Happy Snapper At Large

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T09:06:00.001Z

2011-12-10T11:04:00.001Z

A SCOTTISH CASTLE AND A WELSH FOLK SONG

A slide show of Cawdor Castle and Gardens set to an old Welsh Folk Song

"David of the White Rock"

Bamburgh Weekend

2011-12-09T11:09:00.021Z

The weekend trip was arranged by my camera club The Tweeddale Photographic Group. Six members in all and partners ventured out on the last weekend in October, fingers crossed for fine weather. We had taken our caravan and discovered a small site with a fantastic, uninterrupted view of Bamburgh Castle

By the time I met the members of the group who also arrived on the Friday the light was pretty poor and it didn’t bode well for our plans for a sunrise shoot but I did manage to capture a couple of shots with just a glimpse of the sun on the castle

Saturday Morning.

WOW!!! Someone must have put in a good word for us, what a beautiful morning.

This was a first time I had managed to get to grips with long exposures and using a tripod. The tripod a piece of equipment I have long struggled with, I think it has had some evil intent towards me, it’s constant aim to trip me over

We were also lucky not too many other photographers, just how lucky we did not realize until the next morning

Amazing how quickly the stunning colours disappear once the sun lifts from the horizon

We took ourselves off to Seahouses, the day had turned rather grey and uninspiring after which we all returned to our respective abodes but met up later for a smashing fish supper in Seahouses

Sunday Morning

Once again the Gods were good to us to a degree, fantastic sunrise again but this was the first day of GMT and as we were on the beach an hour earlier the tide was much higher, also the world and his wife turned up with a multitude of tripods and camera equipment

This morning I tried using filters but felt a little dissatisfied with the results as all seem to have a strange hue to them but then again it was a different kind of sunrise

Once again after this spectacular show the rest of the day took a bit of a nosedive but we set off for Holy Island

I took this one from the Causeway

I had more success on Holy Island on an earlier visit in June

http://happysnapperatlarge.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html

All in all it was a great weekend so thank you to Stephen for all his help and guidance and also to Ruth and Jim for their hospitality

Armathwaite- Castlerigg Farm

2011-09-16T13:39:00.001+01:00

Looking forward to a week camping in our new to us caravan

A stately lady, vintage 1996, the odd wrinkle here and there and still not sure yet what works and what doesn’t

Looking forward to meeting a certain Mr Em, a stalwart of the Dandy Forum…

He’s the one with the specs

and meeting up again with two lovely people Pat & Tony

We Spent a lovely day here together

http://happysnapperatlarge.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html

All packed up now and ready to go......Look out Mr Em We Are On Our Way
* * *
I had hoped for an easy journey, alas it was not meant to be for my first trip towing the Tin Tent
We reached Hawick
ROAD CLOSED AT MOSS PAUL
"Oh <>@|||^***"
Diverted and still not sure where we went but finally emerged at Canonbie, everything was pretty straight forward from there on. We found the site very easily, because of the diversion "Mr Em" had arrived before us, not what I had planned, the poor farmer was not armed for this larger then life character and looked a little shell
shocked by the time we arrived
My first encounter with Em was a near death experience... Just about Hugged to Death
Oh! But It Was Worth The Risk
* * *
Finally we both got settled
And What A View

Although the weather was not always as good as this all the time, good or bad you could watch it rolling in over the lakes in the distance

There are some lovely old shops in Penrith and I wished I had taken more photographs
Unfortunately SAINSBURYS
seem to be digging up the center of the town to establish what appears to be a SUPER Market, I do hope this is not going to detract from the charm of the old town

Stopped for a Thirst Quencher, Can't remember the name of the pub but it was in Lazonby

Mr Em left us on Thursday but what a great week it was, we really did miss him

and are looking forward to meeting up again.

