ramblings by the burn

Almond Castle.

I visited this castle a few times, this was July 2017 on a beautiful day.

Also called Haining Castle, it was built circa 1470 it was occupied by the Crawford family. through marriage it passed to the Livingstons ,and was home to the younger son of Alexander, Lord of Callendar and Earl of Linlithgow.

The castle is a short walk from the Union Canal at Muiravonside Church and not far from Avon Aqueduct, which is also worth a wee visit, it is the second largest in Britain.

With ongoing development in the area there have been murmurings of restoration work at the castle, I doubt it will happen, but would at least like to see some work carried out to save it for the future history lovers like myself.

Almond Castle is fenced off, but there are gaps to get through, but you do so at your own risk.

Edinburgh Castle.

Circus Lane just after sunrise.

I had a dream that I was on Corstorphine Hill with a bunch of photographers trying to catch the sunrise from the Rest and Be Thankful looking back over Edinburgh, them with their fabcy cameras, me cutting about with my phone!

I was so saddened to hear about the Tree's passing, two weeks ago. Looking up references and seeing pictures of the tree with its full leaves and then without, it hurt. I was lucky enough and truly grateful to study at Uni in Nottingham and explored many places but unfortunately never visited the Tree or the forest during my time as a student. There were so many things I wanted to do but never had enough time to do them in. Nottingham grew a big place in my heart. I've been to the forest before when I was little but I don't remember if I've ever seen the Great Oak Tree. I know it holds a very special place in the heart of the people and animals of Nottingham and I'm glad the tree remains standing as an everyday memory of the history and fairytales it holds. 📜📚

I was hesitant about posting this because I wasn't sure if the message about loss was shown in this illustration but I thought I'd do it anyway for the intention. I added magic effects coming up from it and glowing dots around it to represent the spirit coming out, and I added a bow and arrow beside the tree to represent Robin Hood. ❤️‍🩹

Also I hope to post more often now hoping art or content creation block doesn't hit me again. 🤍

Calton Hill view.