The Silent Watcher: A 1969 Snapshot of Aros Castle, Isle of Mull

There are some moments in my slide collection that just resonate with a deep sense of history and solitude, and this image of Aros Castle on the Isle of Mull, captured in 1969, is one of them. It's a striking portrait of rugged Scottish beauty, frozen in a time when travel to the islands felt like a genuine expedition.

The Castle on the Cliff

The photograph perfectly frames the romantic, jagged ruins of Aros Castle, perched atop a grassy cliff overlooking a wide body of water—the Sound of Mull. You can practically feel the history clinging to the stone.

• A Medieval Sentinel: Aros Castle, also known as Heynish, has stood here since the 13th century. It was a strategic stronghold, controlling passage through the Sound of Mull, first for the powerful Clan MacDougall and later for the Lords of the Isles, the Clan MacDonald. Today, only two storeys of the main keep and some curtain wall fragments remain, their ruins telling a story of sieges, abandonments, and centuries of exposure to the Atlantic weather.

• The Landscape: The castle sits against a backdrop of distant, hazy hills—likely the mainland of Morvern—giving the scene immense depth. The foreground is dominated by the water, which is clearly at a low tide, revealing a textured, reddish-brown foreshore covered in seaweed and mud. The shallow water here reflects the sky, creating a beautiful interplay of light and colour between the earth and the heavens.

The Spirit of 1969

The date 1969 gives this photograph a beautiful sense of its era:

• The Road Less Travelled: Before widespread ferry links and modern tourism infrastructure, visiting the more remote Scottish islands, especially with camera equipment, felt more like an adventure. The scene is utterly devoid of modern clutter—no large car parks, visitor centres, or even other people visible. The focus is entirely on the untouched natural and historical beauty.

• Vintage Colour: The rich, saturated greens of the grassy headland and the deep blue of the sky and water are typical of the slide film stock used in the late 1960s. This specific colour palette adds a nostalgic warmth that contemporary digital photography often struggles to replicate.

• A Quiet Moment: The image captures a profound stillness. The water is calm, the clouds are high, and the ruined castle stands in silent watch. It evokes a feeling of peace and timelessness that defines the allure of the Scottish West Coast.

This slide is more than just a historical record; it is a precious memory of a quieter era on the Isle of Mull, where the history of the Highlands and Islands was easily accessible, standing proud and unpolished against the vast, beautiful wilderness. It reminds us that some views, like this one, are truly eternal.

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Ardrossan's Coastal Canvas: A Digital Remix of a Scottish Beach

Sometimes, a picture needs a little help to capture the full power of a moment. These two photographs are a perfect example of that. While the original shots of Ardrossan Beach were taken on a grey day in November 2013, a little digital magic has transformed them into something truly spectacular. By replacing the sky, the images now reflect the dramatic beauty that the Scottish coast truly deserves.

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A Beach with a View

Ardrossan, a charming town in Ayrshire, Scotland, is home to not one, but two beautiful beaches. These pictures focus on Boydston Beach, or North Shore, a stunning stretch of golden sand that curves along the coast. It's a place for quiet moments, whether you’re building a sandcastle or just taking a leisurely stroll with the sound of the waves in the background.

But the real magic here is the view. Looking out across the Firth of Clyde, the landscape is a majestic panorama. In the distance, the rugged peak of the Isle of Arran is just visible on the horizon, a constant, beautiful presence. Closer to shore, you can spot Horse Island, a bird-watching sanctuary with its iconic 19th-century tower. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the rolling hills of the Scottish mainland to the north.

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The Art of the Edit

These pictures show the power of combining elements to create a more compelling image. The beach photos were originally taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, while the dramatic, vibrant sky was captured separately with a Nikon D3300. Layering them together in Photoshop gave the scenes a sense of atmosphere and grandeur that the original photos lacked.

The result is a powerful vision of Ardrossan's coastal beauty, highlighting the raw, natural elegance of the area. It’s a reminder that even when the weather doesn't cooperate, a little creativity can help you capture the full spirit of a place.

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Bridging the Gap: A Photographer's Journey

As a photographer, I've always been drawn to bridges. They're more than just structures connecting two points; they’re symbols of human ingenuity, history, and a connection to the world around us. Recently, I've been exploring different ways to capture these marvels, playing with filters and post-processing to create a painterly, almost dreamlike effect. The result is a series of images that feel both real and fantastical, blurring the lines between photography and art.