Wish it could be soon than later

Another highlight of the week.
Pat & Tony visited on Friday, lovely to see them again and once again Tony thanks for all the tips on the caravan, just about got everything working now :-))

Looking Back ……Autumn-Winter 2010-2011

2011-08-31T09:00:00.002+01:00

After what seems the worst summer ever, now wondering what Mother Nature has in store for us

August 14, 2011

2011-08-14T18:44:00.004+01:00

Just a Snippet of Whippets

August 14, 2011 a video by bfurphy on Flickr.Scottish Thistle Pedigree Whippet Racing Club

Elgin Cathedral, Spynie Palace and Duffus Castle

2011-07-20T13:55:00.006+01:00

Not a very promising start to the day, We set off from Muir of Ord for Cawdor Castle but as the weather brightened we pushed on to Elgin instead, the day just got better and visited Spynie Palace and Duffus Castle as well

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyres ults/propertyabou...
ELGIN CATHEDRAL
Spiritual heart of Moray

Elgin Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, and the inspiration for many an artist.

An awe-inspiring building

The imposing yellow sandstone ruin is also one of the most important architectural legacies from that bygone age, whose intriguingly complex building history will reward the patient visitor

.
The cathedral was the ecclesiastical centre, the spiritual heart, of the diocese of Moray

The Chapter House

The restoration of stonework has been handled with great skill and care

Stone bishops and knights

The bishop’s cathedral or seat, was not always at Elgin –

it had previously been at nearby Kinneddar, Birnie and Spynie – but once it was transferred to Elgin around 1224, it remained there until the Protestant Reformation of 1560 effectively left the cathedral redundant.

Spynie Palace

SPYNIE PALACE
Seat of the bishops of Moray | A long-lasting episcopal residence | David’s Tower
Seat of the bishops of Moray

Spynie Palace was for five centuries the residence of the bishops of Moray. During that time, the palace stood on the edge of Spynie Loch, a sea-loch giving safe anchorage for fishing boats and merchant vessels. A thriving settlement developed about it.

Today, nothing remains of either the sea-loch or the medieval town. However, the gaunt ruin of Spynie Palace does survive remarkably intact. Together with St Andrews Castle in Fife, Spynie remains the largest surviving medieval bishop’s house in Scotland.

David’s Tower

The colossal tower at the SW corner dominates the whole complex. It measures 19m by 13.5m externally and rises to a height of 22m, making it one of the largest tower houses ever built in Scotland, and the largest by volume. It is named after Bishop David Stewart (1462–76), who commissioned it.

However, it remained uncompleted at his death and was finished by Bishop William Tulloch (1477–82). Bishop Patrick (1538–73) added the gunholes. The coats-of-arms of all three bishops grace the south elevation, beneath the royal arms of Scotland. The great tower had a first-floor front entrance and six storeys.

A 360 degree view from the top of the Tower and as they say “ On a clear day”

Looking down from the top of the tower a family picnic and making the best of what turns into a beautiful day

Duffus Castle
One of the finest examples of a motte and bailey castle in Scotland with a later, very fine, stone hall house and curtain wall.

The original seat of the Moray family.

Visitors today approach from the north and park in the nearby car park before crossing a bridge over the surrounding ditch and approaching the castle.

What is truly amazing is just how much of it is still there. Large parts of the tower and the curtain walls remain, as does the base of the road out of the castle and the stone bridge over the ditch on that side.

It isn't clear why only the buildings of the east range seem to have been robbed of their stone and so much of the rest of the castle has survived.

Visitors to Duffus Castle will quickly become aware that this ancient military site has some very modern military neighbours. The end of the runway at RAF Lossiemouth is only three quarters of a mile to the north east, so visitors to the castle can be assured of a steady stream of military aircraft passing over as they land or take off.

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/duffus/duffuscastle/index.html

What a day, seems I scored a “Hat Trick”

A Cathedral, A Palace and A Castle

This is a wonderful part of Scotland and so much to discover

47 photos | 0 views | Add a comment?
items are from between 19 Jul 2011 & 20 Jul 2011.

Lindisfarne

2011-06-10T15:02:00.001+01:00

A visit to Berwick on Tweed to meet two lovely people became a lovely treat

A much to my delight a visit to Lindisfarne had been planned.I had only visited once before and the weather had not been kind, fingers crossed we seemed to have a good start.

Holy Island is linked to the mainland by a long causeway. Twice each day the tide sweeps in from the North Sea and covers the road. Tide times and heights can be accurately predicted from the phases of the Moon. Severe weather can produce offsets, particularly with strong winds from the North and Northeast. The causeway crossing times are forecasted 'safe' crossing times. Nevertheless, travellers should remain vigilant if crossing near the extremeties.

