Here in Radical Park where the unemployed were once employed: semi-circular panels in spandrels still rise up into an arch. Father-to-son, until 1902 ballads foretold that the Celtic Graemes would ‘never … Continue reading grave full of years
It was Sian who suggested a visit to St Mary’s Chapel, Grandtully. Sian had heard about it on the radio. We visited last Thursday. That Joy So Soon Should Waste … Continue reading The austere exterior
1858: “In the Orchard attached to Culfargey Stand a Celebrated Yew tree whose branches are very curiously turned into the form of an Arm Chair in which the Reverend Mr … Continue reading The Culfargie Yew
This is a film about Newmiln House, St Martins, Perthshire. It was where the actor Liam Neeson and fellow cast members stayed during the filming of Rob Roy. This was … Continue reading Paradoxically, has at once too little and too much plot
Mavisbank: Hatton House: Gladney House: Temple of Decision: Gartincaber: Rossie Castle: Auchtavan, Glen Fearder: Barnbarroch House: Meigle steading: Jerah: Straid, Comrie: Bishopfauld, Comrie: Edmonstone Estate, Edinburgh: Amisfield Estate: Kennetpans: The … Continue reading Ruins: by a ‘modern ruin’
In last week’s Stirling Observer I came across this report about the MacNab burial ground on the island of Innis Bhuidhe, Killin: I visited this island in March of this … Continue reading Day of the Dead at Killin
I noted an unnamed but inhabited place marked by a dot on the first Ordinance Survey map of Strathearn. It had a wall round it and tracks to it, but … Continue reading [Writes in his notebook.]
On Sunday 23rd September we explored Strathearn. We were looking for Craigmill cottage, but alas we were to find that it had long since been demolished. In its place is … Continue reading That small space in the whole of time
On Saturday 15th September 2018 we visited Blackcraig Bridgehouse which was free to explore thanks to Doors Open Day Scotland. The Bridgehouse, a real curiosity, has been beautifully restored as … Continue reading ‘His views on aesthetics (not often requested) are surprising’
We came across the ruined farmhouse of Stronhavie, near Moulin, whilst exploring Perthshire on Saturday 15th September 2018. The upper floors have now collapsed but there is still some glass … Continue reading I wonder who will be the last . . .
On Thursday 6th July 2017, on a wet summer morning, I set off to find the deserted village of Pitmiddle, in the Carse of Gowrie, Perthshire. What follows is a … Continue reading Pitmiddle village
This is a film about Lord Lynedoch and his beautiful wife Mary Graham. Credits: Thomas Mann, Hilary mantel (Reith lecture, 2017) and James Ross for “Beyond the Strath”