This morning, I visited a curious historical site at Camphill, Glasgow which is marked as a "fort" on official plans.

The earthwork consists of a badly eroded earthen rampart measuring internally 95m north-south by 93m slightly to one side of the summit of the hill.

Elevation of the site affords superb views and lends the site to defensive or observational purposes. However, various official excavations have proved inconclusive. Balance of probability is that the site is medieval as opposed to Iron Age. In 1985 a tiny shred of Roman samian ware pottery was found in the eroding bank which may put the date back nearly two millennia. The large rocks found in the centre of the site appear to have been placed there in relatively recent times.

The site appears to have no connection with the 1568 Battle of Langside which took place close by.

Labels: queen's park glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 1:51 PM  0 comments

This morning I connected with Glasgow's industrial past through a visit to Busby Glen Park. The White Carte River flows through this Glen and the 18th century the water was harnessed to power huge textile works employing hundreds of men, women and children. This trip is best done in winter time ( i.e.now) as there is less tree foliage to obscure the views.

The cotton industry commenced in Busby in 1780 and lasted for about 100 years. Prior to cotton, there were mills in existence for waulk (washing and thickening cloth), lint and meal.

The physical legacy can still be traced through weirs, sluices, lades and converted former mill buildings.

The video clips below show the White Carte river and also the railway viaduct which was built in the 1860s to carry the railway across the river.

A fascinating short trip.

Labels: Busby

posted by Nigel Cole @ 1:10 PM  0 comments

This morning, I visited Crookston Castle located near the city of Glasgow and which qualifies as the second oldest building in Glasgow, dating to the 15th century. Originally, the site was first occupied by a, mainly wooden, castle built by Robert de Croc in the late 12th century. Subsequently, the Stewarts of Darnley built a massive stone tower in the 15th century to replace the earlier timber built castle. The stonework is of very high standard.The castle was attacked and partially destroyed by James IV in 1489 and then subject to a siege in 1544 .Later in the 16th century it was finally abandoned.

The castle is located off Brockburn Road and is deserving of a visit.

Labels: castles

posted by Nigel Cole @ 9:42 AM  0 comments

This evening, I am posting a short video of a piece of Paisley's industrial history.

The video clip shows an image of the former Clark's Threadmill (1924) located on the White Carte Water.During the late 19th and early 20th centuries Paisley's prosperity depended on the thread mills of the Coats and Clark families which employed many thousands of local people,

The Clark's Mill became derelict after the collapse of the thread-making industry but the building has since been restored as a combined residential and business accommodation.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Nigel Cole @ 2:04 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some video clips of my visit this morning to Paisley Abbey, near Glasgow.

Paisley Abbey was founded in 1163, initially as a Priory, but became an abbey answerable to Rome in 1245 and was dedicated to St.Mary, St. James, St. Mirin and St. Milburga. It is believed that William Wallace ('Braveheart') was educated at the Abbey. The building has had a chequered history:

• Burned by the English in 1307 and subsequently restored.
• Damaged by accidental fire in 1498 and restored.
• Tower collapsed in 1553 leaving part of the building open to elements for 350 years.
• Restored 1858-62.
• Re-roofed 1890-1907.
• Re-dedicated 1928.

Buried in the Abbey are six High Stewards, Marjory Bruce, King Robert II's wives and King Robert III.

This is a very impressive building and well worth visiting.

Labels: Paisley Abbey

posted by Nigel Cole @ 12:26 PM  0 comments

This morning with clear skies and good visibility I visited the Clyde near the centre of Glasgow.

First image is (I think ) that of a cormorant which was happily diving for food. Bearing in mind the stretch of water was heavily polluted at one time this must be evidence of the progressive improvement in the cleanliness of the Clyde.

This video clip shows the Steamship Waverley, the Armadillo conference centre, Science Centre and Tall Ship all basking in the unusual sunlight.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 1:49 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am posting a short video clip of my visit to the Rose Garden at Gorbals. This is an unusual place and in fact is a small park in the centre of the re-developed Gorbals residential area.

