrick Hepburn, Lord Hailes, who was later made Earl of Bothwell. His son, the second Earl, died at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Adam was succeeded by his son Patrick, who intrigued with the English against the Scottish crown, but eventually made peace with the regent, Mary of Guise. James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell sided with Mary of Guise during the Scottish Reformation, and when he took English money sent to the Lords of the Congregation, Regent Arran ordered an assault on Borthwick and Crichton, and the castle was besieged and captured by the Earl of Arran on 3rd November 1560. The castle was the scene of the marriage and wedding festivities, on 4th January 1562, of Patrick's daughter Jean and her first husband, John Stewart, Lord Darnley, Prior of Coldingham, and illegitimate son of King James V. John Stewart's half-sister Mary, Queen of Scots, spent a few nights at the castle while attending this wedding.
The Earl of Bothwell was implicated in Feburuary 1567 in the murder of Queen Mary's husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, and became Mary's third husband in May of that year. In December, all Bothwell's titles and estates, including Crichton, were forfeited. In 1568, Crichton, along with Bothwell's other estates, was granted to Francis Stewart, son of John Stewart, Lord Darnley, and Jean Hepburn, and thus bastard grandson of James V. Francis travelled in Europe, and he designed the very modern Italianate north range in the 1580s. He was created Earl Bothwell in 1577, but conspired against the young James VI, and was accused of witchcraft. He forfeited his estates in turn in 1592, and was forced to flee to Naples. His son Francis was reinstated, but laboured under his father's debts, and sold Crichton to the Hepburns of Humbie. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument administered by Historic Scotland.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of the Michael Scott Tomb at Melrose Abbey, Borders, Scotland. According to legend, Melrose Abbey has a strange demonic connection. The 13th century wizard Michael Scott is said to be buried there. Through the power of prophecy he is said to have predicted his own death, by a small stone falling on his head.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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