Photos and the City

Category: Nature

  • Arnol White House

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    Arnol No 39 right opposite the Arnol Blackhouse is a “White House” which can also be visited. The cottage is furnished as it was in the 1950s and shows the world into which blackhouse residents moved.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    A different type of house appeared when new health regulations required byre and dwelling to be separated by a wall. The single-walled dwellings cemented with lime mortar were such a contrast they were called taigh-geal (‘white house’). The term taigh-dubh (‘blackhouse’) was used to describe the old houses from then on. (Historic Enviroment Scotland)

    The White House at No 39 was built in the 1920s and lived in until 1976. It looks like a modern-day house. It has solid walls. windows that open, chimneys and a pitched roof.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    After visiting the White House I did another walk around Arnol, this time I went to the nature reserve, not to look out for birds, but just to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    And I found more remains of blackhouses, like this one – where a modern house was built next to a white house that was built next to a blackhouse. I always loved to see these little “stairs” leading up to the former thatched roof.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    View of the three houses next to each other.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    Blackhouse used as a playground, such a lovely idea.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

    A watchful neighbour looking out…

    From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses. From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses. From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses. From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses. From the Arnol White House to the remains of other blackhouses.

     

  • Arnol

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    I arrived in Arnol, a little village on the Isle of Lewis to visit the Arnol Blackhouse, but was too early for my slot. And little did I know that there are so many remains of Blackhouses in Arnol. I used my time to walk around the village and look for all the blackhouses and how they are used today.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Parked at the Arnol Blackhouse and started my walk around…

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Arnol is situated on the west coast of Lewis and is a pretty typical settlement, maybe except for the number of blackhouses that are still to be found.

    The older ones have rounded ends and appear as a series of conjoined cells typically with a central living area/byre with a porch and barn on either side. The later ones can be identified by their gabled end walls and the presence of a stone dividing wall between living area and byre. (Wikipedia)

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    The Arnol Blackhouse museum at No 42 is a great example of how people used to live, it is still in the conditions after the former residents moved out in the 1960s. Around this time the Historic Environment, which cares for the Arnol Blackhouse, asked the residents to not destroy the other remains of blackhouses or reuse the stones for other buildings.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    But the blackhouses are still in use, one of my favourite ones is used as a playground, and others offer storage or just walls for sheep to stay on.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

    Walking around Arnol in Lewis and looking for all the blackhouses.

  • Traigh Shanndaigh – Eoropie

    Eoropie –  the most northern village in the Isle of Lewis. I basically came for two things, the beach and St Moluag’s church.

    Teampall Mholuaidh (St Moluag´s church)

    Walking along Eoropie beach.

    Constructed somewhen between the 12th and 16th century, this little church looks so whimsical, sitting within all the wildflowers. I couldn´t go inside as the church was closed but enjoyed a little walk around the church.

    The church is associated as a place with healing powers, especially for mental health.

    Many people were brought here in the hope of healing, and even those who could not reach the church sent wooden effigies of their afflicted parts. (wikipedia)

    A visitor in 1603 noted that people had sent portions of their lame arms or legs to have lain under the saint.

    Walking along Eoropie beach.

    Walking along Eoropie beach.

    Eoropie Beach

    The first thing you see, even before reaching the dunes is a huge playground. It really is a huge and fabulous playground for all ages. During the week there even seems to be a little kiosk for hot drinks and snacks.

    Walking along Eoropie beach.

    I walked through the dunes and arrived at the endless (and pretty empty) beach.

    Walking along Eoropie beach.

    Walking along Eoropie beach.

    Walking along Eoropie beach.

     

    You will understand the next photo if you have read the “Lewis Trilogy” by Peter May – in these books set in Lewis he always talks about the big churches “looming” over the villages and while driving through Lewis I really understood these words.

    Walking along Eoropie beach.