#acotland

[scotianostra]

William Notman the pioneering photographer was born on March 8th 1826.

Notman was born and raised in Paisley and after leaving school worked in a family firm but when it ran into financial difficulties William Notman decided to move to Montréal at the age of 30.

After a short stint working at a dry goods firm, he set up a small photography studio and never looked back. James Hodges, the engineer for the Grand Trunk Railway, asked Notman to photograph the stages in the construction of the Victoria Bridge. In 1860, Notman photographed the Prince of Wales during his visit to Montréal, then placed over 350 of the photographs into a maple box. This box was presented to the Prince of Wales by the Canadian government, an honour that earned Notman the title of "Photographer to the Queen." Also in 1860, Notman took part in the founding of the Art Association of Montreal, and the association's very first meeting was held in Notman's studio.

The studio flourished and by 1874 it had 55 employees. At one time Notman employed as many as six or eight photographers, and by the end of his 35-year career he had provided work for more than 40 photographers. Notman also employed artistic painters; they made it possible for him to offer customers hand-painted full-scale portraits. Notman's photographers immortalized the most influential men and women of the day, the most beautiful panoramas, the wildest and the most developed regions in the country, the latest technological advances and native Canadians.

By around 1865, Notman owned three very large studios in Montreal. His customer service was, even by modern standards, unbelievably superb and he was much saught after by many for porttrait photgraphs. The first pic is of Nottman himself, the second is, what us Scots would call "A stoater" of Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill in 1895. Five men curling doesn't have a location, but the print his held by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The fourth one is The Bounce, Montreal Snow Shoe Club in 1886, to me this one is very impressive, this is not too far from the days when people had to stay still for some time to get their photo taken, and shows the strides made in photography. Finally another beauty shows Young Niisitapiikwan (Blackfoot) warrior, near Calgary, 1889. Check out more of his work on this website https://notmansociety.wordpress.com/

[collective-architecture]

To celebrate our 10th Year as Collective Architecture, we’re delighted to be taking part in Glasgow Door’s Open Days Festival this year, a fantastic programme of events which runs from the 11th to 17th September. We’re opening our studio situated at the top floor of the Mercat Building from 4pm on Sunday 17th. We’ve also put together a suggested itinerary for the Sunday of events in the surrounding area.

There are a variety of fascinating walks taking place in the East End. At 11am Dr Ronnie Scott is leading a tour of Glasgow’s City Centre Lanes, leaving from the Mercat Cross. the tour promises to discover some often overlooked aspects of the city centre.. Also at 11am, Glasgow Through The Ages III - The Enlightenment City, takes in the architecture of the Scottish Enlightenment.   . You can also get a tour of the River Clyde bridges at 10am and 1pm  or join the Bridgeton Heritage Trail at 2pm. 

As you’re heading along the Trongate don’t miss an opportunity to pop into the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, open 11am - 5pm both Saturday and Sunday, as well as during the week. It’s the worlds oldest surviving music hall and where Stan Laurel made his debut in 1906!  Then head down to Glasgow Green where you can see inside the West Boathouse and book a taster rowing session. 

If you’re in need of some lunchtime refreshment, Drygate brewery are hosting tours all day Sunday 17th, and serve a fantastic menu in addition to an extensive range of beers. Alternatively head along to 202 Gallowgate where the lovely Soul Food Sisters will show you how to make a variety of delicious dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world . On the way don’t miss the new Billy Connelly mural ‘Big Yin’ by Rachel McLean and Jim Lambie’s Gallowgate Park Album Pathway.

At 2pm Calton Heritage Trail led by Peter Mortimer takes in the architecture of Glasgow Cross, the Barras and the history of the weaving industry. Starting outside the Mercat building, it finishes just in time to come along to our Open Studios event where you can admire panoramic views of the south of the city and hear a short series of talks on themes of Heritage, Housing and Culture.

At 4:30pm we have a series of 10 minute talks from clients and collaborators, including Conservation Architect Fiona Sinclair and photographer Andrew Lee who will be discussing heritage. Followed by Peter Martin, Development Director of Sanctuary Scotland (responsible for the redevelopment of Victoria Hospital) and Helen Moore from Reidvale Housing Association Board. Patricia Fleming (Patricia Fleming Projects) and Lizzie Smith from Collective Architecture round off the event, talking about arts and culture projects, including the Trails and Tales arts trail for East Dumbartonshire council. The event is free, but ticketed as space is limited.

Other events we recommend:

Northlight heritage are hosting a series of events exploring the Future of Pollok Stables this month, including an event on Sunday 17th September 11-4pm which explores the challenges currently facing the buildings, from flooding to dry rot, and what they need to preserve them for future generations. These hands-on sessions are drop in - no need to book.

The fabulous Glasgow Women’s library are leading a tour ‘Women of the East End’ on Saturday 16th September. 

Our friends at the Anderston Kelvingrove Church are open Saturday and Sunday, if you’ve ever wondered what’s inside the green pyramid go along and hear about it’s history and plans for the future of the building.   Its just a short walk from Finneston and an opportunity to see our latest housing development under construction, due for completion 2018. 

[scotianostra]

1st February 1692 saw troops move south from Fort William and billeted with the MacDonalds at Glencoe.

When the MacDonalds saw the redcoats marching over their valley it must have been quite a shock, however they were under the protection of Fort William garrison and had no reason to fear these soldiers. Instead at the company’s request to be billeted, they welcomed them into their homes and gave them food and drink.

Glenlyon told the Chief they were collecting taxes from each clan, by order of Colonel Hill. He could even produce papers to that effect. This satisfied the MacDonalds. The captain, Glenlyon, was billeted in the Clan Chief’s own house. Glenlyon’s neice was married to the Chief of the MacDonalds youngest son, and Glenlyon also visited daily with his niece and her new family. 

The rest of the company were billeted in homes up and down the valley about 3 or 4 to a house. Unknown to Clan MacDonald fatal danger now lay within the heart of each home.

The redcoats stayed with the MacDonalds for almost two weeks.........more to come on February

[lythi]

•´¯`•. 𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕕𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕠 𝕗𝕝𝕪 𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕫𝕠𝕟, 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕕𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕤. .•´¯`• #acotland #edinbugh #visitedinburgh #unitedkingdom #explorepage #explore #viral #vibes #vsco #travelphotography #trip #tumblr #travel #triplovers #photography #perfect #beautiful #girl #model #instagood #instagram (at Edinburgh, Scotland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV_uejUrXEC/?utm_medium=tumblr

[leejaygee]

Well today I finally made it to the top, but by God did it nearly kill me. Storm came out of nowhere, couldn't see in front of me and wind was mental. Got there in the end though #hiking #mountains #acotland #scottishcountryside #benmore (at Ben More (Crianlarich)) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_vzIvFvdt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nu8vrwv3b7xv

[leejaygee]

From a seaplane I took on my birthday #scottishnature #scottishwilderness #hills #acotland #seaplane (at Loch Lomond Shores)

[yorkalina]

Scotland

You should of got out while you had the chance