Tag Archives: History

Inverness Townhall

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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

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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

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

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.

Walking towards the Forth

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.

Approaching the Forth
Reaching the shore of the Forth
View of 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.

Panoramic view of the Shore and Castle

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.

Dalmany House and Barnbougle Castle

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!

Doggie Photo Shoot

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

The Forth Bridge

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

South Queensferry

What a great walk!

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

The Drama of Dunnottar Castle

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Dunnottar castle is one of my favourite castles. It has everything. Anticipation, location, drama, history and presence. It truly is a must see location.

The castle is located about 2 miles south of Stonehaven harbour. The walk to the castle is just as enjoyable as being at the castle itself.

I walked through the harbour then along the coast to the castle. Walking along the coast was so therapeutic, and seeing the castle in the distance slowly built the anticipation of this wee adventure. Waves crashing and the wind washing one’s face added to the drama and scenery. I felt I was on a movie set location. I remember grinning for most of the walk.

When I finally reached the castle I had to stop for a few minutes to take it all in. What presence!

The castle juts out on a small peninsula. The location is perfect for a fort.

I had to walk down countless steps then climb just as many to actually get into the castle. All worth it.

I spent a good couple of hours on location. Following the map, I let my imagination run free.

The grounds are truly marvellous, both inside and out. The site and castle have such rich history. The Dunnottar website shares that “It is not known exactly how long ago the site was originally inhabited, it is believed that the Picts established it between 5000BC and 700AD.” The website goes on to share a long list of Scottish leaders and heroes who have left their mark at this site. Just wonderful.

It was so easy to stroll and imagine the communities who would have inhabited the castle and the battles that were fought.

Definitely one of my favourite locations and castle.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

The Leaderfoot Viaduct

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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

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.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022