Something to tide you over whilst I recover my crashed hard drive – and the lesson is always back up – I did 
Archive for the ‘Historical’ Category
Eilean Donan Nightscape 2 comments
Sistine Chapel Interior – Rome 14 comments
I am not of Catholic Faith however as today was the inauguration of Pope Francis I thought I would share a shot I took of the Sistine Chapel in Rome – The Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art. The ceiling is that of the large Papal Chapel built within the Vatican between 1477 and 1480. The chapel is the location for Papal Conclaves and many important services. The ceiling’s various painted elements form part of a larger scheme of decoration within the Chapel, which includes the fresco The Last Judgement on the sanctuary wall, also by Michelangelo.Central to the ceiling decoration are nine scenes from the Book of Genesis of which the Creation of Adam is the best known, having an iconic standing equalled only by Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the hands of God and Adam being reproduced in countless imitations. The complex design includes several sets of individual figures, both clothed and nude, which allowed Michelangelo to fully demonstrate his skill in creating a variety of poses for the human figure, and have provided an enormously influential pattern book of models for other artists ever since.
Light’s On Nobody Home 18 comments
Well my local icon wasn’t satisfied by playing second fiddle and basking in the shadow of some moody light. Red as my iconic friend is known wanted to be centre stage this time. I have several ideas in the pipeline which may become known as the Phonebox series or Red Moods – I can hear the gasps of anticipation.
Santa Chiara 24 comments
![Well for those who have just started following my Photoblog you may not have connected with my captivation with Italy - her majesty determined that I have to spend 4 months in Naples - what was I to do. I travelled far and wide loved Italy in every way - I was brought up in the bosom of the Church of Scotland - but the Italian churches were the most amazing spaces. This is the Majolica CloisterFamous is the cloister of the Clarisses, transformed in 1742 by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro with the unique addition of majolica tiles in Rococò style.[5] The brash color floral decoration makes this cloister, with octagonal columns in pergola-like structure, likely unique and would seem to clash with the introspective world of cloistered nuns. The cloister arcades are also decorated by frescoes, now much degraded.](http://skm1963.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/santa-chiara-balanced.jpg?w=1000&h=743)
Well for those who have just started following my Photoblog you may not have connected with my captivation with Italy. Her Majesty determined that I should to spend 4 months in Napoli – what was I to do. Naturally, I travelled far and wide – I loved Italy in every way. In Scotland I was brought up in the bosom of the Church of Scotland – but the Italian churches were the most amazing spaces. This is the Majolica Cloister known as the ‘Cloister of the Clarisses, transformed in 1742 by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro with the unique addition of majolica tiles in Rococò style. The brash colour floral decoration define this cloister, with octagonal columns in pergola-like structure, likely unique and would seem to clash with the introspective world of cloistered nuns. The cloister arcades are also decorated by frescoes, now much degraded. Here you find it abandoned at the height of the sun only a Scotsman would venture out in such heat.
Saccharin – Eilean Donan 34 comments
![A castle had stood on this spot since the 13th Century destroyed by the Royal Navy in 1719. Following the failure of the Jacobite rising of 1715, the Jacobites, supporters of the exiled James Stuart, the "Old Pretender", sought new support from Spain. An advance party of 300 Spanish soldiers arrived in Loch Duich in April 1719, and occupied Eilean Donan Castle. The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived.At the beginning of May, the Royal Navy sent ships to the area. Early in the morning on Sunday 10 May, HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough, and HMS Enterprise anchored off Eilean Donan and sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce to negotiate. When the Spanish soldiers in the castle fired at the boat, it was recalled and all three ships opened fire on the castle for an hour or more.[35] The next day the bombardment continued while a landing party was prepared. In the evening under the cover of an intense cannonade, the ships' boats went ashore and captured the castle against little resistance. According to Worcester's log, in the castle they found "an Irishman, a captain, a Spanish lieutenant, a serjeant, one Scotch rebel and 39 Spanish soldiers, 343 barrels of powder and 52 barrels of musquet shot."[36] The naval force spent the next two days demolishing the castle, which took 27 barrels of gunpowder.[37] The Spanish prisoners were put on board Flamborough and taken to Edinburgh.[38] The remaining Spanish troops were defeated on 10 June at the Battle of Glen Shiel. (Wikepedia)](http://skm1963.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/ed_edited-1.jpg?w=1000&h=607)
A castle had stood on this spot since the 13th Century. Following the failure of the Jacobite rising of 1715, the Jacobites, supporters of the exiled James Stuart, the “Old Pretender”, sought new support from Spain. An advance party of 300 Spanish soldiers arrived in Loch Duich in April 1719, and occupied Eilean Donan Castle. The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived.