In this collection, I've focused on some of the UK's most iconic bridges. Each one has its own story and a unique aesthetic.

Connel Bridge, Oban, Scotland.

Nestled in the breath taking landscape of Western Scotland, the Connel Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering with a storied past. Originally built as a railway crossing over the narrow mouth of Loch Etive, the bridge was officially opened in August 1903. Constructed at a cost of £43,000, it served the Ballachulish Branch Line of the Callander and Oban Railway, a vital link for the region's transport network.

For many years, the bridge was exclusively for rail traffic. However, in 1914, a new chapter began when a roadway was added, allowing both cars and trains to use the same crossing. This dual-purpose use was managed with a unique set of rules: trains were given priority, and the roadway was closed to vehicles whenever rail traffic was scheduled to pass. This continued until the railway line was closed in the late 1960s, at which point the bridge became solely for road use. Today, the A828 road still runs across the single-track bridge, with traffic lights managing the flow of cars and ensuring a smooth passage for all.

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Engineering and the Falls of Lora

The design of the Connel Bridge is as fascinating as its history. It is a cantilever bridge, a style chosen specifically to withstand the unique natural forces of the area. The bridge's impressive 524-foot span was a necessary measure to clear the challenging waters below. Just to the west of the bridge are the Falls of Lora, a series of tidal rapids created by the strong flow of water in and out of Loch Etive. These powerful currents were a significant consideration for the original engineers, who designed the bridge's structure to handle the immense pressures and prevent any obstructions in the water below.

Rising to a height with a 14-foot restriction, the bridge is perfectly positioned to offer a stunning view of the surrounding scenery. Just to the north, you can see the nearby Oban Airport, a modern landmark in an area rich with historical and natural wonders.

The Forth Bridge

Opened in 1890, the Forth Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a defining symbol of Scotland's industrial might and a globally recognized feat of engineering. Located just east of Edinburgh, this monumental structure spans the Firth of Forth, connecting the communities of North and South Queensferry. While it's commonly known as the Forth Rail Bridge, its official name is simply the Forth Bridge, as it was the first of the three crossings to be built here.

The bridge's history is as impressive as its scale. Designed by the visionary engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, construction began in 1882. At the peak of its construction, the project was a massive undertaking, employing a workforce of over 4,600 men. Their collective efforts culminated in the bridge's completion in December 1889. Following extensive testing, the bridge was officially opened on March 4, 1890, by the Duke of Rothesay, who marked the occasion by driving in the final gold-plated rivet.

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Design, Scale, and Legacy

The Forth Bridge's distinctive cantilever design was a revolutionary choice for its time, built to handle the immense forces of a railway crossing. The bridge has a total length of 8,094 feet, with a maximum width of 120 feet at its piers. It soars to a height of 316 feet, providing a staggering 150 feet of clearance for ships to pass safely beneath at high tide.

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Forth Bridge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It remains one of the most famous man-made structures in Scotland, a powerful testament to the ingenuity and sheer hard work of the men who built it.

Albert Bridge, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Spanning the River Lagan in the heart of Belfast, the Albert Bridge is a testament to the city's resilience and a graceful example of 19th-century engineering. Completed in 1890, this elegant structure was designed by the esteemed J.C. Bretland to replace a previous bridge that had tragically collapsed in 1886. This earlier failure underscored the need for a robust and reliable new crossing, and Bretland's design delivered on that promise.

Constructed at a cost of £36,500—an astronomical sum at the time, equivalent to approximately £5.2 million in today's currency—the bridge was a significant investment in the city's infrastructure. Its name honors Prince Albert Victor, the grandson of Queen Victoria, connecting the bridge to the rich history of the British monarchy.

With its striking architectural features and a vital role in connecting the city, the Albert Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a piece of Belfast's history, a silent witness to the city's transformation over more than a century.

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Ardrossan's Golden Shore: The North Beach

Ardrossan, a charming coastal town in Ayrshire, Scotland, boasts not one but two delightful beaches. Today's pictures were taken on Boydston Beach or North Shore.

Ardrossan North Beach stretchers out in a welcoming curve of golden sand, perfect for picnics, sandcastle building, and leisurely strolls. Feel the sand between your toes as you wander along the shoreline, letting the sound of the waves lull you into a relaxed state. For the more adventurous, the beach offers opportunities for paddling, swimming, and rock pooling in the cool waters of the Firth of Clyde. Remember to check the tides and weather conditions before heading into the water.

