Proof That It Doesn't Always Rain in Scotland

ossian

ossian

Senior Member
Location
Scotland
Over the past few days we have had some lovely weather here in Scotland. Even an astropnaut was impressed. So much so that he took a picture of our small but perfectly formed country as he flew overhead in his Space Station. I will hold on to this..... just for proff, you understand, in case I ever doubt this! :D

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Ameriscot said:
No it's not depressing. Even on cloudy or rainy days it's still the most beautiful country in the world!
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You are absolutely right, Ameriscot. It is not just the landscape that is impressive here but the way that the weather highlights that landscape. The clouds, light and shadows make everything look much more dramatic. On bright, clear days the landscape in no where near so inspiring. [........I used to console myself with that fact when trying to get myself off some mountain or other in a storm!]
 
Are there any trees there? Every time I see a picture of Scotland, I want to get out my shovel and some seedlings and start planting. Were the trees wiped out years ago to make pastures?
 
Phoenix said:
Are there any trees there? Every time I see a picture of Scotland, I want to get out my shovel and some seedlings and start planting. Were the trees wiped out years ago to make pastures?
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Yes there are plenty of trees but the mountains are not covered in trees at higher levels. Forestry was a big part of the Scottish economay after the 2nd World War. However, a lot of the natural Caledonian pine forest is now gone and a prgramme of sustainable reforestation is in place.

However, management of the land through the centuries for sheep and hunting estates has influenced the landscape and the reduction in the natural woodlands. Even before that, the burning of oak and other species in iron founderies diminished the natural stocks before that. But we do still have plenty of trees!

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Phoenix said:
Are there any trees there? Every time I see a picture of Scotland, I want to get out my shovel and some seedlings and start planting. Were the trees wiped out years ago to make pastures?
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Tons of trees. A forest behind my house. Some of the islands have few or no trees but the mainland has tons of forest.
 
I really hope to spend some time with my son and grandson discovering Scotland and all its natural beauty. I'm thinking in about three years my grandson will be old enough to appreciate such a trip (when he's 8).

My one and only visit was five years ago and sadly, it rained pretty much every day. We stayed in Glasgow, arriving by train to a wind-driven heavy drizzle which made our walk to the Marriott while hauling our luggage such a treat. A few days later, a huge rain/wind storm knocked out the a/c in our hotel for two days. It didn't rain all the time, but it did shower on and off every day as I recall. I'm afraid that visit rather "dampened" my wife's desire to return, but now that we have proof that it doesn't always rain in Scotland, I'm all set for a return visit, camera in hand. :)
 
Bobw235 said:
I really hope to spend some time with my son and grandson discovering Scotland and all its natural beauty. I'm thinking in about three years my grandson will be old enough to appreciate such a trip (when he's 8).

My one and only visit was five years ago and sadly, it rained pretty much every day. We stayed in Glasgow, arriving by train to a wind-driven heavy drizzle which made our walk to the Marriott while hauling our luggage such a treat. A few days later, a huge rain/wind storm knocked out the a/c in our hotel for two days. It didn't rain all the time, but it did shower on and off every day as I recall. I'm afraid that visit rather "dampened" my wife's desire to return, but now that we have proof that it doesn't always rain in Scotland, I'm all set for a return visit, camera in hand. :)
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Just check out some of my pics. She will want to visit!
 
Bobw235 said:
I really hope to spend some time with my son and grandson discovering Scotland and all its natural beauty. I'm thinking in about three years my grandson will be old enough to appreciate such a trip (when he's 8).

