Tag Archives: Architecture

A Short Visit to St Andrews

Leave a reply

A little while ago I took a short trip to St Andrews. I was in need of a small adventure.

St Andrew’s’ Coat of Arms

Everywhere I went the St Andrews coat of arms seemed to guide my path. So I clearly had to stop and take note. However, the reality was I knew I was heading straight for the cathedral.

Deans Court

As I walked by Deans Court I realised that the cathedral was closed for some needed repair and maintenance

St Andrews Cathedral

So I walked towards the castle which was also closed for repairs. I clearly was out of luck! I had to admire both sites from their perimeter and along the coast.

The castle walls and coast

As always, I found a seat with a view!

Seat with a view
View of Cathedral from the castle

The leisurely walk along the coast took me through the harbour and the old town.

It was a short visit but a visit that still made the trip worthwhile.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Inverness Townhall

Leave a reply

One of my favourite buildings in Inverness is its townhall.

The Inverness Townhall is located on the high street close to the River Ness.

Front Entrance of Iverness Townhall

It was designed by William Lawrie in the Gothic style, built with ashlar stone and was officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on 19 January 1882. The design was modelled on The McManus, an art gallery and museum in Dundee which had been designed by George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1867.

Side view of Inverness Townhall

This building is definitely a Scottish Pearl!

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Stockbridge Market Arch

Leave a reply

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

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Windows on Princes Street in Edinburgh

2 Replies

I had a day of looking up as I walked Princes Street in the bonnie capital. Nestled in between the modern, standard white framed windows I enjoyed the craftsmanship of yesteryear’s amazing windows.

The detail is quite amazing.

Love the craftsmanship on the build and detail around this window, located at the British Hotel. The chandelier was like a jewel on display.

This one is almost hidden on the street.

This one was fascinating with the addition of red and white checkered curtains.

This one is part of the grand, old Jenners building!

I wish the new builds paid just as much detail and craftmanship.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

The Leaderfoot Viaduct

Leave a reply

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.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Walking the Roslin Castle

Leave a reply

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.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022