It would appear that the Rose Garden was a former churchyard and/or cemetery. Around the walls of the Garden can be found tombstones and grave-markers to the deceased dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries when the Gorbals was an upscale residential location.

The Gorbals is a fascinating area presenting a combination of heritage properties ( e.g.Caledonia Road Church) and modern architecture all just a mile or so from Glasgow City.

Labels: gorbals

posted by Nigel Cole @ 4:29 PM  0 comments

This morning, with clear skies, I went down to the Gorbals area, south of Glasgow city. Historically, this was an area of extreme social deprivation but with benefit of new housing and many other facilities (aided by some exciting architecture) the area has been transformed. The short videos below were taken in the central, shopping area of the Gorbals.

Labels: gorbals

posted by Nigel Cole @ 9:43 AM  0 comments

This evening, I attended a supper in Glasgow in honour of Scotland's national poet, Rabbie Burns.

Here is an extract from one of Burns' poems, 'John Anderson, My Jo':

John Anderson my Jo, John,
When wee were first acquent;
Your locks were like the raven,
Your bony brow was brent;
But now your brow is beld , John,
Your locks are like the snaw;
But blessings on your frosty pow,
John Anderson my jo.

Sing-a-long after the supper

Address to the Haggis

Piper

A good evening in convivial company!

Labels: Robert Burns

posted by Nigel Cole @ 3:56 PM  0 comments

Today, I am posting a couple of video clips of Scotland's National and International Football (soccer) Stadium in Glasgow. This has three primary functions:

1. Home of Scottish International football.
2. A conference venue
3. Home of Queen's Park F.C.
   

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 1:24 PM  0 comments

This morning I paid another to the Glasgow Green area. Light conditions were reasonable. The video below was taken from a position on St. Andrew's Bridge (1854-55) and shows the Clyde looking towards Glasgow.

Whilst taking the video there was a chance enounter with a horse drawn vehicle operated by Glasgow Council. A video clip of this unusual transport is also provided.

Labels: Glasgow Green

posted by Nigel Cole @ 6:46 AM  0 comments

This morning, I paid a visit to Greenbank Garden, part of a heritage property located in Clarkston, Glasgow.

At this time of the year, the garden is 'resting' but in spring summer the 3600 plants will burst into life and provide a colourful display.

Labels: greenbank

posted by Nigel Cole @ 9:51 AM  0 comments

This morning, I visited an old part of Glasgow, namely Glasgow Green, the oldest public place in Britain dating from 1450.

The short video below commences with the Templeton Carpet Factory which dates from the late 19th century with a design modelled on the Doge's Palace in Venice. This building is now used as business centre.

Next site of interest is the Doulton Fountain which originally appeared in the 1888 International Exhibition in Kelvingrove, Glasgow. The fountain incorporates carvings and statues reflecting the diversity of Britain's then world empire.

The camera next focuses on the Peoples Palace and Winter Gardens, a centre dedicated to the people and culture of Glasgow.

Labels: Glasgow Green

posted by Nigel Cole @ 7:42 AM  0 comments

This afternoon, I am posting a short video clip of my visit to George Square in the centre of Glasgow.

This shows the City Chambers, War Memorial, Scott Monument-and lots of friendly (hungry?) pigeons.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 5:20 AM  0 comments

This morning I visited Glasgow's famous Barras market which is open weekends only. This mixed, covered/open-air market is located in the East End off Gallowgate. On offer is a whole range of cut-price goods ranging from tobacco products to textiles to bric-a brac and antiques. It certainly has a unique atmosphere-and plenty of parking!

The short video below includes the adjacent Barrowland Ballroom, a major rock venue.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 7:25 AM  0 comments

This morning, I paid a visit to Glasgow's southern Necropolis which is located close to the Gorbals area. Historically (18th century) Gorbals and Hutchesontown was an upscale area and consequently the Necropolis (City of the dead) contains remains of, and memorials to, various wealthy and renowned citizens of its day ranging from literary people to businessmen to engineers and architects. For more information on this fascinating, if somewhat eery, cemetery refer to this web page.

