Thank you all for tuning in today. I apologise for the low audio in this video. I've removed all ads to prevent any sudden loud disruptions if you raise the volume on your device. I'll look into the audio issue and ensure it's resolved for the next video. My apologies once more!
@@ruthaisling Ruth, something has happened to drop the sound volume of this video - I can barely hear it. I hope it's just me and my computer, but it was fine when the video was new and no other of your videos are giving me the same problem. I've turned everything up and will keep checking on my end. Just in case the issue IS on your end, I thought I'd let you know. Everything else is wonderful. Enjoy, be well!
I’m working to catch up on Ruth’s wonderful videos. The content, obvious hard work, ideas, research, talent, skills & knowledge are remarkable. For me, she is a economical wordsmith. No vacuous cliches or BS.
Lovely video Ruth thank you! I recognise that lighthouse from other vloggers trips there but yours was magical with the sunrise & the rainbow & I was fascinated (& saddened) buy the fish pond place. Everywhere you take us is wonderful & you show us things others haven't 😍
No idea if you look at comments on old video but we have just come back from a brilliant couple of weeks in our campervan in southwest Scotland and this video is probably one of the main reasons we went there. Mull of Galloway, Portpatrick, Dunskey Castle, Stranraer (and Wanlockhead) - we enjoyed them all. Thanks so much!
I was in this area as a small boy with my family back in 1967 (I think - I recall "Excerpt from a teenage opera" being a hit at the time and google tells me that was 1967, so let's go with that.) We stayed in a guest house in Glenluce and visited most of the places you showed in this video, so it brings back a lot of memories - Portpatrick, Port Logan, the fish pond, the botanic gardens, and the Mull of Galloway lighthouse which I went up - so fascinating for a wee boy!
Hi Ruth, yes I remember seeing red squirrels as a child when I lived in Shepherd's Bush in West London back in the late 1950's. I've also seen black squirrels while walking in Stevenage, Hertfordshire back in the 1990's. Love your professionally made content and have been binge watching most of today. You have given me food for thought and made my bucket list of places to see very long. Thank you.
There is actually a remnant of temperate rainforest in Galloway. Sheep grazing is one of the main reasons trees are absent from large areas and latterly the expanding deer population. Regeneration cannot take place as seedling are quickly nibbled and also sheep cause a lot of soil erosion on the now treeless hillsides/mountains and create pathways that act as fast flowing runnels channelling rain. Another reason is the maintenance of large upland estates used for grouse shooting etc. It is the same here in Wales where vast areas are deforested due to massive overgrazing by almost ten million sheep (there are less than three million people however many of which have no access to any land whatsoever and cannot afford it)
Absolutely stunning video! Between Port Patrick, the castles & that beautiful sunrise, it's hard to pick the highlight. I love how you edit your videos, as well as your commentary... It really makes anyone watching, feel like they are coming along for the adventure. 😊
Thanks for another lovely video such a treat to watch on Sunday night before the working week , I love your enthusiasm and that you take us to parts of Scotland that don't get much promotion from the tourism industry....really appreciated hope you have a lovely week ahead Ruth 😊
In Arkansas, USA, there are four kinds of squirrels, Red, Grey, Black and Flying. Yes, we have flying squirrels. They are much smaller than the other kind. All the squirells love to raid our bird feeders and are fun to watch. Ruth, thank you for all of your hard work to keep your adoring fans entertained.
It was on the path by Dunskey Castle that I encountered a sunbathing Adder, which is interesting because the Port is named after Saint Patrick (his departing point) who is creited for expelling snakes from Ireland on that trip.
First of all I'd like to thank for your efforts to film those rural areas of Scotland so you did a great job Ruth. The most noticable things near that village of Port Partrict for me are castle, historical communication buildings.The boulders around were used to build up the houses and the fence by the locals. I can't wait to see your next destination in Scotland, keep it up 👋
Thank you so much for these informative and entertaining videos. Scotland is truly breathtaking. My great-great-grandfather emigrated from SW Scotland to Upper Canada (now Ontario) in the 1850s. I now live in SW Nova Scotia (New Scotland) -- it's also a relatively undiscovered scenic gem in this Atlantic Canadian province. Great seafood too!
