Who doesn't love a Shetland pony?
Stag at Lochan a Chreagain, nr Braemar
Apologies for the shaky image, I was filming this at maximum zoom whilst trying to steady myself against a fence that turned out to be electrified.
This impressive Stag had a hareem of ~20 Hinds in tow as he strutted around Lochan a' Chreagain on the Mar Estate.
Linn of Quoich / Devil’s Punchbowl
Smooth as a mill pond for our return sailing from Gigha.
Shell beach on Loch Fyne. Thousands of shattered scallop shells piled up in a couple of small coves. Give it another millennium and it'll make a lovely little beach of white sand.
The Borders have no shortage of castles, a testimony to the turbulent times when these lands bore the brunt of English aggression.
Cessford Castle was the most formidable of these frontier fortresses and was built to withstand the heaviest weaponry of its period. Its walls are 13 - 14 feet thick and it was surrounded by an outer wall and earthwork defences.
In 1523, the castle's defences were put to the test by the Earl of Surrey who battered it with 11 cannons but with little success. They did manage to breach the outer wall, but the inner Tower House proved unassailable. Eventually, terms of surrender were agreed, but the castle was never taken by brute force.
It's easily accessed, but take care as the building is unmaintained and there's always a risk of falling masonry.
Apologies for the sound quality and shaky camera... it was a wee bit windy.
Hope you like the short video.
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