miggy_magic's photostream  

www.blipfoto.com/entry/1669326
Here's Earl Douglas Haig - Field Marshall Haig to his men - and (in)famous leader of the British Army during WWI.

He's tucked away here at the back of Edinburgh Castle but he gets a good view - from his position, I think he can see my flat and the rest of the west of Edinburgh.

I can't claim to know much about Haig. I didn't even realise he was Scottish.

Most of my WW1 military history is gleaned from Blackadder Goes Forth. Poor old Haig was lampooned somewhat, as this excerpt from the script shows.

[Blackadder is informed that a German spy is stealing battle plans]
General Melchett: You look surprised, Blackadder.
Captain Blackadder: I certainly am, sir. I didn't realise we had any battle plans.
General Melchett: Well, of course we have! How else do you think the battles are directed?
Captain Blackadder: Our battles are directed, sir?
General Melchett: Well, of course they are, Blackadder, directed according to the Grand Plan.
Captain Blackadder: Would that be the plan to continue with total slaughter until everyone's dead except Field Marshal Haig, Lady Haig and their tortoise, Alan?
General Melchett: Great Scott! Even you know it!

www.blipfoto.com/entry/1650184

... or so it says spray-painted on to this little lock-up.

I like quirky, ironic graffiti like this. It's the sort of thing I would do if I thought I could get away with it, which I probably could in actual fact, but I'd feel a bit stupid.

www.blipfoto.com/entry/1646892

This was our first trip to Craigmillar Castle, which lies in the south-east of Edinburgh and commands great views over the Forth and the south of the city, in particular the notorious, but impressively regenerating Craigmillar and Niddrie housing estates.

For a wonderful half hour or so, we had the whole castle to ourselves, exploring the many stairways, ramparts and rooms therein. It's much bigger and far more interesting than I thought it'd be. Don't know why, but I assumed it was going to be just a pile of rubble, having never paid much attention to it whenever I've driven past. So it was most definitely a pleasant surprise.

It was hard not to be sentimental as I gazed down to Simpsons Maternity hospital in the castle's shadows where my little Knight and Princess were both born.

Being tight-fisted, I will insist on many more visits as I've shelled out for Historic Scotland membership.

Here's to an historic 2012 :-)

www.blipfoto.com/entry/1644412

On my way to work each day, I pass this decaying monument to 1960s architecture - Shrubhill House - a former council office block with integrated petrol station, as I recall.

Its days were numbered and, some years ago, plans were drawn up for it to be converted into a hotel. But I am guessing those plans have been shelved whilst the economy is on its knees.

Now I think the building is in some ways seeing its finest days. Graffiti artists have left their mark on this building, inside and out. Alas, its lower floors were sealed up to prevent further incursions and therefore further creativity has been snuffed out. I see that one annoyed artist has left a message saying "We only want art. Why do you hate culture?".

I've been meaning to Blip it for a while and today was my chance, for the winds that wreaked havoc a few days ago also blew down the fence that was protecting it from trespassers, vandals and blippers.

Clambering over the broken fence, I managed to find an angle that captured its strange beauty - to me anyway!

Well, each to their own :-)

Not really - just a silly experiment and exercise in lighting. Thanks go to wigsyboy for the master class in lighting