PILGRIMS CROSSING

A clearly marked route links the mainland to the island across the sands and mud. Newcomers are cautioned against using this route unless accompanied by a person with local knowledge. Never attempt this route at dusk or on a rising tide!

LINDISFARNE PRIORY

The building of the world renowned famous Benedictine Priory was started during the late 11th century and followed on from the Norman conquest and ensuing religious changes. It was built in a parallel time frame and regarded by many as 'the taster' for the building of Durham Cathedral. The scale is about 10-to-1 and, although in the case of Lindisfarne there has been considerable erosion to the interior Romanesque stonework, the features are identicical between the two - even to the extent of the gothic chancel extension.

Around the Harbour

Tools of a Fisherman’s Trade

Holy Island harbour is characterised world-wide by pictures of the large, upturned fishing boats lining the beach. Now no longer seaworthy and used as work sheds for the small remaining seagoing fraternity, many of these boats were part of one of the largest Herring Fleets to sail off the east coast of England.

These two craft seem to have grown legs and were off to find deeper water.

It’s almost time for us to be setting off Looking for a bite to eat

Not a problem when the only place to eat is The Oxford Farm Shop

Just north of Holy Island on the A1

OH Yummy!!!

I WISH!!!

2011-05-21T13:36:00.001+01:00

Taken in the pretty village of Ravenglass

Almost Black & White

2011-04-01T12:50:00.012+01:00

All of my B&W images are conversions from colour, a few are new and some are old images I have dragged out again to give a bit of a facelift

BEAM ME UP SCOTTIE

This one was taken at Ruthven Barracks way back in 2008 not very well exposed so I just played around and added a filter

SWEET PEA

Not sure garden flowers lend themselves to this treatment, this must be one of my very first efforts, looking at it now it could do with a little of the noise taken out

Eilean Donan and The Skye Bridge Taken back in Oct 2007

The bridge is a particular favorite of mine and this is it in its latest guise

a recent facelift

~ ~ ~

Anstruther Harbour

Taken July 2010, I think I was going through my "Frame It" stage

Although I do think this works quite well

~ ~ ~

Both of these were taken with my little 10year old Fuji Compact in the last couple of years

Stopped for a Natter

Marmion Cottage beside Leithen Water

Think I have over egged the pudding on this one

but I still like it

~ ~ ~

Berwick on Tweed

Berwick Bridge – Built 1611 to 1634 by James Burrell. 355 metres long and 5 metres wide.Has 15 red sandstone arches with cutwaters which carry Doric columns and busts. The arches are highest at the North end – 14 metres. Now only used one way for traffic

April

2011-04-01T09:26:00.000+01:00

WHAT WILL THIS MONTH BRING US?

Watching Ewe

2011-03-31T12:12:00.002+01:00

31st of March and it's blowing a Hooligan here.
It certainly isn't going out like a lamb

Watching Ewe, a photo by bfurphy on Flickr.

Some Days you're the Pigeon..........

2011-03-31T12:09:00.001+01:00

Some Days you're the Pigeon.........., a photo by bfurphy on Flickr.

A Spring Day In The Garden

2011-03-25T13:02:00.005Z

The garden was desperately needed a good tidy up

Weeded a little, split a few plants and rehomed them in one or two vacant plots,

I think I lost a few plants to to frost this year

Swept up the debris of sunflower husks which seemed to be almost ankle deep below the bird feeders

I had taken the camera into the garden with me hoping to capture a few

shots of the birds on the feeders but they all seem far too busy doing what comes naturally at this time of year

So I turned my attentions to the two best girls.Roxy my little whippet doesn’t stay still for long but she posed for a short while just enjoying the sunshineThen Tara my 14year old finally woke from her slumbers, looked at me with her one almost good eye and promptly returned to snoring her little head off on her cushion

Not much to see just at the moment, Flowering Cherry is yet to put on a show, just a little more sunshine should do it.