Below is a brief video clip of part of the cemetery which was taken from the main entrance area.

Labels: Southern Necropolis

posted by Nigel Cole @ 6:55 AM  0 comments

Th's evening, I am showing a short video from my visit to Paddy's Market in central Glasgow.

This market is mainly patronised by shoppers from low income groups. The goods for sale are mainly pre-used.

A fascinating vignette of Glasgow culture.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 1:27 PM  0 comments

This morning, weather was dull but mild and dry. I went off to the Cathedral and Necropolis to take a video clip which can be found below.The shot was taken from the Necropolis (City of the Dead) and and shows the Cathedral and environs, including the Bridge of Sighs.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 8:26 AM  0 comments

This morning, the sun was shining so I went to visit Pollock House, south Glasgow. This dates form 1747 when it was commissioned by the Maxwell family and built on a compact scale with four floors plus attics and 80ft long facades.The exterior errs to the austere but is enlivened by two pairs of sculptured swags on the south facade and pedimented entrance door.

The interior benefits from ornate plasterwork contributing to an air of exuberance but, regrettably, photography is not permitted inside.




.

Labels: Pollock House

posted by Nigel Cole @ 6:10 AM  0 comments

This morning, the heavy rain had eased. I went off to Pollock Park, south Glasgow to obtain some images of the small herd of Highland Cattle which are maintained there by the Council. These are magnificent, photogenic and generally docile, beasts which tend to thrive on the poor pasture found on the hills and mountains.

Labels: highland cattle

posted by Nigel Cole @ 5:20 AM  0 comments

This morning, I braved heavy rain to cycle down to Glasgow's Science Centre on the River Clyde. The resulting short video is shown below. Moving from right to left the video shows:

• Wind Turbine
• BBC Scotland
• River Clyde with 'Squinty Bridge' or, more correctly, the Glasgow Arc bridge.
• Armadillo Conference Centre
• Finnieston Crane ( a legacy of Glasgow's shipbuilding past).
• Crown Plaza Hotel
• Footbridge over the Clyde
• The paddle steamer 'Waverley'
• Cranes at the Govan shipyards.
  

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Nigel Cole @ 7:16 AM  0 comments

This afternoon I ventured out in heavy rain to obtain some seasonal video shots of the waterfall at Rouken Glen, a public park, Giffnock, south of Glasgow. The shots were taken in heavy rain at about 3.00pm.

Labels: rouken glen

posted by Nigel Cole @ 8:31 AM  0 comments

This evening, I am continuing my Paisley architecture theme. The image below is of the Liberal Club, High St, Paisley which is attributed to James Donald and dates from 1886 with alteration in 1902 by Peter Caldwell. Super-imposition of arcaded ballroom over heavier first floor facade is redolent of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, the famous Glasgow architect under whom James Donald studied.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Nigel Cole @ 2:09 PM  0 comments

This morning was relatively mild. I went out and took a picture of Thomson's Double Villa which dates from 1856-57.

The architecture is of note because, instead of the usual butterfly symmetry in a pair of semi-detached houses, Thomson took one house plan and rotated it through 180 degrees so that that the resulting building has two identical, asymmetrical elevations, each both back and front.

Labels: architecture

posted by Nigel Cole @ 12:38 PM  0 comments

This evening, I am posting an image taken during my recent architecture tour of Paisley, near Glasgow.

This building, now in very poor condition, was built for the Territorial Army, dates from 1896 and is located at 76 High Street,

The building was designed by Thomas Graham Abercrombie and is described as Scots Renaissance in polychrome sandstone with Art Nouveau belicote.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Nigel Cole @ 12:54 PM  0 comments

This afternoon, I visited some of Paisley's most interesting architecture.

Here is Arnotts Department Store building (now closed) located in Gauze Street. The building was designed by James Steel Maitland and dates from 1924.

An impressive facade with bronze framed canted windows.

