Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Iona’s timeless haven February 09, 2012 Not more ruins! But look how beautiful… Iona's 13th century nunnery will enchant you with its architecture, its setting …
Catkins PAWS Awards 2012: Purdey’s answer to the Oscars January 26, 2012 With the Golden Globes just behind us and the build-up to the Oscars already under way, I feel it’s time …
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History The love of St Dwynwen January 24, 2012 A beautiful Welsh princess who lived a life of seclusion after suffering a broken heart, St Dwynwen has her own …
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History St Margaret’s Chapel in Edinburgh Castle January 19, 2012 Built in 1130, this peaceful little sanctuary overlooking the city of Edinburgh is a lasting testament to the devotion of …
Colin's easel Painting with a woodcock’s pin-feather January 13, 2012 It’s been a while since I’ve published anything under ‘Colin’s Easel’. This isn’t, as you might imagine, because he’s been …
Photography Images from Machir Bay January 12, 2012 All these images were taken by Colin Woolf, at Machir Bay on Islay. The camera was a Nikon D300, …
Photography The whisky distilleries of Islay January 10, 2012 A scenic tour around the malt whisky distilleries of Islay and Jura. Sorry, tasters not included!
History , Scottish castles Dunyvaig Castle, Isle of Islay January 09, 2012 From a high vantage point, the crumbling remains of this medieval fortress overlook Lagavulin Bay on the south-east coast of …
History , Megalithic sites Callanish: a ring to rule them all January 06, 2012 On a wind-scoured hillside in the west of Lewis, nothing prepares you for the stark magnificence of Callanish...
Catkins Purdey’s New Year workout January 04, 2012 If, like me, you have over-indulged yourself just a little over the festive period – perhaps too many mice pies …
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Kilvickeon: a forgotten sanctuary December 14, 2011 On the Isle of Mull, the ruins of a 13th century church are being reclaimed by a landscape that's half …
History History by the roadside: Wreath’s Tower December 05, 2011 How could you drive past this wonderful old ruin - the remains of a 16th century tower house on the …
Photography Firework display December 04, 2011 Colin Woolf took these firework shots with an ordinary compact camera, set on the normal exposure setting… and by holding …
Wildlife & Nature The memory of trees December 04, 2011 These majestic old Scots Pines stand above Loch Tay, with magnificent views of mountains and heather moor in all directions.
History , Scottish castles Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe December 02, 2011 Built in 1450 by the powerful Campbells of Glen Orchy, Kilchurn Castle sits in splendid decay on a rocky islet …
Wildlife & Nature Snow Bunting December 02, 2011 In winter, flocks of these elusive little birds come down to Scotland from the Arctic.
Poetry A poem for Burns Night January 25, 2014 So many of Scotland's people were torn away from their homeland, and this poem by Rabbie Burns reflects their heartache... …
Uncategorized New fun quiz: Which famous warrior are you? June 12, 2014 This will answer the question you've always been asking yourself: which warrior in history are you most like? …
History Dun Carloway: strong and silent January 10, 2013 On the far north-western shores of the British Isles, this Iron Age broch stands guard over secrets that are lost …
History The Lewis Chessmen September 21, 2016 Over 800 years old and still full of character, these wonderful little pieces in the National Museum of Scotland will …
Reviews Book review: ‘Moonwalker – Adventures of a Midnight Mountaineer’ by Alan Rowan October 20, 2014 Climbing Scotland's highest mountains is a serious challenge for any walker… but would you climb them at night? Alan …
Geology Herkimer diamonds April 11, 2015 Prized for their clarity, these double-pointed crystals have some fascinating bubbles trapped inside!
Catkins Purdey’s how-to video: putting small things under chairs August 07, 2014 Great for rainy days... watch Purdey's video and then try this for yourself!
Geology Amethyst January 26, 2013 Did I ever tell you that I love rocks? How did you guess? I'm taking a closer …
Uncategorized Would you survive as an ancient Pict? May 16, 2013 A new approach this time. Please jot down your answers (there are only 6 questions) and see if you choose …
Photography Windows: Edinburgh Castle January 27, 2017 It’s about time I started another photography theme, and the next one I’ve chosen is ‘Windows’. This one is in …
Catkins Time for Purdey’s PAWS Awards 2015! January 03, 2015 It's finally arrived! The event you've been waiting for all year… this is your chance to vote in Purdey's …
Poetry Midwinter hope December 04, 2013 It’s been a while (six months, in fact!) since I posted my tribute to Edward Thomas’ Adlestrop, and the season …
Carved crosses , History The mystery of the Kilchoan Cross February 27, 2013 On the southern shore of Knoydart, flanked by moorland and mountains, stands an ancient and very enigmatic cross... …
Uncategorized The Belt of Venus July 27, 2011 On a clear evening the Belt of Venus can be seen opposite the sunset, as a band of dusky pink …