Only a few Crocus and Daffs

and
Primroses I bought from a garden center

It Snowed

2011-03-12T13:55:00.005Z

I should have done this sooner but overtaken by lethargy
with the cold and miserable days
of January my mind still seems it be hibernating under a foot of frozen snow.

This, I think was one of the most beautiful days of December, bitterly cold , sun shining and after another heavy snowfall eveything just sparkled in the frosty air

Topped up the bird feeders and was on my way

Set off down Leithen Crescent and down towards the "Batty" where Leithen water runs into the Tweed

Here is one I prepared earlier

Eyemouth and Coldingham Bay

2010-12-02T14:21:00.003Z

A foot of snow on the ground and I am thinking back just a short while to our day out to the coast.

Forecast good and promised to be one of those lovely Autumn Days, so we deceided to give the dogs a run on the beach

Trying out my new camera phone, finding it a bit fiddley but I expect I will soon get the hang of it

This is some kind of Junk tied up beside the museum in Eyemouth

and this looks like some kind of crane barge to me

Wonder where he left his motor bike????

After a wander around Eyemouth, indulged in the obligatory "Fish & Chips"

Oh!.... he does spoil me so

set off for Coldingham

I think the rest of these were taken with Canon40D

The tide was out

I hoped to get some dramatic shots of wave crashing on the rocks
but it was not a day for drama, never mind, maybe another day

just the sky reflected in a rock pool

and a lonesome trawler

even the beach was almost deserted and for most of the time the dogs had it to themselves

I didn't manage any pics of the girls today but to them one beach is much the same as any other

FUN!!!

These were taken on an earlier visit

The result is the same

Two pooped out wet sandy dogs LOL!!!

Autumn In The Borders

2010-11-04T15:05:00.002Z

Dawyck Gardens Near Peebles

Arrived early doors, a miserable day but started off well with hot chocolate and scone in the Visitor Centre

A perfect time of year to visit

Astounding colours

By autumn

the hues change to deep reds and yellows as the trees

prepare for winter.

Tree Lichens,Mosses and Berries

Bridges Waterfalls and Streams

Had a break for lunch

Onion Soup & Crusty Roll

Yummy!!!

Then went on to spend another two hours just wandering and enjoying the sights of Autumn

Find Dawyck Gardens Here

Hints & Tints of Autumn, Fungi & Fairy Rings

2010-10-16T10:50:00.016+01:00

A walk along the Tweed from the Toll Wood

One of those blustery days that promises rain

Luckily we were out and back before the downpour

* * *

All taken on Community Woodland & Forestry walks along the Tweed Valley

This is a beautifully carve seat from a tree trunk in a shady spot in Plora Woods, Walkerburn

The lower track which leads to Innerleithen Golf course

As it fell onto a Beech sapling

Across the Tweed, Taken from Windy Know

One of those days when you think the sun will never get through

Hay Lodge Park, Peebles

Beside Leithen Water just past the picnic area

Don't tell anyone about the Faries

Brambles

Are they Edible???

Fallen leaf caught on the trunk of an old tree

Plenty of Fungi in Lindinny Woods

but I didn't spot any Fairies this time

Any one fro Breakfast....These are Edible

The Porcelain Mushroom, Oudemansiella mucida, is sometimes also known as the Poached Egg fungus - a reference to the white of the egg rather than the yolk, of course!

This fungus is weakly parasitic upon beech trees, and on breezy days in autumn it is not unusual to see what appear to be tiny parachutes falling from high branches after the fungi have been dislodged by the wind.

Edinburgh Butterfly Farm

2010-10-09T11:23:00.004+01:00

Set off over the Granites

Up onto the A7 and down towards Dalkieth and to

Edinburgh's Butterfly and Insect World

at Dobbies Garden World

The Tree Nymph seemed to be the most prolific of the butterflies, they were everywhere

This and the Owl butterfly below were in a large case with all kinds of Pupa hanging

had just emerged and were getting read to fly

Hecale's Longwing

The Glasswing

This tiny butterfly was my favourite

* * *

Blue Morpho

This was an enormous and when

the wings were electic blue, Stunning!!!

