The recreated crannog on Loch Tay, at the amazing Scottish Crannog Centre near Kenmore in Perthshire. It has since been sadly destroyed but has been replaced nearby. This is a type of dwelling that 2,500 years ago would have been a common sight across Scotland and Ireland. More pics and info: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kenmore/crannogcentre/index.html
Some of the ramparts of Ardoch Roman Fort, near the village of Braco in Perthshire. With as manay as six distinct lines of ditches and ramparts, it is amongst the most impressive fort remains to be found anywhere in the Roman Empire. More pics and info: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/braco/ardochromanfort/index.html
I usually find this kind of view of the aurora a bit spooky - like staring down the Predator's gaping maw.
So, seeing as last night was the first time I ever saw the corona myself, I had to replicate the effect. :)
The imposing Castle Menzies near Aberfeldy in Perthshire. The castle had a complex history, both before and after it was built in the 1500s. For centuries it served as the stronghold of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies. More pics and info: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/aberfeldy/castlemenzies/index.html
Wander up Kinnoull Hill in Perth today. I don't think I've been up here before, but it had really good paths and was pretty quiet so reckon we'll be back.
966 years ago today. Malcolm Canmore was crowned King Malcolm III of Scotland at Scone - on the Stone of Scone - on 25 April 1058. He was the first king of the House of Dunkeld that would go on to rule Scotland for the next 232 years. More pics and info: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/monarchs/malcolmiii.html
291 years ago today. Construction of the Tay Bridge, or General Wade's Bridge, over the River Tay at Aberfeldy in Perthshire began on 23 April 1733. It was formally opened in August 1735 and continues to carry traffic today. More pics and info: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/aberfeldy/bridge/index.html
Comprising the stone ruins of at least 22 rectangular buildings and a corn-drying kiln with associated stone-walled enclosures and fields, Craignavar was deserted in around 1820. It's unknown whether it was part of the forced Highland Clearances or just a voluntary departure due to economic reasons.
A distant view from the south-west of the superb Blair Castle in Blair Atholl, Perthshire. The castle is the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and holds an important place in Scotland's history. More pics and info: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/blairatholl/blaircastle/index.html
Always like stopping at Hamish Henderson's childhood home in Glenshee, which backs right onto the kirkyard.
Henderson was a major organiser of the Scottish Folk Revival in the 1950s-70s. Some of his interest in folk culture came from his upbringing here and around
Blairgowrie, where he heard his mother
and their neighbours singing traditional songs.
New Year's Eve 2023-24 had some impressively thick mist in parts, so I strolled down through local woods and found one of my favourite contorted characterful trees.
Stanley Mills, built to harness the tremendous power of the River Tay to process cotton on a site north of Perth in the late 1700s. Part of the complex is a fascinating visitor centre telling the story of the mills. More pics and info: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/stanley/stanleymills/index.html