Last Autumn I was part of a group walk in Tweedbank, Scottish Borders. Destination: Leaderfoot Viaduct.
So here I am writing about it a few months later.
Even without the viaduct, the surrounding countryside alone was worth the walk.
We could not have had a better Fall day.
It very much reminded me of my Canadian walks in Caledon. The colours were similar. It was just missing the vibrant reds. However, the landscape was very much Scottish. Breath-taking.
It was exciting to see the bridge in the distance. It was like a build up in a film.
There standing over the River Tweed, the Leaderfoot Viaduct, also known as the Drygrange Viaduct, is a railway viaduct. The viaduct was opened in 1863 connecting the villages in the Scottish Borders.
It is wonderful that it is kept preserved for all to enjoy.
Yesterday’s walk included the ruins of Roslin Castle. There is a bit of climb before you can see the remaining walls but certainly worth the exploration.
The castle is located just outside the village of Roslin, 9 miles south of Edinburgh. Apparently, there has been a castle on this site since the 14th century.
I had to use my imagination as to what it might have been due to only fragments of the walls remaining today. There is no doubt that it commanded a striking presence.
How lovely to explore the castle as part of this walk.
This post is long overdue. Earlier, back in January, I wrote about Haddington’s lovely, colourful storefronts but did not share the fact that the rest of the town is just as pretty. So, this is well overdue! I took a lot of photos. It is time to share them.
Walking along the River Tyne in Haddington
As Haddington is on the water, this was my immediate destination. The River Tyne. Do you like reflections? I do. The reflections were hypnotic and uncannily soothing. I find they immediately slow you down to take note. Well, for me at least and I need it! It was a glorious day.
The Waterside Bistro
I passed by what seems like one of the local’s popular pubs, The Waterside Bistro. Lovely.
Opposite the Bistro was St Mary’s Parish. What a lovely town!
Even with its Winter undress, the town was picturesque. I’m going to have to return later in Spring/Summer to see how it outshines its Winter offering.
The Old Bridge, Haddington
A stroll around the town centre was like being wrapped in a rainbow. It is so colourful.
Town Centre, Haddington.
I remember being quite taken by this complex at Dickson Close with its bold yellow walls. I wish I knew the history. I am definitely going to do a return trip to do a little digging. This visit was one of those “hop on a bus and see where it takes me fling!” LOL!
Well, Haddington was definitely worth the bus ride!
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.
It is Thursday! You know what that means. It is time for a throwback! So as I sipped my coffee, I scanned through my archives of photos I’ve taken.
Walking towards Abbotsford
Abbotsford House! Yes, the home of Sir Walter Scott. I love that place.
Various views of the outside of the house
These photos were taken September 2020. We were allowed to roam the garden but not the house.
The grounds were delightful and even with all the restrictions, the gardens were lovely.
The gardens
Abbotsford House is located in the Scottish Borders, near Galashiels, on the south bank of the River Tweed. It was built as the residence of Sir Walter Scott between 1817 and 1825.
It is time for a return visit! Especially now that so much more is open. I would love to see the inside. I am adding it to my list. Stay tuned.
I have walked Edinburgh’s Leith Street countless times! Crossed Calton Road just as many! As a result, I always see this bridge -The Regent Bridge. Such architecture!
View of Regent Bridge from Leith StreetRegent Bridge at night
Regent Bridge is a road bridge that connects Calton Hill with Princes street. The structure has amazing architectural detail that seamlessly connects the buildings on either side.
South view from the Bridge on Wellington Place
The bridge was built between 1814 and 1819 during the modernisation of the medieval city to the north and west of the hill. Apparently Calton road below the bridge was once a ravine with small alleys. They were removed during the construction of the bridge.
Road Bridge East to Calton hill and Regent Road Road Bridge West to Princes StreetView of Waverley from Regent BridgeView of Picardy from Regent BridgeCloser views of the BridgeNorth view from Regent Bridge
Today most take the structure for granted only stopping at the location to catch a bus. However, when you do look up, it is truly quite remarkable.
Walking from the bridge to Calton Hill
So next time you are walking to Calton Hill, remember to look up.