* * *

These two are "Clipper" Butterfly from Malaysia & the Philipines

* * *
Malay Lacewing

*
Banded-Purplewing

Low's Swallotail (Female)

Scarlet Swallowtail (Male)

Not very sharp not sure what I had done wrong but the colours were stunning

* * *

This is the "Touchy Feely Corner"

The children were the best part of this corner, the little boy who was as bold as brass until the Millipede

wanted to be friends went all shy and hid behind his mum, and the little girl, had a look , screwed up her nose

and walked away totally uninterested

I would of had a go but my hands were full of camera

This is just the nose of a 12stone Python, no matter how I tried I just couldn't

get a good shot

*
Two rather snooty Terrapins

* * *

I had a wander around the garden center and found the duckpond, not much activity it seemed to be siesta time for them

Even the garden centre was quiet

Must go Back again soon
* * *
Some Images are not as sharp as they could be.
These were taken with a my new 90mm macro lens and I am still on a very steep learning curve LOL!!!

Close to Home

2010-10-01T19:12:00.001+01:00

Close to Home

As is usual I don't have to wander far to find something of interest I really am lucky to live here

Set off down "The Batty" it's just a strip of land with old pine trees on it and where Leithen Water runs into the River Tweed

After a misty morning cobwebs covered in dew festoon the grasses and hedgerows

Sun shining in through the trees lighting up the feathery heads of the Rose Bay Willow Herb

Behind us the Leithen flows into the Tweed and here looking upstream to where the bridge crosses over to take you on to St Mary's Loch and the Yarrow Valley

Followed the path and passed under the bridge, Stopped for a natter with Robert. Last day of the Trout Fishing Season, so far he's had no luck.

The little mound Just above the rooftops is "Windy Knowe" Where I take most photos just about as high as I can climb at the moment and the hill behind is locally known as "Rocky"

Posted this on POD but this is where we cut across the field and down onto the old railway track and head for home

A Wander over Windy Knowe

2010-09-28T13:41:00.003+01:00

Rose Bay Willow Herb

Beech Nuts

Higher and Higher

Spiders's Webs
festooned with the seeds of the RoseBay

St Ronans Wells
http://www.innerleithen.org.uk/culture-and-heritage

The view form the top of Windy
http://www.innerleithen.org.uk/windy-knowe-caerlee-hill

Hedgerow feast

Down off Windy and along the forestry track to wards the golf course

Looking down from the track to murky pond

Out again into the daylight

Sunday and the Bar doesn't open until 12.30
These players should be finished just in time

Down the hill out past the clubhouse and sit a spell but the cauld

then a wander down by Leithen Water on Home

Out For A Wander

2010-09-04T16:40:00.017+01:00

A dull start to the day but it promises to brighten up

We head out of the town over the bridge over the Tweed by the Toll House and make for the Yarrow Valley

toward St Mary's Loch, Tweedsmuir and on to Peebles

* * *

Upstream, River Tweed at Innerleithen

Looking towards Traquair

Downstream
toward Selkirk
and on to the sea

* * *

St Mary's Loch
Local legend has it that the loch has no bottom and is reputed to be the coldest loch in Scotland

* * *

The Loch of the Lowes

is just upstream of St Mary's and is separated by a strip of land where the Tibbie Shiels Inn sits

* * *

Tibbie(Isabella) Shiel was born in Ettrick, the daughter of Mary and Walter Shiel. After minimal education she earned a living working on local farms, including for a time working for the parents of James Hogg, later to become a renowned poet and author. In 1806 she married Robert Richardson, a molecatcher. In 1823 they moved with their three sons and three daughters to St Mary's Cottage, rented from the local laird Lord Napier on land overlooking the southern end of St Mary's Loch.

After her husband died in 1824, Tibbie supported herself and her six children by taking in lodgers: anything up to 35 at a time, although there were only 13 guest beds. Tibbie Shiel's Inn soon established itself as a local institution, a process assisted by the patronage of writers like James Hogg and Sir Walter Scott.

It would seem that the Inn is still packing them in. You can stay in this Tipi for the princely sum of £60 a night but I think if you bring your own tent it could be a little bit cheaper

* * *

On the hillside to the west of the road overlooking the narrow piece of land that separates

the two lochs stands the imposing James Hogg Monument.

