History Latest Feature Megalithic sites Diarmuid and Grainne: a boar hunt and a tragic love story in Glen Lonan
Wildlife & Nature Rain June 13, 2018 3932 Views 14 Comments 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 3295 Views 16 Comments 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 6632 Views 11 Comments 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 4649 Views 25 Comments 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 3684 Views 12 Comments A pretty wayside plant that loves to have its feet in water
History , Scottish castles Carnassarie Castle in Kilmartin Glen April 06, 2018 5222 Views 16 Comments 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 3184 Views 14 Comments 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 4003 Views 30 Comments 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 4007 Views 26 Comments A quiet walk around some of my favourite places - Nether Largie and Temple Wood
History Caisteal nan Coin Duibh – ‘the Castle of the Black Dogs’ February 11, 2018 3352 Views 11 Comments With sweeping views across the sea from the Craignish peninsula, this hill fort seems to be half-immersed in legend
Wildlife & Nature Trespassing February 06, 2018 3337 Views 21 Comments Renewing my love of hazels, and the spells that they weave...
Catkins Purdey’s PAWS Awards 2018 February 01, 2018 2826 Views 6 Comments It's that time of year again! Polish your whiskers and get ready to cast your votes in Purdey's PAWS …
Latest Feature The Hazel Tree – now on the west coast! January 31, 2018 4818 Views 48 Comments A new home for us, and for The Hazel Tree, on the coast of Argyll
Poetry ‘Song of the trees’ December 14, 2017 2884 Views 24 Comments An evocative and heartwarming poem by Joy Mead
British trees , Wildlife & Nature Sycamore: colonist or custodian? October 06, 2017 3697 Views 27 Comments Often seen as an intruder in old woodlands, the sycamore still deserves a second glance for its beauty - and …
Wildlife & Nature 12 Trees in Autumn October 01, 2017 2956 Views 18 Comments Celebrating the variety of seasonal colour in our best-loved deciduous trees
History A morning in Kilmartin Glen March 17, 2018 4007 Views 26 Comments 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 2037 Views 26 Comments 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 3739 Views 26 Comments 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 2916 Views 26 Comments 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 Castle Sween: still watching for the sails June 13, 2013 2808 Views 26 Comments Dreaming of times gone by, this wonderful 12th-century castle looks out over Loch Sween and the Sound of Jura.
Photography Museum garden in St Andrews September 02, 2014 1005 Views 25 Comments A lovely old doorway in St Andrews, enhanced by a stunning display of late summer flowers
Latest Feature Festive greetings… December 21, 2018 3169 Views 25 Comments Sending you the warmest of wishes on the winter solstice
History , Scottish castles Carnbane Castle and a banquet for a bard February 16, 2016 2030 Views 25 Comments 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 1506 Views 25 Comments I've never seen a bridge like this before... just what are those upright boulders all about? Stonehenge-in-Wharfedale?
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Kilberry: sculptured stones and an enduring mystery November 17, 2013 2944 Views 25 Comments You're wandering around the ancient woodlands and rocky shores of Knapdale, lost in the tranquillity of the landscape. What …
History Looking for the Rock of the Dead April 15, 2018 4649 Views 25 Comments How much history is held in a place-name? Quite a lot, if this story attached to a rock on …
Poetry ‘Song of the trees’ December 14, 2017 2884 Views 24 Comments An evocative and heartwarming poem by Joy Mead
History , Megalithic sites Callanish: a ring to rule them all January 06, 2012 3314 Views 24 Comments On a wind-scoured hillside in the west of Lewis, nothing prepares you for the stark magnificence of Callanish...
Wildlife & Nature A festival of fungi November 02, 2013 1288 Views 24 Comments Encouraged by the damp autumn, these weird and wonderful fungi are having a ball in the woodlands at the moment! …
Churches, abbeys and chapels , History Jedburgh Abbey October 01, 2015 2481 Views 24 Comments 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 1309 Views 24 Comments A new painting of a golden eagle set against the magnificent backdrop of the Scottish highlands...
