History Latest Feature Megalithic sites Diarmuid and Grainne: a boar hunt and a tragic love story in Glen Lonan
Catkins Purdey’s Hallowe’en Fright Night October 14, 2011 Purdey (who is relaxing after her supper) has asked me to publish this photo in time for Hallowe’en. Be warned …
History , Scottish castles Linlithgow Palace October 14, 2011 Birthplace of Scotland's monarchs, this imposing shell of a palace holds some joyful and tragic memories.
Wildlife & Nature Loch Leven – wildfowl spectacular October 14, 2011 Loch Leven is Scotland's biggest lowland loch, and every autumn it's the setting for one of nature's most wonderful sights …
Catkins Purdey’s tip for toasty toes October 06, 2011 As the prospect of icy weather draws ever closer, many of my readers are asking how to keep their paws …
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Kirkstall Abbey – ancient heart of Leeds October 02, 2011 These ruins of a 12th century Cistercian monastery, founded in a Yorkshire river valley 'remote from the habitation of men', …
History Easdale island: a story carved in slate September 20, 2011 This tiny island once helped to 'roof the world' with its quarried slate; now it's a unique blend of …
Colin's easel New: Black Grouse studies September 20, 2011 Two lovely small studies in watercolour and pencil, just released!
Reviews Not a film review: Spartacus September 17, 2011 Let me be absolutely clear: this is not a film review. There can’t be many people less suited to be …
History Shifting sands and phantom bells September 17, 2011 Wild flowers and rolling waves greet visitors to Harlech beach in North Wales; while far out to sea, the …
Wildlife & Nature The Bee Orchid September 16, 2011 Looking like an exotic bloom from a fairytale, the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) does a brilliant job of mimicking a bumble bee. …
Uncategorized Sundogs September 11, 2011 Strictly speaking, sundogs are a daytime phenomenon, appearing while the sun is above the horizon.
Geology Britain’s oldest rocks September 11, 2011 Lewisian gneiss is the oldest type of rock found in Britain, but there's plenty of it, especially in the Western …
Catkins Effective office management September 01, 2011 Running a business at home is no easy task: good office management skills are essential for efficiency and productivity. Advances …
History , Scottish castles Duart Castle, Isle of Mull September 01, 2011 I take a look at Duart Castle, an ancient Maclean stronghold overlooking the Sound of Mull.
History In a nutshell: ‘The Curse of Scotland’ March 15, 2014 Glen Coe is one of the most hauntingly beautiful glens in Scotland. What does it have to do with …
Wildlife & Nature Bird’s foot trefoil August 02, 2014 Affectionately called 'hen and chickens' or 'bacon and eggs', the flowers of bird's foot trefoil light up sand dunes, …
Catkins ‘The Lion in Winter’ January 19, 2013 While you’re all debating which movie should receive the prestigious PAWS award for Best Actor, here are a couple of trailers …
History Culloden: field of sorrow January 23, 2017 Remembering a fateful day in Scotland's history, this is one of the most evocative places I've ever been
Poetry A Christmas poem December 19, 2014 One of my all-time favourites, which captures the true spirit of Christmas...
History Looking at crannogs April 21, 2014 Those tiny little islands that dot so many Scottish lochs hold more history than you might imagine!
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Wenlock Priory: hauntingly beautiful July 30, 2012 Serene, fascinating, spectacular, steeped in history - Wenlock Priory has it all. Can I live there?
Colin's easel ‘Storm over Loch Indaal’ – now finished February 25, 2013 Colin has just completed this lovely painting of wildfowl on the shores of Loch Indaal on Islay.
Photography Random rocks: Skipness February 22, 2015 The second in my photo-series on rocks! Some spectacular formations can be found at Skipness in Kintyre...
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!
