Trifter

Living in Scotland for a few years now, I enjoy exploring this country, and discover new places and new experiences every time.

But I guess the view from above will always give a new perspective, so here it is … a Guide to Scotland from Google Earth.

Wallace Monument, Stirling.

The monument is a memorial to William Wallace, also known as “Braveheart”. It was completed in 1869 and dominates Abbey Craig hill. It is 220 ft high and it serves as a museum. The hill is on the side of the University of Stirling campus and can be seen clearly from Stirling Castle.

St Andrews Cathedral (remains).

The Saint Andrews Cathedral was one of the greatest churches ever built in Scotland. The place got its name from Saint Andrews, the first of the 12 Apostles who was crucified in today’s Patra, in Greece by the Romans. His remains and the cross were brought here by Saint Regulus, a monk at the time. The original building was more than 100 metres long.

The Scottish Parliament.

A modern futuristic home for Scotland’s politicians. Located in Edinburgh, it has been a controversial building since its conception.

Rest and Be Thankful.

Maybe the most beautiful name a place ever got ! Not far away from Loch Lomond, it provided a resting point for those travelling on the old army road. Today it is a favourite spot for photographers and tourists.

Plockton.

A small town at the North West coast of Scotland, made famous by Robert Carlyle’s “Hamish Macbeth“. It is directly hit by the Gulf Stream and its mild climate make it a breeding ground for … Palm Trees ! Yes, you read correctly. Palm trees just before the Arctic !

The northernmost part of Scotland.

No words to describe the wild, raw, savage beauty of the landscape.

Newark Castle.

At the infamous town of Port Glasgow, a Scottish Castle stands next to a modern shipyard. Two unlikely neighbours.

Mile End.

The old mills of Paisley, famous for the quality of the textiles and threads … now a small museum ran by volunteers is left to remind us of the long gone glory days.

The village of Luss.

Although this specific satellite view is not the best available, it gives you an idea of how the village is situated on the “bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond”. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Scotland, and certainly deserves your time to visit it.

The Kelvingrove Museum.

Recently restored and upgraded, it is a multi-museum that covers politics, history, culture, natural history, an art Gallery and a hanging Spitfire, all in the heart of Glasgow.

Celtics & Rangers.

The two football teams of Glasgow, that are still a controversial pole for Catholics (Celtics) and Protestants (Rangers).

The first photo is that of IBROX , the home of Rangers, situated between Paisley and Glasgow.

The second photo is that of the Celtic FC stadium.

HMNB Clyde, Faslane.

This is the home of the UK’s nuclear arsenal. The home of Polaris and Trident ICBMs since the Cold War. One of the nuclear submarines is clearly visible.

Glasgow and Clyde.

The remains of the Clyde shipyards , the most famous in the world, now almost extinct. The ones who are still operating are performing decommissioning rather than ship making.

Photo 13a. The Science Museum and Glasgow Tower by the Clyde.

Photo 13b. Decomissioning is the main function of the remaining of the shipyards.

13c. Cranes by the Clyde.

13d. The Armadillo.

Fort George.

A huge fort near Inverness that was never involved in any warfare. Built in the 18th century, in order to pacify the Highlands, is probably one of the largest artillery fortifications in Europe. It is still a military base, the home of the Black Watch,  but also open to the public as a museum.

The Forth Railway Bridge.

An engineering achievement in its time, now at the end of its useful life, is the controversial source of debating and planning; a real headache for the Scottish Government.

Edinburgh Castle.

Maybe the most iconic Scottish landmark, dominates the skyline of the Athens of the North, Edinburgh. It is located at the top of the volcanic Castle Rock, and it is the start of the Royal Mile. If you visit the castle, make sure you are there before 13:00 so you can witness the firing of the 1 o’clock gun.

It is preserved by Historic Scotland, but there is still some ceremonial military presence. It is also the home of the Royal Military Tattoo, that takes place at the parking area every August.

The parking space of Edinburgh Castle, modified for the needs of the

Royal Military Tattoo

Crookston Castle.

One of the less known and less visited castles in Scotland (44 visitors in 2008) is probably the only genuine castle for Glasgow.

Balmoral Castle.

The official Royal Residence in Scotland.

The next two photos, are the last ones in this journey. The first is a vista of Scottish wilderness in the Highlands.

The last photo is the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, a northern and isolated point at a rocky coast, reminder of past times, but also of the forces of nature that man has not managed to tame until now.