Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

View from atop York Minster

This evening, my theme is the ancient English city of York which has  long history dating back at least 2000 years.

In the Roman era (AD43-410) York (orEboracum ) was a very important Roman city, the remains of which are still evident, principally the foundations of the still extant city wall, baths, Multangular Tower, Bootham Bar and supporting column for the Basilica.

After the Romans left the next major development of the city occurred when the Vikings arrived from Scandinavia and developed Yorvik into a major settlement and trading port. Much archaealogy remains from this period to the extent that a major visitor attraction called Yorvik has been established which has proved extremely popular. Yorvik is accessed via small train/gondola which carries visitors round the re-created streets of Viking Yorvik together with the authentic sites and smells of the era.

Arguably, the piece de resistance is the medieval Minster or Cathedral. This is Anglican denomination and the seat of the Archbishop of York who ranks no 2 in the Church of England hierarchy. The Minster is stupendous building which attracts vast numbers of tourists each year.

York is one of my favourite cities and I look forward to visiting again when opportunity permits. continue reading…

Highland Bull

This afternoon, with unusual bright sunny conditions, I went round to Pollock House and Gardens to obtain a few seasonal images.

Pollock House  is a Palladian Mansion which dates from the mid 18th century. It was designed by father and son duo of William and John Adam for the Maxwell family.

Today the house, gardens and park are open to the public which makes for a very pleasant facility for Glaswegians. Unusually, the grounds are also home to a considerable herd of Highland Cattle which usually prove very attractive and photogenic. Today, I was lucky and managed to get a good image of black bull (see above). continue reading…