Saturday 6 April 2013

A Galloway Tour

Shot of the Day

A trip to Gatehouse of Fleet across in Galloway was my destination yesterday. The purpose of the trip was to pick a painting that was painted by Anne's late uncle Andrew from his widow Helen. Langholm Art Club are celebrating their 60th anniversary and Helen has loaned one of Andrews paintings for a special exhibition of past, present and deceased members. This means a lot to Helen as Andrew was a founder member of the art club and they met through their common interest in painting. 

It was nice to see her and I was greeted with kind affection. Helen was a GP in Newton Stewart for many years where Andrew had a T V repair business then she moved to Gatehouse of Fleet when Andrew passed away. We chatted for quite a while before going out for a light lunch at Galloway Lodge. After lunch I collected the painting and headed off home along the Galloway coast roads. Personally for me this is one of the most scenic coastal routes in Scotland. 

So intent in getting tourists up into the Trossachs and Highlands,Visit Scotland seems to have forgotten about Galloway but maybe being a hidden gem is part of what makes the area so special.



My first port of call was Kirkcudbright. 
I spent some time down by the harbour calling in at the Harbour Cottage Gallery where there is an exhibition of paintings of a very high standard. I now know why it is called artists town. 






Kippford 


Kippford 





Rockcliff

The ultimate rock garden


If you buy this house

It comes with this view

Southerness





New Abbey




I am also pleased to report Mr Blue Tit has found himself a girlfriend so there is some serious courtship going on at the moment. In between flying around the garden erratically they are both regularly in and out of the nesting box. If I can resist the temptation I'll give them a few days before I set the camera working.

10 comments:

  1. You made the best use of a good day out. I enjoyed your trip a lot.

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  2. The wind farm looks like it's rising from the sea - the panoramic shot is beautiful. Also enjoyed the shots of the abbey - I was trying (and failing miserably) to draw the arches of cloisters for a class last week - will now show them your photo and hopefully put an end to their confusion! It looks like a lovely place to stroll.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the post, hopefully it has helped with your drawing class.

      I think the wind farm is in the sea!

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  3. When my kids were younger and my dad lived in Dumfries, a favourite outing was New Abbey, Kippford, Rockcliffe and Southerness. Since moving to Newton Stewart I've been remiss in visiting the area except on the rare occasion.
    Thanks for the memories Sandy

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    1. The area his some good memories for me as well Jim. especially a holiday at Southerness with the kids many years ago.

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  4. Your photos of Kippford & Rockliffe bring back many happy memories as that area is my favourite in the South of Scotland. When Gaye and I were courting many, many years ago we used to go there most weekends.

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    1. I thought you would enjoy this post Gavin.

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  5. You have such beautiful countryside there that it almost takes the breath away. I love the shots of the abbey.

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    1. There are quite a few ruined Abbeys around the Scottish Borders. I'll have to arrange with Mr Tootlepedal to visit some.

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