Ardwell Point in the Rhins of Galloway, looking across the North Channel to Ireland. It was across this sea that the Hiberno-Norse Gall-Ghaedheil came to Galloway, over 1000 years ago.
They say there is a lost stone circle on Lawrence Field, or it could just be a fortuitous arrangement of natural boulders. Either way, once the mist rises from the moorland, it is a place where few are willing to linger long.
Cairnholy II chambered tomb, said to be both the grave of King Galdus and of the Bishop of Whithorn, killed in a nearby battle. Galdus has another grave at Torhouse Stone Circle!
Happy Beltane.
This weekend, the Wicker Man returns to Galloway, with the restored version of the film at Newton Stewart cinema today and a recreation of the burning at Burrowhead tomorrow.
This photo shows the holes left behind by the original Wicker Man.
Neolithic cup and ring rock art at the prehistoric compound of Gardom's Edge. You'll get a surprise if you tap the rock, as it's a very convincing fibreglass replica.
A magical evening at Front Bay, Monreith. The gable end of the ancient Kirkmaiden church can be seen on the heughs at the end of the beach, back a way from St Medana's Well.
The Bruce's Stone, where he is said to have rested after seeing off the English Army at the Battle of Raploch Moss in 1307, during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Built near Kirkcudbright, towards the end of the 16th C by the Lennoxes. Plunton Castle lies nicely hidden away from the road. It later passed through marriage to the Murrays of Broughton in the 17th C and abandoned during the 18th C.
@McConren The odd and magical seems common occurances thete and you were lucky to have it to yourself. I've visited a lot of ancient sites and Calanais is very special.
@Alternatecelt Really interesting. Robert was also a descendant of Fergus of Galloway, by way of Duncan, son of Gilbert (Lord of Western Galloway), who was made Mormaer of Carrick by WIlliam the Lion on the death of Gilbert. The bloodlines of these aristocratic families of the time became very convoluted through inter-marriage!
@Alternatecelt Alan, Lord of Galloway had a brother, son and illegitimate son all called Thomas. Also, the Wentworth family in Yorkshire were all WIlliams and Thomases!
@Alternatecelt The Stewart Earls of Galloway were mostly James and Alexanders. Then there was Keith Stewart, who rebuilt Glasserton House and sounds ever so like someone I may have been at school with!
