Abbey Trails

Star Trail image of the famous Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey near Dumfries. This was taken on the only clear night we've had in this arae for a long time.

Lake Vyrnwy Tower

This late 1880s straining tower located on Lake Vyrnwy represents Gothic revival architecture. Total height of the tower is 63 metres, of which 15 are underwater. The tower strains water in the dammed Lake Vyrnwy prior to if flowing along the aqueduct to Liverpool

Golden Bamburgh

Bamburgh Castle on the northumbria coast taken in the morning golden hour, with rich, warm colours both in the building itself and the surrounding land. Bamburgh Castle has had many incarnations throughout the centuries. The current structure by the famed first Lord Armstrong is relatively recent, being built in late Victorian times at huge cost.

Caerlaverock castle

For 400 years his imposing 13th century moated fortress lying on the Solway coast played a pivotal role in the defence of Scotland. The buidling is unique in Britain, being triangular in form, it's not known why this design was used but the traingular form does suggest strength. The north tower facing into Scotland is particularly impressive with it's twin towered gatehouse behind which the Maxwells had their private suite of rooms.

Caerlaverock ruins

A view of the south side of the 13th century Caerlaverock castle, the epitome of the medieval stronghold, strategically located on the Solway coast to act as a defensive fortress and protect the realm.

Brothers

Two stones standing together watching over the Ring of Brodgar, Stenness, Orkney. The early morning sun bright against the outside of the stones, whilst they cast a lovely long shadow into the ring

Morton Castle

These are the ruins of Morton Castle, near Thornhill. It's a late 13th century hall/house which was once a stronghold of the Douglases. For this shot a filter was used to allow a longer exposure giving the motion of the clouds

Sweetheart Abbey Nave

A view looking downthe 6 bay nave on the west side of Sweetheart abbey, located in New Abbey approximately 8 miles from Dumfries. In the foreground of the image is the central crossing of the building above which there would have been a huge bell tower.

Sweetheart Abbey

Sweetheart Abbey lying in the picturesque village of New Abbey, about 8 miles from Dumfries was founded in 1273 by Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway in memory of her husband John Balliol. On her death, she was laid to rest next to her husband’s embalmed heart and the monks named their abbey in memory of her. It's a stunning Abbey in the form of a cross, you can only imagine how impressive it would have been in the 1300s. The abbey did not fare well through the wars of independance with England and was restored afterwards through funding from Archibald ‘the Grim’, Lord of Galloway and 3rd Earl of Black Douglas

Balantrodach

Balantrodach on the South Esk, Midlothian, now known as Temple village is home to this old Kirk, which dates back to the OrderTemplars who were granted the grounds at Balantrodach by David I. After the supression of the Order in 1312, the new Order of St. John and the Temple had its principal seat at Torpichen.

Hermitage Castle

Hermitage castle near Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders caught, in the late afternoon sunlight, a really imposing castle dating back to the 1300s. It has a notorious reputation and Robin Redcap is said to haunt the grounds

Eerie Hermitage

The imposing ruin of Hermitage Castle is really evident in Black & White as it creates a mood suited to this notorious Border stonghold which dates back to the 1300s. Legend has it the Hermitage Lord, William De Soulis, was boiled in lead by the locals for undertaking black magic rituals

Morton Castle Startrail

Startrail image with Morton Castle in the foreground. Taken in the winter, this is a merge of over 120 30 second images, in one of which I illuminated the castle ruins with a torch

Sun over Brodgar

Sun rising over the world famous stoneage site the Ring of Brodgar, Stenness, Orkney. Long shadows from the standing stones created by the low sun give a real depth to the image