Isles and Trials

Tag: scotland

  • Shetland

    Shetland

    I took the overnight ferry to Shetland. I couldn’t convince any others in the family to join me. I originally thought I would bring my bike. There were marked bike routes. Then maybe I’d hire a bike. It was foggy and hilly when I got there. (It’s probably been hilly for some time.) So I aborted the bike idea (it would have taken me a LONG time to cover the 25 miles to Sumburgh to see the lighthouse.

    I really thought the island would be a lot more deserted – but it was kind of bustling. (And there are only like 2 roads so that made things a bit more trafficky on those routes.)

    Here is a video with a bunch of highlights.

  • Old Aberdeen

    Old Aberdeen

    Well. I haven’t been super great about regularly posting – which means I could probably post things for years going forward. I do have some things to report about Isles and Trials too so stay tuned.

    This is from University of Aberdeen’s website

    “The most iconic of our buildings and located on the picturesque Old Aberdeen High Street, King’s College was built to house the University after it was founded by Bishop Elphinstone under a Papal Bull issued by Pope Alexander VI on 10 February 1495. Of the original College building, only the Chapel and the Ivy Tower, constructed in 1525 and now obscured by the college’s subsequent development, now remain, all other sides of the quad having been replaced over the following centuries. The college’s facade and main entrance arch, attached to the Chapel, date to 1825, while the Cromwell Tower behind the Chapel was built in 1658.”

  • Manual transmission!

    Manual transmission!

    Scary! But done!

  • Buildings

    Buildings

    Some buildings here are in disrepair and need to be renovated. Here is one viewed from an alley.

  • Smile – windmills

    Smile – windmills

    If you zoom way in – there are some windmills. They can be seen from a golf course named for (owned by) a famous person back home. We didn’t visit this golf course.

  • Cool old suspension bridge

    Cool old suspension bridge

    Over the River Dee

  • Another famous Aberdonian

    Another famous Aberdonian

    Another one from Provost Skene’s house. It seems like he was producer of GTA3-5 (not involved in one or two) – at least if I believe Wikipedia as much as a museum caption. Perhaps the distinction is akin to being responsible for the Star Trek motion pictures, but skipping the first one and just starting with the Wrath of Khan. Khaaaaaaaaaaaan!

  • Provost Skenes House

    Provost Skenes House

    A very cool museum in the Aberdeen city center – with salutes to famous Aberdonians. They made the first MRI scanner here! (And interestingly made their own iron lung after seeing one in America …)

  • Seals!

    Seals!

    The seal preserve about a 30 minute drive north of Aberdeen was amazing! (I should have brought my American iPhone as my Scottish one doesn’t have as good a camera.) It is in Newburgh. (And to be clear – that is pronounced Noo-burra!)

    The landscape at the seal beach!
  • Upcoming concert…

    Upcoming concert…

    What do you think? Should I go?