James Hogg lived from 1770 to 21 November 1835. Commonly referred to as The Ettrick Shepherd, he was a poet and novelist who wrote in both Scots and English and who became one of the most unlikely literary figures ever to emerge from Scotland.

A little more about James Hogg

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/u ... shogg.html

We leave the Yarrow valley by St Mary's and head into the Tweedsmuir Hills

Onward & Upwards

The climb takes us to Meggat Resevoir.Supplying up to 100 million litres (22 million gallons) of water daily, it takes 18 hours for this water to pass through 28-mile (45-km) long underground pipes, propelled only by gravity, to reach water treatment works in and around Edinburgh.

Buildings, including an old ruin, farms and houses were all moved above the proposed new reservoir level, and a large earthfill dam was constructed before the valley was flooded. Located at the eastern end of the reservoir, this embankment comprises a waterproof concrete core, surrounded by gravel and faced by grass-covered terraces.

Looking back from the top of the dam in the distance is St Mary's Loch

Another climb again to Talla Reservoir. From the start at St Mary's it has all been on good single track road with ample passing places but the further past Meggat one goes the more the condition of the road decreases. OH DEAR!!! I do hope we don't meet any oncoming cars

Talla reservoir was built in the late 19th century (completed 1899) to supply Edinburgh with water.The road winds up through the Tweedsmuir hills and then quite a hair raising drop to the road alongside the water. Down into Tweedsmuir and it's good to get back onto "Proper Roads"even though they are narrow and winding

* * *

Back through Peebles and past the Tweedgreen

And Home

* * *

A Few Glimpses from "The Fringe"

2010-08-25T13:53:00.015+01:00

These are a few images taken on a day out with Tweeddale Photographic Group

It was a grey miserable start to the day but by the time we had reached Edinburgh the sun was breaking through the cloud and promising to to a lovely day

All the flags Flying

BOO!!!

***Oblivious to all going on around her or maybe this lady had just seen it all before
***

Here a quick witted Aussie
I wondered if these blades were as sharp as his tongue LOL!!!
***

I Loved the colours in these baskets
***

I never did find out what this fella was at, it must have taken him 10 minutes

just to pin the cloth to the table

I couldn't wait around for the finale

***

Expecting more rain???

***

This lad looked so miserable he reminded me of the little rhyme

Nobody likes me, Everybody hates me

I'm going down the garden to eat worms..........

LOL!!!

***

Allez Ooop!!!

***

Two Very Elegant Ladies
***
There's plenty more inside

***
I wonder who this street peformer is portraying???

* * *

Well the day ended almost the same as it started but we can't complain, we had the best part of it. I am looking forward to seeing every one elses efforts of the day when the Blog is updated

http://tweeddalephotographic.wordpress.com/

I Do Like To Be Beside The Sea......Part 2

2010-08-10T16:05:00.014+01:00

Pittenweem

This village is the only on in East Neuk, still with what seem to be a completely unspoilt working harbour

Not a leisure craft in sight

Walking round the harbour you come to the Gyles, a white, pan tiled three storey house once belonging to a sea captain in 1626 and restored by the NTS. In front of the Gyles is a small slop leading to a beach enclosed by the outer harbour

Although there are fewer boats sailing from here now than in days gone by, it is a unique opportunity to see the daily landings and early morning market. Pittenweem fresh fish is bought here and sold by the many local fish vans who travel all over Scotland selling the fish.

Crail

Definitely the most picturesque harbour in the East Neuk, it is best viewed from the West Braes, as you come in to Crail from Anstruther. Surrounding the harbour are houses dating back to the 17th Century, with white walls and red pan tiled roofs. One of these used to be the customs house and on the side has a plaque bearing the town arms

Unfortunately I forgot to pack my spare battery and ran out of power before we even got down to the harbour and never had the chance to return for more photos

Enjoyed the day and spent the evening just watching the sun go down

I Do Like To Be Beside The Sea

2010-08-07T14:59:00.014+01:00

Getting away for holidays generally means we pack up our Folding Camper and head for the coast. Forget Devon & Cornwall it's usually a blustery coastal campsite somewhere here in Scotland.