What wonderful videos. I have always wanted to visit Scotland but at 67 years old I’m not sure that will happen. I have also subscribed to your channel so I’m sure not to miss anything. Thank you so much.
I got so excited seeing this trip. My family, the Stewart’s- immigrated to America from Dumfries-Galloway. I can just imagine them roaming the hills. Thanks for the great video!
I would love to see more castles. Do you go to Perth? No one ever talks about it. The people who raised me are from there. What an amazing video, plants, light house, haunted castle, jagged coast and the music made it. Really lovely.
Thanks for showing us the beauty of Southern Scotland. I have been to Scotland on six trips but never ventured below Ayrshire. Looks like I have missed something special. Love Scotland and all your videos...thanks!
Lovely video of a very special part of Scotland to us, I've been visiting there for over 60 years, first with my parents, then with my own children, and now with my wife, always staying at New England Bay caravan site, We don't consider our caravans, and now campervan, christened untill they're been to the Rhinns!! Re you driving in France, if your confident driving your Camper in Scotland, you'll have no issues driving in France, the roads over three are far superior, and less crowed outside of cities than in the UK. We spent June touring France, and september touring Scotland, France was far more relaxing to drive, less traffic, virtually no hold ups and smooth roads, no pot holes lol.just go for it, and enjoy.
That's so lovely to hear you know the area so well. What's your favourite thing to do when visiting? Thanks for the information about driving in France, that's really helpful to know. I had always imagined it would be so busy so it's good to hear that the roads are quieter.
A lovely video, thank you. Not a lot of people realise how far south Scotland goes - it's further south than a large chunk of England (Northumberland), and the Mull of Galloway here is even further south than Newcastle Upon Tyne or Durham! On a sunny day, Port Logan beach looks like something out of the Caribbean with azure blue seas and white sands, with flowering Yucca everywhere. The seawater is crystal clear, but not too warm though, even in high Summer it's a chilly 13c. Girvan, Croy and Ayr up the coast have warmer bathing beaches.
I began to watch your video a couple of months ago. I'm always fascinated by the beauty of Scotland where I have never been to! ! Many thanks from Japan.
Thank you again Ruth. I’m really enjoying your natural organic approach to presenting your Vlogs and you always give the impression of the moment, come sunshine, rain, sunrise, sunset, tough, beautiful…frequently finished up with a little tot of whiskey… just how I like it. I was in Port Patrick only last Sunday having wanted to share this beautiful place with my girlfriend…. Really lovely, also to see how much Stranraer has picked up in its fortunes since the ferries moved across the loch… I have been to the Rhins many times over the years along with pretty much all of Scotland over 35 years…. still enjoy the mountains the Glens the sea, the quiet places and some of the beautiful cities and towns
Advice for traveling in a van across France = be very very alert & cautious. Love your channel. So glad you tell us about some of the history in the places you stop in. Love Scotland!! 👍❤️🇺🇸
Although the cables you came across are almost certainly long since decommissioned and unused and thus not carrying current and safe to touch, it's precisely such things that are why local municipalities caution people to never dig on their properties without first consulting with local authorities to make sure that they won't come across live wires and cables that could potential harm them and/or cause a disruption in service. I recently did some digging on our front lawn to prep the ground for some plants that I wanted to put in, around 8-12 inches deep, and while I didn't find any live wires I did come across some pieces of old cables and conduit and other obvious man made construction and utility objects. Made me feel like an amateur archeologist (of the fairly recent past)! I have actually worked on a dig so it did somewhat remind me of that. Anyway, be careful folks! And, nice video, as always, especially the done shots. Stunning!
Thanks for the important attention that you draw to all these destinations. My mother's side of the family hail from former West Germany, which accounts for many fond memories 15:51 of Europe. As for the UK, I've flown over Ireland, which was gorgeously verdant, but I've only spent time in London. Thanks for sharing so much of the bits that I've missed. Your efforts help round out my notions of what I feel l not to be superior, as such, but an important shoal of humanity. Your passion captures my heart. PS: We have mostly grey squirrels, in Michigan.
The grey squirrels you see there are actually an invasive species. They were imported from N. America, and compete with the red squirrels. There are folks who try and limit the populations of grey squirrels in the UK via hunting and other methods to preserve the red squirrel population.
