History Latest Feature Megalithic sites Diarmuid and Grainne: a boar hunt and a tragic love story in Glen Lonan
Carved crosses , History From Arichonan to Kilmory Oib August 20, 2018 Near this ruined village in Knapdale Forest, clear waters run beneath a cross-carved stone...
History Tarbert – the ‘place of portage’ August 12, 2018 900 years ago, Magnus Barefoot saw this quiet harbour as a means to an end...
History Silent voices of Arichonan August 08, 2018 Memories linger around this old abandoned settlement in Knapdale
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Kilmartin church and graveyard July 24, 2018 In March we braved the wet weather to inspect medieval carved stones in Kilmartin Glen...
History Walking to the Field of the Heads July 10, 2018 A secluded bay, a boggy field, and an ancient battle remembered only in a place-name...
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History The old chapel of Kilvaree June 24, 2018 These quiet ruins by Loch Craignish are linked to St Maelrubha of Applecross
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History St Bride’s: a history worth saving June 20, 2018 Plans are afoot to restore this lovely old McKinlay graveyard by the River Teith
Wildlife & Nature Rain June 13, 2018 After weeks of dryness and warmth, the trees can sense a change in the wind
Geology , Photography Celebrating the texture and colour of rocks June 12, 2018 Celebrating the beauty and diversity of our local geology in these photos by Verity Sansom
Wildlife & Nature Fresh leaves in old woodlands May 08, 2018 The woodlands are bursting into leaf, and spring flowers are everywhere. It's hard to stay indoors...
History Looking for the Rock of the Dead April 15, 2018 How much history is held in a place-name? Quite a lot, if this story attached to a rock on …
Wild flowers , Wildlife & Nature Golden saxifrage April 06, 2018 A pretty wayside plant that loves to have its feet in water
History , Scottish castles Carnassarie Castle in Kilmartin Glen April 06, 2018 This imposing ruin was once a fine example of Renaissance architecture - home of the 1st Protestant Bishop of Argyll …
Catkins The winner of Purdey’s PAWS Awards… and introducing Clyde! April 04, 2018 The much-anticipated result may be a shock for some! And I'd like you to meet a new friend...
Latest Feature Welcome to my new website! April 02, 2018 I'm proud to present a new look and a new logo for The Hazel Tree
History A morning in Kilmartin Glen March 17, 2018 A quiet walk around some of my favourite places - Nether Largie and Temple Wood
History , Scottish castles Castle Sween: still watching for the sails June 13, 2013 Dreaming of times gone by, this wonderful 12th-century castle looks out over Loch Sween and the Sound of Jura.
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Saddell Abbey – in the footsteps of Somerled January 08, 2019 History? Gravestones? Mysterious phenomena? Appalling weather? Time to go squelching around another ancient ruin!
British trees , Wildlife & Nature Sycamore: colonist or custodian? October 06, 2017 Often seen as an intruder in old woodlands, the sycamore still deserves a second glance for its beauty - and …
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Kilberry: sculptured stones and an enduring mystery November 17, 2013 You're wandering around the ancient woodlands and rocky shores of Knapdale, lost in the tranquillity of the landscape. What …
History A morning in Kilmartin Glen March 17, 2018 A quiet walk around some of my favourite places - Nether Largie and Temple Wood
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Ardchattan: in the footsteps of St Baodan March 25, 2016 Sometimes the most beautiful churches have the least to say: this is certainly true of Kilmodan, high above Loch …
History , Megalithic sites Nether Largie: secrets in stone October 02, 2013 Neither a circle nor a row, the arrangement of stones at Nether Largie in Argyll is puzzling in the extreme. …
Geology Fossils at Carsaig Bay September 18, 2015 On Mull's south-west coast, if you can drag your eyes away from the glorious scenery, you'll find a wealth of …
History , Scottish castles Carnbane Castle and a banquet for a bard February 16, 2016 On top of a little wooded knoll in Glen Lyon, I felt as if I'd stepped straight into a legend... …
History Little Emily’s Bridge, Wharfedale May 15, 2013 I've never seen a bridge like this before... just what are those upright boulders all about? Stonehenge-in-Wharfedale?
History Looking for the Rock of the Dead April 15, 2018 How much history is held in a place-name? Quite a lot, if this story attached to a rock on …
Photography Museum garden in St Andrews September 02, 2014 A lovely old doorway in St Andrews, enhanced by a stunning display of late summer flowers
Latest Feature Festive greetings… December 21, 2018 Sending you the warmest of wishes on the winter solstice
History , Latest Feature , Megalithic sites A folk tale, a battlefield, and a witch’s leap July 19, 2020 A vivid tale is woven around these standing stones at Carse in Knapdale
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Jedburgh Abbey October 01, 2015 Breathtaking medieval architecture… and a delicious story of a phantom wedding guest
Colin's easel ‘Kingdom of Ice’ – new golden eagle painting November 12, 2013 A new painting of a golden eagle set against the magnificent backdrop of the Scottish highlands...
