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Visit Scottish Borders, Visit Scotland

March 23, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Kelso Abbey, Scottish Borders, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on the Scottish Borders, a term which broadly covers the area southf Edinburgh down to the border with England, just north of Hadrian’s Wall. This area encompasses castles, ruined medieval abbeys, tartan and textile manufacture, Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford and the Border Reivers Trail. The countryside is gentle, pleasant with rolling hills and salmon rivers such as the Tweed.

Above is Kelso Abbey situated in the pretty town of Kelso. The abbey’s remains are a consequence of destruction by the English in 1545.

Here is Melrose Abbey which was founded in the 12th century by King David I. Location was unfortunate in that it lay on the direct route of invading armies from England in medieval times and suffered repeated damage right through to the Reformation of 1560. The adjacent town of Melrose is also of interest and includes Priorwood Gardens which is dedicated to the production of dried flowers.

Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Not too far from Melrose is another of the great medieval abbeys, namely Jedburgh. This was also founded in the 12th century and suffered a similar fate to Melrose in being unfortunately situated on the path of invading armies and suffered much damage as a result.In the town can be found the Castle Jail and Museum plus Mary Queen of Scots House. A worthwhile stop on a Borders tour.

Jedburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders, Scotland

This is Hermitage Castle which stands out for its sheer size, harshness and brutality, a pure military structure with no allowance for romance. The present structure dates from the 14th century and is substantially intact.

Hermitage Castle, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Here is a representation of Lang Sandy at Rowanburn who was a key character in the long-running Border Reivers era of the 14th-17th centuries when parts of the Border region were lawless. Today, there is a Border Reivers Trail which makes an interesting tour in its own right.

Lang Sandy, Rowanburn, Scottish Borders

The Borders region has a long tradition of producing textiles and fabrics. Here is the shop at Lochcarron which still manufactures on site at Selkirk and is very strong on production of tartan and associated garments.

Lochcarron Tartan manufacturer, Selkirk, Scotland

Close to Kelso is Floors Castle. This is home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and dates from 1721. This visitor attraction includes gardens and grounds.

Floors Castle, Kelso, Scottish Borders

Clearly, a rich and interesting diversity of sites to explore in the Scottish Borders region.

Buildings, Castles, Churches, Clothing, Culture, History, Houses & Estates, Kiltmaker, Locations, Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders, Tours none

Visit Greenbank House, Visit Glasgow

March 16, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Greenbank House, Clarkston, Glasgow

This evening, I am focusing on Greenbank House, a heritage property located to the south of Glasgow and best known for its garden which remains very close to its original 18th century style and shape. Although the house is not open to the public on a regular basis the garden is and the surrounding area is popular with dog walkers. A brief history of the house is as follows:

Dates from around 1771 when built on behalf of local merchant, Robert Allason but architect unknown. It is believed that Allason’s wealth was acquired through thee expansion of trade, including tobacco dealing, which drove prosperity in and around Glasgow up until the time of the American Revolution.
A classic Georgian country house with a walled garden stretching to the south.
Allason died 1785 having sold Greenbank as a function of the downturn in trade due to American Independence.
Greenbank House subsequently underwent various changes of ownership as fortunes of the owners ebbed and flowed.
Then acquired by local man (from East Kilbride), John Hamilton who became the first of four generations of Hamiltons to own the property.
Greenbank was acquired by W.P. Blyth from Busby in 1962 who incepted the ornamental garden.
In 1977 Greenbank was transferred to the National trust for Scotland on condition it should serve as a garden advice centre, an objective which has been faithfully adhered to. The garden contains 4000 named cultivars and holds major collections of bergenias and narcissus.

The images shown cover the house at different seasons. Here is a video clip of the front elevation. A fascinating site for students of architecture and/or horticulture.

Greenbank House, Clarkston, Glasgow

Buildings, Flowers, Glasgow, Glasgow Architecture, Greenbank Gardens, Houses & Estates, Locations, Nature, Parks & Gardens, Tours none

Visit Buckingham Palace, Visit London

March 2, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace, London

This evening, I am focusing on Buckingham Palace, the principal residence of the British Monarchy and a major tourist attraction. Here are some key facts:

Originally built 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham.
Acquired by King George III in 1761.
Enlarged in 19th century by architects John Nash and Edward Blore.
Became an official Royal residence on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.
Queen’s Gallery was built and opened in 1962.
Located at opposite end of the Mall from Admiralty Arch and close to a triumvirate of parks: Green Park, Hyde Park and St James’s Park.
Open to the public during August and September each year.
The famous Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11.30am every day in summer and on alternate days during winter.

: Buckingham Palace, London, England

: Buckingham Palace, London, England

A visit to the Palace and/or Changing of the Guard is almost mandatory in course of a tour of London.

Buildings, England, Houses & Estates, Locations, Parks & Gardens, Tours none

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