The true magic of Ardrossan North Beach unfolds when you turn your gaze outward. The beach offers stunning views across the Firth of Clyde, the majestic Isle of Arran, its peak visible on the horizon, and Horse Island, a nearby bird-watching sanctuary with its iconic 19th-century tower. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the rolling hills of the Scottish Mainland to the north.

The beach is close to the town centre, allowing visitors to seek out the Victorian Promenade, and check out the town's rich maritime history by visiting the harbour. There are also a number of places to seek out refreshments nearby.

Ardrossan North Beach is a fantastic starting point for exploring the wider Ayrshire coast. Consider hopping on a ferry to the Isle of Arran for a day trip filled with natural beauty and historical intrigue.

For a dose of culture, head to the nearby town of Saltcoats and explore its art galleries and museums.

The pictures were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 28th November 2013. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Scottish Premiership Football Stadiums Season 2021/22

 My latest upload to YouTube is a slideshow of artworks of Scottish Premiership Football Stadiums season 2021 / 22 created by me, based on public domain images. The stadiums are featured in team alphabetical order in the video

The images below feature in the video, although below they are in stadium name order.

Almondvale Stadium opened in 1995 as the home of Livingston FC, it has
a current capacity of 9512. The record attendance was 10112 v Rangers Fc
on the 27 October 2001.

Celtic moved to their current location in 1892, the stadium has been modernised
several times and now has a capacity of 60411. The record attendance is
83500 v Rangers on the 1 January 1938.

Dens Park is the home ground of Dundee FC and opened in 1899. It is just 200yds
from the ground of city rivals Dundee United. The capacity is 11775 and the record
attendance 43024 was v Rangers on 7 February 1953.

Hibernian FC play at Easter Road, Edinburgh which has a current
capacity of 20421. The largest crowd ever was 65860 on the 2 January 1950
when they played city rivals Hearts of Midlothian. They played their first
game here in 1893.

Fir Park has been the home of Motherwell FC since 1895 and has a capacity of 13677.
The largest crowd ever was 35632 for a game against Rangers on 12 March 1952.

Rangers FC have played at Ibrox Park, changed to Ibrox Stadium in
1997, since 1899 and the current capacity is 50817. The record attendance which is
also the largest ever for a domestic football match in Britain is 118567 for a league
fixture against Old Firm Rivals Celtic on the 2 January 1939.

McDiarmid Park in Pert is the home stadium of
St Johnstone FC. The capacity is 10696 and since opening in 1989
the record attendance is 10721 v Rangers on the 26 February 1991.

Pittodrie Stadium has been the home to Aberdeen FC since September 1899,
there are plans to replace the ground with a new build stadium but this has
been planned for at least 15 years. The current capacity is 20866 and the
record attendance is 45061 v Hearts of Midlothian 13 March 1954.

St Mirren Park hosted it's first game on the 31 January 2009, built to replace
the previous home of Love Street the ground has a capacity of 8023. The
record attendance is 7732 v Dundee United on the 26 May 2019. Their best
at Love Street was 47438.

Dundee United have called their home Tannadice Park since 1909 and the record
attendance is  28000 v Barcelona on the 16 November 1966. This is unlikely
to ever be beaten as the current capacity is around half that at 14223.

Tynecastle Park has a current capacity of 19852 and has been home to Hearts
of Midlothian since 1886. The record attendance is 53396 for a Scottish
Cup game against Rangers FC on the 13 February 1932.

Victoria Park opened in 1929 as the home ground of Ross County FC.
It has been the most northerly ground in senior British football since being
elected to Scottish Football League Division Three in 1994. The
current Capacity is 6541 and the record attendance was set
v Rangers in the Scottish Cup on the 28 February 1966.

I thought that because Celtic had the biggest home ground in Scotland and had massive support that they would also feature mostly in the other teams record attendances, surprisingly they were only the highest attendance once for a game against Rangers, Rangers were highest 7 times with Hearts of Midlothian featuring twice. Dundee United had the only non domestic highest for a game against Barcelona.

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Painting the Sky: A Kelso Sunrise to Remember

There's something truly magical about a sunrise, and some linger in your memory long after the last rays have faded. This photograph, captured near Kelso, Scotland, on October 24th, 2018, is one such moment.

