The Idea of North

On the journey north from Glasgow there were a lot
of scenes like these. I ended up taking pictures of the trees
I tried to get the various kinds. Spruce, fir, pine, larch. Also lots of  silver birch and oak.

Then suddenly we got a view like this. I think it's Ardgartan Hotel in Arrochar  on Loch Long.

We had a bit of excitement when the train passengers realised that the emergency vehicle was a bomb disposal unit! 

This should have been the first picture - it is the Clyde between Cardross and Helensburgh

This is Loch Sheil from the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Not sure, but this has the feel of Loch Lomond about it - we were coming south again at this point.

Provand's Lordship

Provand's Lordship is the oldest house in Glasgow - 500 years old. It is the last remaining original building of the cathedral precinct.

When my father was a minister in the Church of Scotland, we lived in a manse with walls this thick in the pre Reformation part of the house.It was sooo cold - until the night storage heaters were installed!

The garden at the back is designed in a Renaissance style - and there is quite a large herb garden round the front and right hand side. I suppose that is from the days when the house had connections with St Nicholas Hospital .

I loved the richly-carved heavy dark wood furniture - it is just so right with the stone walls.

Evie, for some reason this single red brick caught my eye and made me think of you!

We did wonder if we would get back in this tiny doorway!

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and if you get this far , you really must go across the road to the St Mungo Museum of  Religious Life and Art. This museum have an excellent café on the ground floor (even if they happen to be serviing lentil soup every time I go!) It looks out on to a Zen garden. And from the top floor there are excellent views of the Cathedral and the Necropolis.
St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art

The Necropolis near Glasgow Cathedral

This is a high place in the east end of Glasgow - behind the Cathedral and the Royal Infirmary - and with good views over the city in all directions.

The first photos reminded me of the meaning of Glasgow - a dear green place.
I am fascinated by the idea of life coming out of stony places.
And impressed by the detail of the art carved into the stone.

More information here