January 23, 2012
Blog ArchivesRediscovering Scotland’s Hidden Grouse Moor Railway Line
Duchal Moor in Scotland’s Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park is home to an abandoned narrow gauge railway known as the Grouse Moor Line, which remains largely intact and concealed by peat and heather.
Vernacular Architecture on Scotland’s Remote Isle of Tiree
The Isle of Tiree in the Scottish Inner Hebrides has remained remarkably true to its roots despite its proximity to mainland UK, with 48 per cent of its population speaking Gaelic and its own unique brand of vernacular architecture.
Exploring Polphail Ghost Village, Scotland
You might think that ghost towns and abandoned villages are more closely associated with the Wild West than the British Isles. But the ghost village of Polphail in Scotland is a rare and fascinating exception.
Rags to Ditches: Mysterious Celtic Clootie Wells
Even in our modern world, an ancient Celtic tradition that transcends paganism and Christianity persists in the British Isles. Characterised by strips of cloth or rags hanging from trees, clootie wells remain places of pilgrimage reputedly bestowed with magical healing properties.
Abandoned Midget Submarines, Aberlady Bay, Scotland
(Image: DD, cc-sa-2.0) In addition to its outstanding natural beauty, Aberlady Bay on the east coast of Scotland is home to the rusting remains of two midget submarines that played a crucial role during World War Two. These XT class vessels were used to train the men who would undertake one of the most risky … Continue Reading
Fair Weather Exploration of Scotland’s Dramatic Landscape
Popular belief says the sun is an infrequent visitor to Scotland, but this series of sun-soaked photos by Shadowgate reminds us why thousands of visitors each year love to spend their time trekking this wild and wonderful landscape.
Scotland’s Outer Hebrides: Ancient Ruins and Crumbling Crofts
Scotland’s Outer Hebrides are a repository of history, mystery and enigma, from ancient man to the tough farming folk of more recent centuries. Norse and Celtic influences abound, while the transition from paganism to Christianity is evident in the stone circles and ruined churches.
Lost Villages and Shipwrecks on Scotland’s Mysterious Islands
For thousands of years, human beings have successfully adapted to their environments and coped with some of the toughest challenges that nature could throw their way. But some places are just so wild that after several millennia, hardy settlers have little choice but to abandon their homes. As such, the lonely islands off the north west coast of Scotland are a swirling mixture of windswept grasslands, craggy sea stacks, shipwrecks and abandoned settlements.