At the beginning of May, the Royal Navy sent ships to the area. Early in the morning on Sunday 10 May, HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough, and HMS Enterprise anchored off Eilean Donan and sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce to negotiate. When the Spanish soldiers in the castle fired at the boat, it was recalled and all three ships opened fire on the castle for an hour or more. The next day the bombardment continued while a landing party was prepared. In the evening under the cover of an intense cannonade, the ships’ boats went ashore and captured the castle against little resistance. According to Worcester’s log, in the castle they found “an Irishman, a captain, a Spanish lieutenant, a sergeant one Scotch rebel and 39 Spanish soldiers, 343 barrels of powder and 52 barrels of musquet shot.”[36] The naval force spent the next two days demolishing the castle, which took 27 barrels of gunpowder.[37] The Spanish prisoners were put on board Flamborough and taken to Edinburgh.[38] The remaining Spanish troops were defeated on 10 June at the Battle of Glen Shiel. (Wikipedia) . What you see here is the reconstructed Castle between 1919 & 1932 – It has starred in many movies but it was the film Highlander in 1986 which brought it first to my attention. It is an impressive sight by any standard but is surrounded by development which pretty much limits the images you can get. Still I got to practice my night photography again. Enjoy
Kinloss Abbey 17 comments
Had this hanging around for a while but wasn’t to sure anyway as I have to go and bury my head in my first assignment for my just commenced Photography Higher Professional Diploma – I will leave you to decide if I got it level in the end 
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A Haunted Carbisdale Castle Hides amongst the Trees 21 comments
I hope your eyes are wandering across the vista seeking the haunted Castle which I am referring to. I stayed here when I was 15 on a tour of the Highlands which was run by my school. This and a subsequent trip to Minnesota have in many shaped the creative side of me. I have ghost story to tell with this picture – but you wouldn’t believe me and it would take to long. So please just enjoy this and if you get the chance to go and stay (it is Scottish Youth Hostel Association venue) don’t think twice.
Glasgow Sampler 27 comments
Runes
Straight Ahead
Wing and aPrayer
Bridge over Coloured Water
Trapped Animal
Old within New
Photographer Captured
Armadilio
Walking Away
Still Game
Florence?
Queen St
Waverley
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder
Necropolis
Green Descent
Finneston
Shipbuilding Past
Self
Docks
I am the eye in the Sky
Forget small glasses – Whisky in large Barrels 20 comments
right that’s me sorted for the bells – lang may yer lum reek – see you in 2013
Merry Christmas from Elgin Cathedral the ‘Lantern of the North ‘ 35 comments
The Lantern of the North resplendent in it’s winter coat
Osprey Height’s – Still Game 14 comments
For the the Scot’s amongst you or indeed those who steep themselves in Scottish Culture. This is the scene for Cult Scottish TV comedy about the lives of two OAP’s Jack and Victor and their views on how it used to be in the old days and how bad it is now. For those whom haven’t seen the program you will just have to enjoy this high-rise reflection and long for summer to return.
Ballandalloch Gatehouse 11 comments
Yes this is just the gatehouse – several miles down the road from the Castle – it is located in the heart of Speyside, near to the famed local whisky distilleries of Cragganmore, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich. Surrounded by majestic hills, and with the tumbling waters of the Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds, the setting is truly magnificent.
Gordonstoun Autumnal Walk 17 comments
This is more the kind of drive that you would see in an English Parkland Estate, but the this is the school grounds through which a young Prince Charles would have wandered – the light was dull and flat but the leaves would not be defeated. I had no tripod so placed the camera on my woolly hat – to get the depth of a smaller aperture and used the timer at 1/8 sec.
Gallery of Remembrance (please open an image and reflect) 6 comments
It is my view that our freedom to live our lives in relative peace and have choices and opinions is down to those people who gave the ultimate sacrifice
Inverness Castle by Night 8 comments
Inverness Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal Inbhir Nis) sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness, in Inverness, Scotland. The red sand stone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th century defensive structure. Today, it houses Inverness Sheriff Court. There has been a castle at this site for many centuries. The castle itself is not open to the public but the grounds are.
Bridging the Ness 10 comments
Q – So what do you post after your most successful Photoblog image – bar none!
