This is a collection of local photography which I create around Scotland’s smallest country of Clackmannanshire and its villages.
The county includes the towns of Alloa, Dollar, Menstrie, Alva, Kennet and others. Because of its varied geography it offers a wide range of scenes, atmospheres, and vegetation. From the flat plains of the Forth Valley bounded by the River Forth on the South which contrasts with the Ochil hills in the north. Most noteworthy is the lush Gartmorn Dam and the open fields of Kennet.
With Autumn approaching the first storm over Central Scotland terrified children and pets alike. My youngest son decided he is no longer scared of storms so off to Poppy’s Hill we went to Storm watch. Missed the light and sound show, but grabbed some iPhone shots of the dramatic cloud rolling in over the Ochils.
I have visited many churches and this one is stunning. The 14th century timber roof beams, graphic windows, and an organ to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Fine buildings become special when the people who own, run and maintain them not only appreciate their wonder, but share it freely with others. It is staffed by friendly volunteers, knowledgeable in its construction and heritage. I visited this church many times and always received a warm welcome. If your are looking for discovery and enrichment while in Stirling, take an hour and make this part of your day. Judging by the visitors book, the rest of the world knows all about Stirling’s monumental little secret too.
This is my first Church Panorama taken near the Altar. Church of Holy Rude website here.
Gartmorn Dam, Clackmannanshire is still heavily iced over, but pockets of meltwater have created interesting patterns that caught my eye. The more time spent there, the more I saw which is a theme I plan to return to.
It was a beautiful autumn day, sun still warming, leaves falling and Poppy (my trusty hound) was itching for a dook in the stream.
Andy Scott Stride is a partner piece to River Spirit. ‘Stride’ is a man in motion rising from the earth and faces north towards Ochil hills. Where River Spirit is to water, he is to earth and sky. Stride is a hugely dynamic creation suggesting motion, flight and nature (trees in hands) which is an interesting contradiction given its metal construction.
