Strathaven Balloon Festival

I think this may be my first time seeing a hot air balloon. It's definitely the first time I have seen so many at the one time.

On the Saturday evening we were treated to an Evening Glow where the balloons assembled on the ground after dusk and lit their burners in time to the music being played through the P.A. system.

A large crowd had gathered to witness this colourful spectacle and enjoyed the display.

The balloons also made some flights over the course of the weekend. The weather was perfect on the Sunday evening when I made a return visit to Strathaven. From a vantage point overlooking the town the assembled crowd were able to see the balloons rising and drift lazily over the town.

I'm sure I will be visiting this wonderful festival again in the near future.

Evening Glow

Evening Glow

Evening Glow

Johnstone Fire Engine Rally

Renfrewshire's annual Fire Engine Rally had a change of venue this year.

Past events have taken place in Paisley, but this year the rally moved to Johnstone starting with a parade from the Fire Station to Houston Square in the town centre.

A great crowd turned out to see the current and heritage vehicles.

The event was a paradise for all lovers, both young and old, of big red fire engines.

Along with the fun and flashing blue lights, the Fire Brigade had a serious message about the dangers of using chip pans. A pan with a small amount of oil was heated until the oil ignited.

A cup of water was then poured into the pan.

What happened next was quite frightening!

Europa

Acclaimed by her owners Hapag-Lloyd as the "most beautiful yacht in the world", MS Europa made her first visit to Greenock since 2011.

She is currently on a round Britain cruise, starting and ending in Germany.

Europa arrived at Greenock around 8am from Liverpool and is due to depart for Portree on Skye at 6:30pm this evening.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Every August Edinburgh plays host to the largest Arts festival in the world.

Acrobats, singers, actors and human statues all competed for the public's attention along a pedestrian only part of the Royal Mile. The public were only too happy to take in the colourful entertainment.

The performers were all happy to pose for photographers and hand out fliers for their theatre performances.

Edinburgh Castle

Mention Edinburgh and the first thing you think of is the Castle.

Standing high in the middle of the city, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. The castle played a major role in the wars of Independence and has been a military base since the 17th century.

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's leading tourist destination and is part of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

A view of the castle from Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Castle esplanade

Saint Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving part of the castle

Foog's Gate

Statue of soldier and his horse

Scottish National War Memorial

The One o'clock Gun has been sounding out since 1861

Statue of an officer on horseback

The Esplanade is turned into an arena for the Military Tattoo