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.
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.
I recently wrote a post on the panoramic view of Craigmillar Castle. As it is Thursday, as part of #ThrowBackThursday, I thought I would search my archives for photos I took of that castle! These were taken in January 2020, just before COVID lockdown.
Craigmillar Castle Entrance
It truly is a hidden gem! I would venture to say that of the four castles I know of in Edinburgh, Craigmillar castle is a good second to Edinburgh Castle.
Walking towards the castle grounds
As you walk towards the castle, you definitely get a sense of grandeur. It is quite an imposing structure.
The grounds by the entrance
The lands upon which this castle stands were granted to the monks of Dunfermline Abbey in the 12th century. The castle was built in the 14h century.
It is well documented that Queen Mary stayed at the castle on at least two occasions. As you enter the castle’s courtyard you cannot miss the trees; two yews. It is thought that one is connected with Queen Mary’s visit. Quite incredible. Wow! If trees could talk.
The castle courtyard
I remember slowly climbing the stairs to the rooms but I am struggling to remember the layout. I need to visit again to get better acquainted.
Inside the castle
However, I do remember the view! It was wonderful.
Climb to the top of the castle Views from the top of the castle
Another visit is definitely required. It is on my list!
I often pass this building when I’m walking Edinburgh’s Southside. I never tire looking at it
East Crosscauseway
Although Edinburgh’s Southside is a very vibrant and busy area, this East crosscauseway building is tucked away on a relatively quiet and hidden lane. As a result, it is easily missed- a hidden Scottish Pearl.
I personally love the architectural detail and how it stands majestically on this now seemingly inconsequential causeway.
Having said that, I can imagine that there was a time when this causeway was once a bustling spot. Opposite this building, there is a wellhead dated 1797. See the photos I took below. Again, easily missed!
This was once a key supply of water for the local residents. I now know that the causeway was an important throughway in the 16th century, south of the city centre. However, today East crosscauseway is easily missed and from my perspective, houses these historical gems. I wish I could find out more of the history of the building.
Let me know what you think in the comments section or by tapping the like button.
Post Publication Information: First of all, I am so thankful to my Facebook community who has since shared more information about East Crosscauseway in the early 20th century! It was a vibrant Jewish community and this building was the home to prominent bakers in the area. I searched for the link for this information and found this blog post: East Crosscauseway, Kleinberg’s Bakery.
Apparently the building dates from 1885. It’s known as Fisher’s Buildings and was designed in Scots Renaissance style by the architect T.P. Marwick. It is a B listed historic building.
How wonderful!! Big Thank yous to my FB community members!
The trip to Colinton tunnel in Edinburgh has been on my list for sometime. I have been to Colinton many times but never to the tunnel. There have been many write ups about it and so it was a must see for me!
Approaching Colinton Tunnel
The media coverage about the tunnel did not exaggerate. The photos are a result of my happy fingers as I strolled the tunnel. I perhaps went overboard with all the pics I took but come on! How could I not?
Photos I took while walking through the tunnel
It is an amazing mural. It is evident that a lot of work and creativity went into this piece of art. I have since learned that the artist that led the creative team was Chris Rutterford. I’m so glad I finally made the trip
After strolling Culross Village square, I had to make the climb to the church towering in the distance. I am so glad I did! As usual, I got happy fingers and started snapping away. Here are a few of my pics:
Culross Abbey was built in the 1200s and survived until the Reformation, when the abbey church became the parish church.
For me, it was an unexpected find.
My favourite area was the room I had to climb the ladder to see.
Look at that!
The detail in the ceiling was wonderful and the view breath-taking. I had to take a videoclip. Isn’t it amazing?
Fife truly has hidden treasures. What I couldn’t capture was the smell. Someone was burning wood. I love that smell. What a wonderful day!
