lookdownlookout 31.12.11

I spent Hogmanay at Craig Bhalg in the Mar Lodge Estate,  Braemar, with 11 really good friends. We had been threatening to rent a cottage for a couple of years now and thanks to our friend Adam, this year we finally did it, renting a National Trust property in the Highlands which was really amazing (stags heads, open fires and everything!) 

These photos were not taken in Braemar however. These were taken at the Bridge of Calley the morning after we attempted to get to Braemar but were stopped by the snow on Glenshee. Luckily we found a great wee hotel with a lovely restaurant and crackling fire to stay for the night. We whiled the night away with red wine and scrabble, a great start to our long weekend.

lookdownlookout 28.12.11

After a hectic christmas we escaped to the bowling alley for a game and some non-turkey-based eating. I've always loved coming here and you can't beat a game of bowls to get some competition going between the cousins.

lookdownlookout 26.12.11

Finishing off the year as it began with a walk on the beach in Donegal. Got some new shoes for Christmas so I might have something new to photograph instead of always wearing my Converse!

lookdownlookout 18.12.11

These photos were taken in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery which just reopened at the end of November after 2 years of restoration and renovation. When I used to work at the Galleries this was my always my favourite site and I think that they've done a really great job of renewing it. From what I've heard and seen it has been really busy and seems to be a great success so far.

The top photos were taken in the library which used to be closed to the public but has now been moved to a different room and opened up. It is a lovely room and I really like the big round lampshades and the bookcases showing off the collection.

This is the entrance hall of the SNPG looking particularly lovely at Christmas. The paintings and the gilding have been carefully restored and the space has been modernised with some computer information points sensitively put at one side. This is definitely somewhere I intend to visit lots in 2012.

lookdownlookout 30.11.12

These photos were taken on a day of wandering and shopping in the Old Town. It's been getting dark so early recently and Edinburgh feels lovely and wintery. I like the way the shiny wet ground reflects the streetlights. Also I think that Victoria street looks good whatever the season, with its dramatic sweeping curve as well as the cute shops and restaurants.  


I did cheat a bit here and take these using the Hipstamatic app on my new iPhone but think they capture the atmosphere pretty well.

Lookdownlookout 12.11.11

My folks were visiting Edinburgh last weekend and we spent a lovely Saturday wandering around the new town before going to a concert in the Usher Hall that night. A perfect Edinburgh afternoon with a sunset to match.

lookdownlookout 22.10.11

This sculpture caught my eye whilst dashing through Amsterdam Schipol Airport on the very last wee bit of my mega-journey back to Edinburgh. It made me look twice (maybe it was the jetlag) but I like the sentiment behind it. So go on...