The Shard – London

Posted on September 7, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of the much visited and photographed ‘Shard’, which now dominates London’s skyline. Also known as the ‘Shard of Glass’ this 87 storey giant was officially opened on 1 Feb 13 and is currently the tallest building in the European Union.

The Shard

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Leadenhall Market – City of London

Posted on September 7, 2014 by John Mallaney

Having never really had a stroll around the City of London it was quite a surprise to find this Victorian market sitting amongst the prominent, modern high rise buildings. The market, which dates back to the 14th century, is surprisingly quiet during the weekends, as like much of the immediate area is closed until the hustle and bustle of business returns on Monday morning. The very unusual image showing the hanging books is by artist Richard Wentworth and is named the ‘False Ceiling’, which includes 1600 books. This is a gem of a place and well worth visiting, particularly during the weekend.

Leadenhall Market

Mrs Peacock

Posted on August 26, 2014 by John Mallaney

Following up on my last post, here are a few shots of Mr Peacock’s other half.

Peacock

Mr Peacock

Posted on August 26, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of a peacock taken recently at Scone Palace in Scotland. Although native to Southern Asia and Malaysia, they are commonly seen in stately homes, palaces and castles in the UK. Owing to their spectacular appearance and fan like rear feathers it is no surprise that the Chinese then the Europeans just had to import them.

Peacock

Black Linn Waterfall

Posted on August 26, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of Black Linn waterfall which can be found in the Hermitage woodland near Dunkeld, Scotland. The Hermitage is run by the National Trust for Scotland and is most famed for the numerous Douglas Fir trees which are the tallest in Britain. I didn’t have the time to explore the Firs, so on this occasion the waterfall will have to do. Well worth a visit.

Black Linn waterfall

Grey Wagtail

Posted on August 19, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of a grey wagtail, which is more colourful than its name suggests.

Grey Wagtail

Scottish Red Deer

Posted on August 17, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of the ever so impressive and athletic red deer taken at Blair Atholl estate in Perthshire, Scotland. I have a number of favourites however, the array of antlers peering over the top is my top pick.

Red Deer Stags

Red Deer

Red Deer Stags

Red Deer

Red Deer Stags

Red Deer

Red Deer Stags

Scone Palace, Scotland

Posted on August 10, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of Scone Palace in Scone, Perthshire. The Palace, constructed in 1808, is currently the home of the Earl of Mansfield and was the ancient crowning place for Scottish Kings on the stone of Scone (now in Edinburgh Castle). Kings crowned here include Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II. The palace is set amongst beautiful gardens which include the unique tartan maze. Again, no interior photography was permitted, so only external shots of the Palace are in this post; however I think they show the palace and grounds in a spectacular light.

Scone Palace

Scone Palace (Stone of Scone – not the real one!)

Scone Palace

Glamis Castle, Scotland

Posted on August 10, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of Glamis castle near Forfar, Scotland, currently the residence of The Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. The castle is renowned for being the childhood home of HRH Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and the birthplace of HRH Princess Margaret. As guided tours are the only option for exploring the interior (I prefer to explore at my own pace!), the history of the castle and inhabitants were adequately explained, including the ghostly goings-on, which is why the castle is considered one of the most haunted in Britain. Sadly, much to the frustration of myself and the many foreign tourists, photography of the interior was not permitted, although I did manage to sneak a single shot which is below. On the plus side the weather on the day was untypically Scottish, so reasonable shots of the exterior were at least possible.