The Fate of the Lady Elizabeth

On 4 December 1912, The Lady Elizabeth left Vancouver bound for Delagoa Bay Mozambique, with a shipment of lumber. The ship encountered severe weather halfway through the voyage and was damaged just off Cape Horn. Four crew members were lost overboard, along with the ship’s two boats and part of her deck cargo. She also sustained damage to the deck fittings, wheel, moorings, and other parts of the ship. Captain Hoigh ordered the ship to the nearest port for repairs. The Lady Elizabeth altered course for Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. Fifteen miles outside Port Stanley, the Lady Elizabeth struck Uraine Rock just off Volunteer Point and suffered a six-foot break in the hull and keel along with a foot long hole. The ship began to sink but was able to get to Port Stanley for repairs. After the ship was examined, the Lady Elizabeth was condemned (declared unseaworthy) because of the damage.
In June 1913, she was condemned and converted into a coal hulk. She was sold to Crown Receiver of Wrecks, Falkland Islands for £1,000. The Lady Elizabeth remained stationed there until 17 February 1936 when her mooring lines broke during a storm and she drifted to where she now lies in Whale Bone Cove in Stanley Harbour.

I have my eye on you

I spent most of yesterday afternoon chasing Swallows in the grounds of Huntly Castle. I had several failed attempts under my belt when I peeked through an Arrow Loop (for bowmen to fire with some protection) to spot a resting swallow he was surprised to see me looking back I got off 3 shots 2 were pretty poor but this was pretty good I though next challenge will be to freeze them whilst they are flying – you might have to wait a while for that shot. Swallows are small birds with dark, glossy-blue backs, . They are extremely agile in flight and spend most of their time on the wing. They are widespread breeding birds in the Northern Hemisphere, migrating south in winter.

Eilean Donan Nightscape

Something to tide you over whilst I recover my crashed hard drive – and the lesson is always back up – I did

Elgol 50

Classic Scotland nothing more to say – on sale at Photo4me.com

Sistine Chapel Interior – Rome

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

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

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

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

The castle was rebuilt in the years between 1919 and 1932 by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap.

Kinloss Abbey

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 .

A Haunted Carbisdale Castle Hides amongst the Trees

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

Still Game

Bridge over Coloured Water

Green Descent

Necropolis

Florence?

Queen St

Wing and aPrayer

Shipbuilding Past

Self

Armadilio

Docks

Finneston

Runes

I am the eye in the Sky

Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder

Straight Ahead

Waverley

Walking Away

Old within New

Trapped Animal

Photographer Captured

Forget small glasses – Whisky in large Barrels

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 ‘

The Lantern of the North resplendent in it’s winter coat 

@skm1963 my recent Instagram’s

I use Instagram for some fun and this week with emerging policy amendments – the ‘IG’ community spoke with a firm voice and apparently we were listened to – we shall see

Osprey Height’s – Still Game

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.

Marbled Rust

You will have gathered I am messing around with subtle hues and textures currently. This is a retake of an long lens landscape in Glencoe (linked below). On this occasion as well as the contrast with the dead ferns (rusty colour) I have captured the reflection in the Lochan too – not a brilliant image but interesting 

Please link back to my most successful image ever Glencoe Glory to see where within that image this one derived from – enjoy!

Ballandalloch Gatehouse

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.

Gallery of Remembrance (please open an image and reflect)

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

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.

My most successful Instagram’s and why are you not following me :D

These are small snapshots of my most successful Instagram Images – I thought it might be interesting to share, couple of points to note – it is mainly my landscape work but not exclusively which is popular, wildlife on the whole struggles and people crash n burn – moody coastal scenes work every time but then I understand that. Anyway if you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter just search @skm1963 – I find it fun and relaxing

Bridging the Ness

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

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!

Bridge over Coloured Water

A lovely montage of Glasgow using the Clyde Arc Bridge to Frame the Armadillo and Finneston Crane – this was my first night shoot using a tripod and prolonged exposure – so was a big learning curve but I have learnt lots.

Moray Showcase (Carousel Gallery)

Glenfinnan Revisited (carousel gallery)

open me for full gallery view

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

One from the Archives

Inchdrewer Autumn

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

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

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

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

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

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

not sure this facility is complying with current Health and Safety Regulations

Caserta Interior

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

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.