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Post by neil6147 on Jul 9, 2006 18:58:48 GMT 10
Thomas (Tom) Weir 1914 - 2006
Broadcaster, climber, author and naturalist. Born in Springburn (Glasgow), the younger brother of actress Molly Weir (b. 1910), Weir's father was killed during World War I when he was just months old. Weir went on to work in a grocer's shop before serving in the Royal Artillery during World War II. After the war he worked briefly as a surveyor for the British national mapping agency the Ordnance Survey, but went on to make a profession of writing. His books, including Highland Days (1948), described his international climbing exploits and his views on environmental issues. He took part in one of the first climbing expeditions to the Himalayas after the Second World War, and also climbed in Greenland, Iran, Kurdistan, Morocco and Syria. Weir became a pioneering campaigner for the protection of the Scottish environment. He was also a regular contributor to the famous Scots Magazine, published by Dundee-based D.C. Thomson.
From 1976, he hosted the Scottish Television (STV) series Weir's Way, in which he travelled around Scotland exploring its landscapes, natural history and meeting the people. This series became a classic and when repeated almost thirty years later still attracted large audiences.
Weir settled in Dumbarton. He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (1992), received an MBE and was honoured by a John Muir lifetime achievement award (2000), presented by his friend and fellow environmentalist, Adam Watson (b.1930). He died in a retirement home at Balloch (West Dunbartonshire), where he had spent the last three years of his life.
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Post by neil6147 on Jul 8, 2006 17:39:24 GMT 10
I have just read of the death of Tom Weir who passed away on Thursday ( 91 ) He to me was Scotland best history teacher with the tv programme called Weir`s Way
Veteran broadcaster, climber and writer Tom Weir died on Thursday at the age of 91.
Weir, who was born in Glasgow, will be best remembered for his TV series Weirs Way.
We will remember him .
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Post by neil6147 on Jun 6, 2006 22:53:51 GMT 10
Crichton Castle is located approx 15 miles south of Edinburgh just of the A68 near to the village of Pathhead. Pathhead has a few shops plus a great Bakers so feel free to buy oyur food for a picnic within the village before travelling along Crichton Road in the village for approx 3 miles. You should be entering the village of Crichton turn right and take the left hand fork in the road and follow this down to Crichton Church. Park your car and take the grass footpath which take you to Crichton Castle. Please note it is best to wear good foot wear for this walk as the path is rough in places. The castle was built in the early 15th century by The Lord Chancellor Crichton. Inside the castle you are greeted with a Diamond - Studded Florentine Arcade on the north wing. This you will agree is an architectural wonder of the 16th century. The ealiest records of the Crichton Estate are on a 13th century charte when Robert 111 presented John De Crichton with the barony of Crichton. Possibly he be gan building the north tower - which after the addition of the north wing , makes it look more as if it to the east. Some hisorians considered his son, the famous Sir William Crichton , to have been the one most likely to have done so and to have added the gatehouse in the 15th century. ( This is th James Crichton who , in 1440 lured the young Earl Douglas and his brother to Edinburgh Castle. They were murdered at the signal of a pig`s head being brought to the table . This famous incident is know as the Black Dinner.) The castle was to have a history of Lords and occupants who were not of the most upright character. In 1483 the 3rd Lord Crichton was incarcerated in the castle for his part in the Duke of Albany`s conspiracy against James 111. Though he managed to escape , the king seized his lands and the castle, giving them to Sir John Ramsay Ironically, Sir John who became the 1st Lord Bothwell, died an obscure and traitorous spy for the English after Sauchieburn. at this James IV forfeited the estate and presented it to Patrick Hepburn, who was made Earl Bothwell. In 1569 te castle was forfeited for the third time when James Hepburn the most notorious Earl Bothwell was found guilty of conspiracy against the crown. Mary Queens of Scots his mistress and later wife visited the castle occasionally. She is reputed to have attended a wedding there in 1572, for one of her many illegitimate half-brothers. It is also reckoned that she spent part of her honeymoon there with Darnley. The initials M S D are cut into the stone above the central pillars on the east side of the courtyard. Do they stand for MARY STUART DARNLEY ? if it is true that she spent her honwymoon there, it seems to be a cruel twist of fate that she would later be married to Crichton`s Lord who was involved in her previous husband`s murder. Below are more of the picture I taken whilst visiting Crichton Castle which is a short drive from where we live. I do believe that Mary Queen of Scots would have visited this castle. As Borthwick Castle is not to far away from Crichton Castle. The Castle has also forward in time and is now fitted with Solar Panels on the top the reason for this to provide light and cooking for the Warden who spend most of the day here for you the tourists. This building lies just to the south of the castle and is not and old Chapel but was the Stable`s. With a living area above for the grooms. This will let you see just how well the horse were looked after in this period of time. Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
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Post by neil6147 on Jul 31, 2006 21:18:22 GMT 10
I have just found this news article which i think might be of great interest to some people. news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/5230674.stmWe are planning to try and visit this show as it is close to us. And get more information for you all. Sorry Jude this will be finished by the time you arrive on Holiday. It would have been great for you as it is only 15 minutes away from your hotel. Neil
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Post by neil6147 on Aug 3, 2006 4:32:54 GMT 10
Hello to you all interested in Mary Queen of Scots. I have found this Article of Mary Queen of Scots. Her death mask is on display in Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festival. The link below also has a short video clip showing and giving some details on the mask and a few other things on show. news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/5236154.stmI have already seen this on display at it origianl location of Lennoxlove House south of Haddington East Lothian. But due to a fire a few back Lennoxlove House home to the Duke of Hamilton it has been closed to the public. This is good for Scotland that it has been allowed back on show at this time of the year with the Edinburgh Festival about to start.
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Post by neil6147 on Jun 5, 2006 7:26:13 GMT 10
Sorry forgot to add this photo to the above link. I shows what is written on the notice board.
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Post by neil6147 on Jun 5, 2006 7:18:41 GMT 10
Hi just been ready here about what has been said regards Mary Queen of Scots. I live in a area where she appears to have spent a lot of time. And infact near the spot where on the 15th June 1567 she surrendered herself to the Confederate Lords near Carberry Hill. Which is also the location of the Battle of Carberry and also south of the Battle of Pinkie. The location of the Surrender is between the Village of Carberry and Elphinstone both in East Lothian. After her capture she was take to nearby Cousland Castle where she was held over night. I have attached some photos taken last year of the spot. And we intend to try and visit on the 15th June this year. img433.imageshack.us/img433/7686/edi2apr05019sm8zi.jpg[/IMGAnd this is the view from the stop looking towards Musselburgh and the Battle of Pinkie Site. Hope this helps to add to the history lesson.
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Post by neil6147 on Jun 3, 2006 7:46:53 GMT 10
Ok going to give an other try due to problems earlier. here is hoping this picture stays on the link this time.
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Post by neil6147 on Jun 3, 2006 1:31:56 GMT 10
Lets say warm with a touch of hot.
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Post by neil6147 on Jun 3, 2006 1:03:31 GMT 10
Hope it works this time here goes every body take cover.
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Post by neil6147 on Jun 3, 2006 0:18:06 GMT 10
Sorry for the delay in writting. But I am just new to the forum. I also was at Lanark on the Sunday Afternoon down in the park and had the camera a the ready for some good photos. Now though a question for you all. Do any of you know who the female is or connection she has to to a certain film about William Wallace. ?. Just wondering I know the answer just wondering about anyone else though.
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