A – Something completely different – a Church and a Bridge gotta be safe really 
Ghosts of Shipbuilding Past 14 comments
Thought I would share a little Glaswegian abstract – this is the magnificent Riverside museum being used to reflect the cranes of Yarrows Shipyard (BAE Systems) – keep your eyes peeled I have arguably my best ever photograph in the pipeline and I would hate for you to miss it – Have a great weekend!
Moray Showcase (Carousel Gallery) 18 comments
Glenfinnan Revisited (carousel gallery) 7 comments
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- open me for full gallery view
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo 8 comments
One from the Archives
A cool still Dawn 18 comments
At Loch Faskally on the River Tummel heading in to Pitlochry – with the first signs of Autumnal change
Inchdrewer Autumn 4 comments
Inchdrewer is owned by. Count Robin Ian Evelyn Stuart de la Lanne Mirrlees of Inchdrewer, Baron of Inchdrewer and Laird of Bernera Mor (an island in the Outer Hebrides), was aid-de-camp to Peter II, the last King of Yugoslavia, who as a token of his esteem, granted him the title Prince of Incoronata! Although an avowed anti-monarchist, the Count (his mother was a French Countess) has apparently started using his royal.
He has led a ‘dashing life’ and it is said that Ian Fleming modelled the character of James Bond on him! I presume the ‘concrete’ renovation work in Inchdrewer was done at the count’s behest, however he is in his 80s now and spends most of his time on his estate in the Hebrides, which is why Inchdrewer sadly needs some love.
The Pearl of the North 14 comments
Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful and renowned castles in Scotland. Known as the Pearl of the North, it is located in the heart of Speyside, near to the famed local whisky distilleries of Cragganmore, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich. Surrounded by majestic hills, and with the tumbling waters of the Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds, the setting is truly magnificent.
Dark Stalcaire 11 comments
Castle Stalker – in the Gaelic, Stalcaire, meaning Hunter or Falconer – is believed originally to have been the site of a Fortalice (a small fortified building) belonging to the MacDougalls when they were Lords of Lorn, and built around 1320.
I attained my 200th follower today – thanks every one
Halls of Learning 5 comments
The College was founded by Henry VI and Henry Chichele (Archbishop of Canterbury), in 1438. If intelligence can be measured by exams, the All Souls Fellows by examination are the cleverest people in the country. — New Statesman
Climb the stairs touch the Urn 14 comments
Some very subtle light attracted me here – A tilt~shift lens would have been the perfect weapon but hey that’s a 4 figure sum (so you have to make do with the converging verticals)
Duffus Monochrome Magic 26 comments
Duffus Castle, near Elgin, Moray, Scotland, was a motte-and-bailey castle and was in use from c.1140 to 1705.
I could tell some stories 7 comments
not sure this facility is complying with current Health and Safety Regulations
Bow Fiddle Rock 12 comments
Bow Fiddle Rock, a large rock about 50 feet high just off the coast. The quartzite rock has a large sea arch, which somewhat resembles the bow of a fiddle, which has crashed into the Moray Firth.
Caserta Interior 13 comments
The Royal Palace of Caserta is a former royal residence in southern Italy, constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It was the largest palace and one of the largest buildings erected in Europe during the 18th century. In 1997, the Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, described in its nomination as “the swan song of the spectacular art of the Baroque.
Auchindoon Isolation 4 comments
A lonely stronghold
Auchindoun stands gaunt and imperious on the crest of a high bank overlooking the River Fiddich, and beside the old hill road to Strathdon. The stone castle is surrounded by impressive earthworks, but whether these are Iron Age or Dark Age, or even the remains of an earlier medieval castle, is not known.
Inner Darkness 5 comments
The scale of Fort George takes your ‘breath’
Fort George is quite simply the finest example of 18th-century military engineering you’ll find anywhere in the British Isles. This vast garrison fortress was begun in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), which crushed the final Jacobite Rising. It took over 20 years to complete and in the event it was never attacked. It remains virtually unaltered today, and still serves as an important military base.
Rape of Sabine Woman 3 comments
The sculpture by Giambologna (1579–1583) Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence. The Rape is supposed to have occurred in the early history of Rome, shortly after its founding by Romulus and his mostly male followers. Seeking wives in order to found families, the Romans negotiated unsuccessfully with the Sabines, who populated the area. Fearing the emergence of a rival society, the Sabines refused to allow their women to marry the Romans. Consequently, the Romans planned to abduct Sabine women.
Roar 1 comment
Sleepy as a Lion