My one and only visit was five years ago and sadly, it rained pretty much every day. We stayed in Glasgow, arriving by train to a wind-driven heavy drizzle which made our walk to the Marriott while hauling our luggage such a treat. A few days later, a huge rain/wind storm knocked out the a/c in our hotel for two days. It didn't rain all the time, but it did shower on and off every day as I recall. I'm afraid that visit rather "dampened" my wife's desire to return, but now that we have proof that it doesn't always rain in Scotland, I'm all set for a return visit, camera in hand. :)
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If you are returning, then come in Autumn or Spring. I know that you will want to photograph the place and Autumn is best for this. Late September and October give clear skies and crystal clear visibilty........ assuming that it does not rain! Spring is good too, but the colours are not as strong, the days are longer and, therefore, the light is not so dramatic. Summer is not a great time to photograph Scotland. The light is washed out a bit and hazy.

And, I always take my holidays in mid-October when I visit the North West Highlands. I can tell you that the last 3 years have been great weather and conditions. I cannot remember before that, to be honest, but I do remember brilliant conditions in the past too. The pics in my gallery give an idea of the light and colours at this time of year as most of my pics are taken at that time.

BTW.......... Glasgow on a rainy day is not too bad. It means that you don't need to go out and see the place! Sorry, to any Glaswegians!
 
Ossian, what a beautiful place. Looks kind of like it does around here. Here the trees were cut down by logger for profit. Thankfully now there are laws that require the areas to be replanted. Unfortunately that results in plantation type replanting without the variety of species required for a healthy ecosystem.

One of the things that a lot of people don't realize is that old growth forests help replenish our oxygen supply much more than young trees, shrubs and grass. I feel sorry for the people who are young now. They are going to run out of air suitable for breathing because of our mismanagement of our environment on all levels. When we buy things from China for example, we are contributing to the destruction of that air supply. They don't have the regulations in place at all to help reduce carbon emissions. I feels bad for the people who have to live in that.
 
Phoenix said:
Ossian, what a beautiful place. Looks kind of like it does around here. Here the trees were cut down by logger for profit. Thankfully now there are laws that require the areas to be replanted. Unfortunately that results in plantation type replanting without the variety of species required for a healthy ecosystem.

One of the things that a lot of people don't realize is that old growth forests help replenish our oxygen supply much more than young trees, shrubs and grass. I feel sorry for the people who are young now. They are going to run out of air suitable for breathing because of our mismanagement of our environment on all levels. When we buy things from China for example, we are contributing to the destruction of that air supply. They don't have the regulations in place at all to help reduce carbon emissions. I feels bad for the people who have to live in that.
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Phoenix, after the war huge swathes of sitka spruce were planted across the country. This is now being harvested since the crops have now matured. In their place we are trying to plant replacement broad leaf and original pines, such as Scots pines. Gradually the natural woodlands are re-emerging, but they are still very young. A few years ago I was given a tree for my Christmas. This was a tree planted in my name in Glen Affric. I chose some words to be said when it was planted, and recived a certificate telling me where it was and when it was planted. I have also given that gift to others. In this way, natural species are planted across Scotland.

Trees For Life
 
It's neat that they were replanted. So you are a tree hugger too. My dad (born in 1913) was a logger. I'm from a line of loggers. The first day on my paternal grandfather's new job, (Oct. 1929)a tree fell on him and killed him. Dad was fifteen. It was a hard life back then. The property I live on now had been partially cleared for pasture. When my husband and I moved into this house, we planted a bunch of trees all over the yard, transplanting young seedlings away from the house. Those trees are now old enough to harvest according to some, but there's no way we would let that happen. Our place is a lot cooler in the heat that some of the places around here, where the pastures remain. After we replanted, others in the area started doing that on their personal property as well. Unfortunately, some of the steep hillsides are still raped down to bare soil, and it ends up in the river, causing problems for the fish and other critters living there. But some people are learning.
 
I suppose I am a kinda tree hugger. I love the land and the outdoors - including the trees and the creatures on, in and above that land. :)

That was tragic about your grandfather. He really was young too. It must have been so hard for your grandmother raising her family after that.

Large areas of Scotland had been covered in dense sitka plantations which were starving out natural growth and wildlife was suffering as a consequence. As they plantations are cleared, they are trying to plant more sustainable forestry in their place. A very, very long term process, but worthwhile none the less.
 
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