Threave

 

They had such descriptive names in older times.  If you had a descriptive added to your name by which you would be forever known what would it be?

I'd be Fred the Frivolous.

The castle and its island are part of a Scottish National Trust nature reserve. Some wood carver who knows their creatures has contributed two bench seats along the path from the park-up to the boat jetty.

Buzzard and otter

Kingfisher and heron

Kite, owl, red squirrel and badger

Woodpecker and deer

Bench in the nature reserve.

Boat jetty en route to Threave Castle

On a morning that was calmer than calm we visited the ruins of Threave Castle. A short boat trip to the island in the river Dee (not the same River Dee that Nobby and Gail know.  I am advised by a local of Dumfries, that Nobby's river is The Royal Dee.)

On the little island itself, the freedom from the sounds of a modern world was complete and the silence was like a warm blanket.  Warm sunshine, no breeze at all, and having the place to ourselves completed the enjoyment of the visit.  

All sorts of military history, developments in forifications, power struggles (read 'full on battles', shooting at one another, that kind of thing) between various Scottish power families, seiges, ... centuries of it ..... fill out the history of the place. I mean why else would you build yourself a fortified home, with gunports and curtain walls, on an island in a deep river unless you don't trust your class mates not to covet your estates and influence?

Nature is reclaiming it these days.  There is a peregrine's nest at the top of the tower and evidence of their last meal scattered in feathered disorder at the base of the north wall.  A heron flew by, red kites whirled overhead. According to the very chatty hobby wildlife photographer I encountered on the return stroll, this river is well stocked with salmon and trout, but the National Trust doesn't permit any fishing.