Tag Archives: Architecture

The Grounds of Sir Walter Scott

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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.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Regent Bridge in Edinburgh

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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 Street
Regent 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 Street
View of Waverley from Regent Bridge
View of Picardy from Regent Bridge
Closer views of the Bridge
North 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.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

The Milkman Building in Edinburgh

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It was such a beautiful day in the capital yesterday. It was so good to see people enjoying the Old Town. A resemblance of pre-COVID days. As I passed the Milkman cafe on Cockburn street I had to take a photo …. Yet again! It looked majestic in the morning sun. I love that building and am glad that it continues to grace our city.

A reference from the conservation project states that “The Milkman forms part of the group of buildings, dating from 1859, and its significance lies in the part it played towards unifying the frontage of the serpentine Baronial styled terrace of the street.”

Well, it certainly does that! The architecture is wonderful.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Walking Calton Hill

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Walking Calton Hill is my quick fix for elevated views. It is such a gem and a gift to have this park in the city centre.

I usually walk the hill at sunrise but this time I decided to do a sunset walk. The colours were not as vibrant as I know they can be but still worthy of taking a collection of pics. So feast your eyes on these.

Nelson Monument
National Monument
Holyrood Palace and Park
Southern views
St James Centre’s rooftop
Dugald Stewart Monument
Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Hotel
Northern views
Eastern views
Distant view of the Forth Bridge

Calton Hill’s views never disappoint. 360-degree views of the city are amazing. Views that truly never tire 🙌🏾

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Jacob’s Ladder in Edinburgh

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I realised after writing the post on Hidden Lane in Edinburgh that I should write about Jacob’s Ladder. After all, I have already taken the photos!

Regent Road entrance to Jacob’s Ladder
Calton Road entrance to Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder is a steep pathway that connects Calton Road with Regent Road in Edinburgh. This is a historical pathway that first appeared on a map in 1784. Originally the path led to the Old Calton Burial Ground and was used as a funeral processional route. Given how steep the route is, I cannot imagine how they did the actual procession.

View of the Castle, Waverley and Market street from Jacob’s Ladder.

Today, it is used as a shortcut between Regent Road and Waverley.

The view at the top of the ladder is quite spectacular. It’s a great view of the Castle, North Bridge, The Old Town, The Arches and Waverley Station.

The path has recently been refurbished with additional lighting. As a result, walking the path is a much-improved experience.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

More on Those Edinburgh’s Southside Treasures

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I recently posted regarding the East Crosscauseway building treasure.

I received a lot of feedback since that post and I also learned a great deal. As a result, I thought I would take another photo from a different perspective.

I took this photo as it shows the building from the corner of Howden and East Crosscauseway. It is so grand- well I think so 🙌🏾 Again, so easily missed. I never knew this was once the hub for the Jewish community. Wonderful.

The other building that consistently catches my eye in Edinburgh’s Southside, is the Green Mantle.

Another listed building with a presence. On this particular evening, I thought it really stood out and so I had to take a pic. It is located on the corner of West Crosscauseway

© The Scottish Pearl 2022