Labels: Paisley

posted by Nigel Cole @ 10:05 AM  0 comments

This morning was bright and sunny, albeit somewhat cold. I went off to photograph 2-38 Millbrae Crescent, Langside which dates from 1876-77 and is attributed to the famous architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson. Its flair and elegance in combining the style of rustic villas with the sublime urbanity of the terrace suggest the architect was indeed, Thomson.

Labels: greek thomson

posted by Nigel Cole @ 5:51 AM  0 comments

Welcome to 2009!

This is my first blog posting for the year as technical problems prevented postings in recent days.

Starting from Glasgow we commenced with a Roman theme. The following two images are of the Roman Baths at the fort on the Antonine Wall at Bearsden, now a prosperous suburb of Glasgow.The Antonie Wall dates from ad 142-144 and ran for 37 miles between what is now Glasgow and Edinburgh.



We traveled east following the line of the Antonine Wall until we reached the next site at Rough Castle, near Falkirk.

This image is of lilia ( lily pads). In fact they are the Roman equivalent of a minefield, comprising camouflaged pits within which were placed up ended pointed stakes intended to disable attackers.

Centre of Pitlochry, a popular Perthshire town.

The following three images are of Edradour Distillery, Scotland's smallest whisky distillery which provides visitors withe excellent free tours.


Whisky stills at Edradour


Mash Tun at Edradour

This is the Pass of Killiecrankie, Perthshire. This has a number attributes including (a) a natural corridor linking the Highlands and Lowlands (b) a strategic location for communication and transport (c) a site of Special Scientific Interest (d) site of famous battle in 1689 when a Jacobite army defeated a Government force under General Mackay. This image shows the pass and River Garry flowing through the wooded gorge with rail line on the left.


This is an image of Blair Castle which, unfortunately, was closed to visitors at time of our visit.


The following four images show Stirling Castle which sits atop a flat plain on an ancient volcano. The Castle mainly dates from the 15th and 16th centuries.

This is the Great Hall with oak hammer beam roof built by James IV.

Tour group at castle entrance.

Renaissance era palace dating from 1540-42

Interior of Chapel Royal built by James VI in 1594 for the baptism of his son. Note locally woven tapestries on right hand side.

The following four images were taken at Calton Hill, Edinburgh. This is the so-called 'Athens of the North'.

Here is the Dugald Stewart Monument by William Playfair and dates from 1832. It was erected to celebrate success of Stewart's choir in a competition. The actual monument is modelled on the 4th century Lysicrates monument in Athens.



This is a view of Edinburgh looking towards Princes Street and the Castle.

This is the New Observatory, also by William Playfair, and dating from 1818.

This is the Old Observatory by James Craig and dating from 1776.

The following two images were taken at Linlithgow Palace, a 15th century Renaissance style former Royal Palace. Mary Queen of Scots was born here. It is now a ruin due to accidental fire damage by Government troops in 1745.

This is the ornate fountain-which influenced a similar fountain at Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh.

View of the Palace.
This is nearby St. Michael's Church, the largest pre-Reformation church in Scotland. The crown and spire were added in 1964.


This is Glasgow Cathedral which, unfortunately, was closed to visitors on day of our visit. The original cathedral is believed to have been founded by St. Kentigern around AD600 but the present building dates from the 13th century.


The following two images are from Glasgow's Necropolis or City of the Dead and dates from the 1830s. Many of Glasgow's Victorian era wealthy and merchant classes are buried here.

This is the William Rae Wilson Mausoleum from 1849. It was built in the style of a Moorish Sepulchre influenced by travel in Palestine.
General view with John Knox monument third from left.

This is Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow which dates from 1471

Science Centre Tower at Pacific Quay. This is one of Scotland's tallest buildings and is open to visitors April-October.

BBC building at Pacific Quay

Steamship 'Waverley' on the Clyde with the Armadillo Building and Squinty Bridge in the background.


Highland Cattle at Pollock Park

Glasgow School of Art, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Overall, a good tour which covered a diverse range of topics and themes.

Labels: Scotland tour

posted by Nigel Cole @ 6:10 AM  0 comments