Category Archives: Edinburgh

Panoramic views from Blackford Hill in Edinburgh

I just realised that I did not post my little adventure to Blackford Hill in Edinburgh which I did at the end of March.

It had been a while since I visited and I knew that I always enjoy the views from there. So I walked via Morningside and the Grange to Blackford.

It is a gentle climb up the hill and as well as seeing the lovely architecture of the Royal Observatory, it rewards you with amazing views of the city.

360 view of the city at the top of Blackford Hill

The 360 views are spectacular. I attempted to take the attached video but it truly does not do it justice.

I probably should do another visit now that Spring is finally here and the trees are respectable ie dressed with leaves! 😀

Cherry Blossoms at the Meadows in Edinburgh

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It has been a while since my last post. Life has a way of catching up with you and in my case I had to put my focus elsewhere for a while. Now that I have returned a little recharging is required.

So I took a quick walk to see the cherry blossoms at the Meadows in Edinburgh.

They never disappoint. They always put on a good show.

Even the familiar distance views looked better with a splash of colour.

It was a short visit this time but worthy of the trip.

Stockbridge Market Arch

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As I have to travel out of the country, my posts this month will be about scanning my library of Scottish photos to share with you.

Every time I pass this arch I stop to look and wonder what it would have been like to have a market in this spot. The inscription reads:

Stockbridge Market
Butcher Meats, Fruit, Fish and Poultry

I would imagine it would have been really busy and an odour to reflect its goods.. The old arch is located at St Stephen Place in Stockbridge Edinburgh. The market has long gone. It was active from 1825 to 1906.

The arch is a lovely reminder of the past

Walking the Shoreline from Dalmeny to South Queensferry

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As I completed the River Almond walkway, I noticed the Dalmeny Estate walk.

It had been a long time since I did that walk and as a result, it was time to revisit that trail. I decided to do the longer option to take in the shoreline of the Forth Estuary.

And just like that my walk started again. I headed along the River Almond to the shore of the Forth but this time the walk was on the opposite side to Cramond.

When I reached the shore I took the time to look at Cramond. It was interesting seeing it from this viewpoint. I smiled when I saw the ice cream van which may as well be a permanent fixture on Cramond harbour.

Walking along the beach on the shores of the Forth.

My walk continued along the waterfront and beach. Truly spectacular views. I know I have said this many times before but amazingly, there are such varied and beautiful landscapes that exist within the city.

I continued through the woods where the forest floor was covered with carpets of wild garlic. I really did not realise how abundant this plant is here. The woods led to what looked like wetlands. Mother Nature is a master at her craft because the scene was nothing short of perfection. Breathtaking. What other word can I use but beautiful? Nope, beautiful is the perfect word to describe it. A fitting stop for lunch.

Why did I take so long to do this walk? It is so varied and a feast for the eyes.

As I continued the walk, there was a lovely panoramic view of the Barnbougle castle.

The walk along the shore led to Dalmeny House. Very picturesque. I had not realised how close these two buildings [Dalmeny House and Barnbougle Castle] were to each other. What a treat.

I have since learned that Dalmeny house is part of the Rosebery Estates. Dalmeny House & Estate has been home to the Earls of Rosebery since 1662. The current house is the home to The 7th Earl and Countess of Rosebery. Although it is a family home, the house is open to the public for viewings. I would love to do that someday.

Barnbougle Castle is a private castle. However, I could see it through the trees. I have since learned that:

“the castle is on the site of a medieval tower house built by the Mowbray family which was destroyed and then rebuilt in the 19th century. At Barnbougle the fifth Earl of Rosebery (Prime Minister) practised his speeches in a gallery hall built for the purpose”

This explains the proximity of the two buildings. The grounds of both properties are delightful.

My walk continued through the woods. It seemed more manicured than I remembered. It was clear that work had been done. It looked great and it made for an easier walk.

I came across a curious visitor and clearly no stranger to a camera! So cute. I had interrupted his play but I don’t think he minded. Lol!

My walk continued through a significant stretch of woodlands then just like that I could see the outline of the Forth Bridge.

It is such an iconic bridge and on this occasion marking my entry into South Queensferry.

What a great walk!

The World’s First Deaf School Hidden in Edinburgh

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I have walked this path more times than I can count. A shortcut from Holyrood Park to St. Leonards.

However, on this occasion, it was different. I saw a grey circle in the wall. A plaque. I now realised that this wall was once part of a building.

So needless to say, I stopped for closer inspection.

The plaque had the following inscription :

Here stood
Braidwood’s Academy
for the Deaf and Dumb.
The world’s first regularly
organised school for the deaf.
1760-1783.
Founded by
Thomas Braidwood
1715-1806

Oh my! The world’s first deaf school! I have since learned that Braidwood succeeded in developing teaching methods for deaf children [HeritageGateway]. His approach was to use natural gestures rather than the oralism used elsewhere in Europe. The Braidwoods represented deaf education for nearly half a century, however the school in Edinburgh closed and Braidwood then moved to London and established The Braidwood Academy for the Deaf and Dumb in Hackney.

I was so glad that I noticed it and yet sad that the area had become so overgrown and not well maintained.

I slowly walked the perimeter to follow what I now understood must be the wall of the original school.

I eventually came across the sign: Braidwood Gate. I had seen this sign many times but was unaware of its significance. Now I do. I imagine that this may have been the school’s entrance.

I continued to follow the wall. I did see a Yucca plant! It seemed out of place but then I remembered an old Canadian saying:

When you see a Lilac bush that seem to be out of place [in the middle of nowhere],
it is often a sign of where a family once stood.
Anonymous

With that in mind, it seems fitting to have this plant here. It may not be a Lilac bush, but it is warming to think of it as representing children that once stood here.

As I continued my walk I saw another sign. Perhaps this may have been an exit.

I am really glad I took the time to digest what is left of the school but sad that the ruin was not better maintained like abbeys and castles. However, I do carry some satisfaction in spreading the word about this important historic landmark that sits hidden behind Arthur’s seat. Thank you Thomas Braidwood, you are certainly a historic Scottish Pearl.

Whacky Weather in the Scottish Capital

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Is that a word? Whacky? Well I’m not being reprimanded by my spellcheck so it is! And it is appropriate. We’ve had all four seasons in a given day and at times within the same hour. I kid you not.

The other day, we had sunshine followed by hail, back to sunshine then rain. It is no wonder that my container garden is confused!

So not only is Mother Nature developing multiple personalities, we all are! Putting on layers then taking off layers, hats on hats off. Yesterday was a day of continuous physical rewind! 😂

We are a city where you can see palm trees (yes! Indeed!) while tending to your snowdrops and crocuses, knowing it can snow any minute 👀.

I have to chuckle, it is also a place where you will see people in winter jackets and shorts! I finally understand which is scary.

Predictable, we are not.

Love it!

The Scottish Pearl

Storytelling with Photography. A discovery journey of Scottish Pearls, Scotland's amazing culture and locations.

Category Archives: Edinburgh

Panoramic views from Blackford Hill in Edinburgh

Cherry Blossoms at the Meadows in Edinburgh

Stockbridge Market Arch

Walking the Shoreline from Dalmeny to South Queensferry

The World’s First Deaf School Hidden in Edinburgh

Whacky Weather in the Scottish Capital