Saturday 30 June 2012

Summerlee Vehicle Show

Imagine going to a vintage car display and finding lots of cars that I can remember from when they were new.

Once I got over the shock, I enjoyed looking at these cars as the exhibitors intended.

 The rain tried its best to get in the way of an enjoyable afternoon, but I'm pleased to say it didn't succeed.



Under the bonnet of a Ford Cortina Mk5 V6

Ford Mustang

Singer Vogue

MG
Austin Maxi
Datsun 100

Morris Minor

Vintage fire engine

Friday 22 June 2012

Comet Festival Children's Parade

All the schools in Port Glasgow had their own parade with the theme of Anchors Aweigh. The kids had designed made their own models which the paraded through the town centre behind a huge banner and a samba band.

Many shopworkers and locals lined the streets to watch the colourful spectacle.

As an added bonus, the sun tried its best to make an appearance.

Posing for the 'Tele' photographer

Some impressive drums

Making their way up Princes Street

Getting a police excort

Awash with colour

Beating a steady rhythm

Passing the old town buildings

Colourful outfits

Holding it up high

Sunday 10 June 2012

Renfrewshire Witch Hunt, finale

The 7 accused were taken by by horse and carriage to Abbey close.

There, a stage was erected for the trial. The accused each gave a speech to the crowd pleading their innocence. The outcome was a foregone conclusion - guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to death.

As this was before the 9pm watershed, we could not witness the gory executions so a symbolic torchlit procession cuncluded a very enjoyable day.

The 7 accused being taken through the streets of Paisley

Katherine Campbell, the Shaw's maid

Margaret Lang pleading for mercy

Margaret Fulton going to Fairyland

Closing procession

Saturday 9 June 2012

Renfrewshire Witch Hunt 1697

A wonderful re-enactment was performed in Paisley town centre today of this historic event. Full marks to everyone who took part.

The story tells the tale of a young girl, Christian Shaw who fell ill after an argument with one of the household maids and the maid is then alleged to have put a curse on the girl.

Christian Shaw




 Christian's condition worsened, and after being seen by several doctors who could not cure her, she accused the maid and six others of witchcraft.

Christian's parents

Townsfolk

The 7 accused being taken to trial

Thursday 7 June 2012

Oban & Lorn Highlander

Pulled by 2 class 37 Diesel locos, she stopped for a couple of minutes at Paisley yesterday to collect some passengers before heading for Oban.



Wednesday 6 June 2012

Paisley Abbey

A first visit to Paisley Abbey today. What a wonderful building! I could literally feel the history in the place.

I'm sure a return visit is on the cards, this time with a tripod.





Tuesday 5 June 2012

Lyle Hill

A couple of pictures of the sun setting over the Argyll hills on a lovely clear evening.

There was also a beacon lighting ceremony, but not sure what it was for.





Monday 4 June 2012

Strathaven

Some more pictures from the recent classic vehicle rally: 2 Brittish followed by a couple of American cars.

Aston Martin's very distinct grille

TVR convertible

Chevvy Corvette

It speaks for itself - a 1950's pink Cadillac

Saturday 2 June 2012

Greenock

Some pictures from the Esplanade yesterday.

Jerome H on her way out from Glasgow

Svitzer Milford heading for a job at Hunterston

Pilot cutter Toward

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess sailing to her next destination

Friday 1 June 2012

Stirling Castle

A great excuse for a trip to Stirling, not that one is needed, but here are the first photos from my brand new Canon 500D, my first ever digital SLR.

While in town we paid a visit to the castle. The building has been completely transformed since my last visit, probable some time in the 1970's. Historic Scotland has presented many rooms as they would probably have looked during the reign of King James V in the 16th century.

Stirling Castle forework

Arches

Canons guarding the castle to the south and west

Inside the palace

Fine tapestries and rugs decorate the chambers

Queen Mary's inner chamber

The Great Hall