Essential Camping Gear

This year the first two week in July was spent at East Neuk a delightful piece of the east coast, populated with small fishing villages and harbours.

Anstruther

Anstruther is the largest of the villages in the East Neuk and provides the main shopping centre, a typical seaside village with many of the shops in a long line overlooking the harbour.
The harbour here has changed dramatically over the years, most of this information can be seen in the Scottish Fisheries Museum, going from a full working harbour to one which hosts mainly pleasure craft. The harbour has undergone changes to now include 100 pontoon berths for pleasure craft and is a very popular visitor attraction.

The Scottish Fishing Museum on the quayside is well worth a visit, it is also much bigger than it first appears, allow at least an hour and a half for a visit
http://www.scotfishmuseum.org/index.html

http://www.scotfishmuseum.org/reaper/

There are stories behind many of the buildings in Anstruther and the one that stands out most is the Buckie House, on the corner just before crossing the Dreel burn from West Anstruther. The house was covered in shells by Alex Batchelor last century, who supposedly used to charge a penny to see his coffin which was also covered in shells.

Anstruther can also boast "The Best Fish & Chips" I have ever tasted

St Andrew's Castle and Cathedral

2010-08-06T12:33:00.003+01:00

It was a grey miserable day for our visit to St Andrew's, best to get here early for the Castle if you want to get a parking space close by.

On a headland to the north of St Andrews stand the ruins of the city’s castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews – the focal point of the Church in Medieval Scotland.

Hoping to get the place to myself, just my luck, a coach load Just ahead of me

The Mine and Counter-mine – these unique underground passages give visitors a palpable sense of the horrific nature of medieval siege warfare.

I decided not to venture down here alone

Looking back into the town

The Bottle Dungeon – one of the most infamous castle prisons in medieval Britain, cut out of the solid rock. John Knox and George Wishart may have been imprisoned in this dank and airless hole, and Cardinal Beaton’s body was kept here.

The Cathedral

Viewed from the castle walls

I thought that the Cathedral more interesting than the Castle, accessed from the visitor centre there is an exhibition of many of the stone carvings and memorials salvaged from the ruins of the Cathedral

Wandering amongst the graves I found it interesting that the profession or trade of the deceased engraved on many of headstones, it would seem that "Willie Russell"

was a very popular name in this area

There was a monastic community in St Andrews in the 8th century. Due to pressure on Iona from the Vikings, the centre of the church in Scotland moved east, first to Dunkeld and then to Kilrimont (the Celtic name by which St Andrews was known in those days). A church, dedicated to St Rule was built there early in the 12th century. The original, tall (108 feet high) tower of that church still survives (and gives great views over the town). Legend has it that St Rule (or St Regulus) was the original guardian of the relics of St Andrew.

A much more recent addition in the adjoining graveyard is a monument to Tommy Morris, one of the early golfers from St Andrews from the 19th century who won the Open Championship at the age of 17.

Will definately go back

http://www.standrews.co.uk/

All these image were taken with a Panasonic Lumix FZ 50

Just a few garden flowers

2010-08-02T12:00:00.000+01:00

These Lilies I thought I would miss the best of them whilst we were away for three week hols so I popped the into a shady spot and I got the best of them

The Poppy, Peonie and the Varigated Rose were all from the Walled Garden at Kellie Castle nr Pittenweem

Peonie "A Bit Of A Show Off" Not unlike the person who gave it to me LOL!!!

This is a patio climbing rose "Star Performer" very fragrant

The Delicate flower of the Soloman's
Seal

Hosta, Slugs & Snails Favourite but they seem to leave this one alone, all my other Hostas look like Nottingham Lace

Allium

Nectaroscordum

2010-08-01T15:46:00.001+01:00

This Plant in my garden fascinates me year after year
The flowerheads start off looking like long silky cocoons

When they split , look like a nest of baby snakes or green tadpoles

Then tumble out likebeads escaping

or flowery fireworks

Then dangle like bells

On Long Slender stems

When Mr Bee has done his job

the flowerheads
start to turn upwards again

Then finally stand completely upright like the battlements around a castle holding their seeds in tight

Mostly taken with Canon 40D and all different times of day during spring & summer