"Scottish Snippets"

"Colour Supplement"

27 January, 2007

Each week the Rampant Scotland Newsletter includes a number of photographs which illustrate the weather and the seasons, plus the flora and fauna of the current week around Scotland. There are often so many such graphics of Scottish subjects worth including that this separate "colour supplement" is created where some of the best pictures can be displayed in a larger format. Here is this week's crop of Scottish views!


Edinburgh is indeed fortunate to have Holyrood Park overlooking the centre of the Capital. It has been a Royal Park probably since the 12th century and is still technically owned by the monarch - but the hills and pathways are now very much a public park. It covers 650 acres with natural rock formations such as Arthurs Seat and Salisbury Crags visible for miles around. It was the father of modern geology, James Hutton, who first demonstrated that the rocks had been molten magma which had been thrust up to form the igneous sill.




Edinburgh University's student accommodation at Pollok Halls were originally housed in St Leonard's Hall, seen here. Built in 1869, the Scottish baronial style mansion is now used as an administration centre for what is now a large number of student residential buildings.


The latest of the student halls of residence in the complex is Chancellor's Court, which was built in 2003, designed by Oberlanders Architects, an Edinburgh-based company. It provides accommodation for 526 students during term time and is used for commercial activity during the vacation period. You can just see the hills of nearby Holyrood Park and Salisbury Crags on the left of the picture.


The bold Italianate style Royal Observatory at Blackford Hill, two miles south of Edinburgh city centre, was built in 1892. It is still at the forefront of astronomical research, though these days the telescopes are more likely to be remotely controlled in the Canary Island or Chile, with on-line connections with Edinburgh. The surrounding area of Blackford Hill is now a nature reserve and also offers splendid views across the city.


Prestonfield House, nestled against the backdrop of Holyrood park and Arthur's Seat, was built in 1687 on the remains of a villa burnt down in 1681 during an ant-Catholic riot. It has delightful Dutch gables and balustrades. Internally, many of the original painted leather, tapestry and panelled walls remain. It is now an up-market hotel, with an adjoining golf course.


There is always something appealing about Highland cattle. Perhaps it is their long hair (to protect them from the harsh Scottish winters) or their slow and stately movements - I've never yet seen a Highland cow break into a trot, far less a run! This one was steadily munching some hay in a field beside Prestonfield House. Unlike many other animals, there is never any problem getting Highland cattle to pose for photograph...

If you want to look back at earlier editions of this Colour Supplement, there is an Index Page





Where else would you like to go in Scotland?








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