The sky is ablaze with an incredible palette of vibrant purples, deep fuchsias, and soft blues, blending seamlessly into one another. It's as if nature itself decided to become an artist, using the vast canvas above to create a masterpiece of light and colour. The clouds, catching these dramatic hues, add texture and depth to the scene, making the display even more breath taking.

Below this fiery spectacle, the tranquil waters of a loch or pond reflect the colours of the sky, mirroring the beauty above and adding a serene counterpoint to the vibrant drama. The dark silhouettes of the surrounding landscape—the rolling hills, distant trees, and the gentle curve of the land—frame the vibrant sky perfectly, enhancing its impact. A fence in the foreground grounds the image, hinting at pastoral surroundings and the quiet beauty of the Scottish Borders.

This image reminds us of the profound beauty that nature offers, especially in places like the Scottish Borders, where the landscapes are already so evocative. A sunset like this isn't just a daily occurrence; it's a profound experience, a moment of stillness and awe that leaves you feeling connected to something larger than yourself.

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A Glimpse into Scottish History: 1933 "Famous Scots" Cigarette Card Collection

 I recently embarked on a little journey through Scottish history, right from my own home. I've been in possession of a fascinating set of 50 cigarette trading cards from 1933, titled "Famous Scots." As I was preparing to list these unique pieces of ephemera for sale, I realised what a treasure trove of historical figures they represented.

Rather than just selling them off, I decided to take the time to scan each card and create something special for you all. I've put together two videos, each featuring 25 of these incredible images, and uploaded them to YouTube.

These cards showcase a diverse array of famous Scottish individuals, ranging from beloved poets and influential playwrights to ground breaking inventors, powerful politicians, revered royalty, and so much more. It's a truly captivating cross-section of Scottish talent and influence throughout history.

You can view both videos right here in this post, and of course, on YouTube. I'd be absolutely thrilled if you could take a moment to subscribe to my channel while you're there – it really helps me to create more content like this!

A little bit of background on the cards themselves: they were originally released in packs of Mitchells Cigarettes. Mitchells was a Scottish tobacco company with its roots in Linlithgow. Interestingly, while the company had merged with Imperial Tobacco by 1901, these cards were still released under the Mitchells branding, adding another layer to their historical significance.

It's been a real pleasure delving into these cards and sharing a piece of Scottish heritage with you all. I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I enjoyed creating them!

and part 2,

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A Glimpse into History: "The Nation's Shrines" Cigarette Cards

 I recently unearthed a fascinating piece of history and turned it into a short YouTube video titled "The Nation's Shrines." It features a complete set of 25 cigarette trading cards released in 1929 by Player's Cigarettes, also called "The Nation's Shrines."

What Makes These Cards Special?

Each card in this collection showcases an image of a historic place from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It's a real time capsule, offering a look at some of the most significant abbeys, cathedrals, castles, and other points of interest across the United Kingdom almost a century ago.

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A Tour Through Time and Place

The video, which features every card in the set, takes you on a visual journey. You'll see stunning depictions of historical landmarks. Interestingly, while the complete set is there, Kenilworth Castle only makes a fleeting appearance, nestled briefly between John Milton's Cottage and Manorbier Castle due to the video software.

Breaking down the representation, the collection heavily features England with 17 sites. Wales and Ireland each have 3 sites, while Scotland is represented by just 2. It's safe to say that if this collection were curated today, we'd likely see a much more balanced representation, especially with more sites from the Celtic nations!

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Why Check Out the Video?

If you're a history buff, a fan of vintage ephemera, or simply curious about how these iconic locations were viewed nearly a century ago, this video is a must-watch. It's a charming and unique way to connect with the past and appreciate the enduring beauty of the UK's heritage.

Ann Hathaway's Cottage, Warwickshire, England.

Blarney Castle, County Cork, Ireland.

Bootham Bar and York Minster, Yorkshire, England.

Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland.

Clonmacnoise, County Offaly, Ireland.

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, England.

Furness Abbey, Cumbria, England

Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset, England.

Haddon Hall, Derbyshire, England.

Henry VIII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, London, England.

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland.

John Knox's House, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Milton's Cottage, Buckinghamshire, England.

Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, England.

Manorbier Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Warwickshire, England.

St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, Wales

St Pauls Cathedral, London, England.

Stoke Poges Church, Buckinghamshire, England.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England.

The Cloisters at Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire, England.

Tower of London, London, England.

Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, Wales.

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire, England.

Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England.

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