Portpatrick had a very early electricity system. A burn was dammed south of the village and dc electricity was generated and supplied to a battery house in Hill Street. It then supplied the local landowners estate house and the Portpatrick Hotel on the cliffs. The bacle can still be found in Heugh Road in wooden troghs filled with pitch. It didn't last long as the burn was very silty and filled the dam and the biggest demand was n the summer when the hotel was full and there was less water to generate.
I was down there last year when it was warm but a bit windy. The lighthouse was a great location we stopped at for some time. The nearby cafe has a great cliff view witch was amazing in the wind. The vertical updraft at 50mph was fun and almost lifted us of our feet when we to looked over the edge. Loved that trip.
How wonderful, I really love these kinds of videos Ruth, so different from all the tourist destinations in Scotland ,you see on RUclips. They always seem to look the same. Everyone seems to do the same thing these days.I think you would have definitely looked the part of being French if you had some onions around your neck, LOL 😂
Dan and I went to the Mull o' Galloway 6 years ago, days after my father died. We travelled there from our base in Dumfries. It was so beautiful, warm and sunny. We also visited the tranquil Logan Botanic Gardens. It waa a grand day! ❤ Thank you for this fabulous video!
I totally agree with you, this is the best bit of Scotland and it's something most people miss. There are very good campsites at Sandyhills Bay and Brighouse Bay on the way there. I share your excitement about visiting the extremes of the country and believe me, the southernmost point of Scotland is so much more impressive than the same point in England! That castle looks amazing, it's definitely on the list now! I love the views we get on the coasts of the Irish Sea, seeing the other parts of the UK from a single point (I think you have to go to the Isle of Man to see all of them). Thank you so much for making such enjoyable videos. All good wishes, Pete in the Lake District.
Hi, you asked why there are no trees on Orkney. The simple answer is the WIND, but in a few sheltered places there are a few trees. Our guide said it is normally so windy you will find the bins kept on their sides so they don't blow away, Take care keep smiling !!!!
There are few trees in Orkney because of the incessant winds blowing any seeds half way between Orkney and Norway. The strong continuous winds do it. Rmb5*
You love to visit special geographic areas which cool. You are becoming a map geek. When you were in NZ, did you visit Slope Point in the South Island? It is the most southerly point on the island. Head due East and your first landfall is the coast of Chile, go due west and first landfall is the coast of Argentina
Great adventure Ruth! Portpatrick was so picturesque. I would love to visit there! Beautiful plants and flowers in the botanical garden. Our squirrels are grey here in PA in the United States. Beautiful most southern point of Scotland! Wonderful video Ruth!❤
My Dad went to the Mull of Galloway school ,,I remember as a small child he told me that 9 tides meet at the Mull and you can see 5 Kingdoms from the Mull .. Scotland, England, Isle of Man, Wales and Ireland
Thanks for another lovely outing. You know, just about 43 km east of Stranraer, around Wigtown, you might run into a nice young gentleman who has had a wee bit of success putting up a RUclips video or two. He has a charming smile, but if he asks you to get into his crush so he can check your feet, just decline politely and back away. 😂😂😂
I & my father have been to the Mull of GALLOWAY LIGHTHOUSE many years ago & we were able to get the chance to get up to the top of the Lighthouse & like you were could see the Isle of Man, which l had been to some years before, many thanks for the tour of this part of the great country of Scotland. ... Take care around the cliffs, it can be Dangerous if the wind is gusting .
I have spent many holidays at Morroch Bay . A cottage on the beach about 2 miles from Portpatrick Fabulous quiet place just us and our dogs. Where they could be free and swim whenever they wanted. Galloway is fabulous .
As a tourist in 2017, my family and I visited Stranraer. We have good memories there of walking around the harbor and getting free pint glasses at a local pub to take home. Nice town.
@@dudleysdadThanks for the feedback! I was whispering so I didn’t scare away any red squirrels or disturb the wildlife photographers at the lighthouse at sunrise. I’ll try and avoid whispering next time!
First video of yours I've seen, really disappointed by the too quite audio, even when not whispering, then the numerous bon skippable mid roll ads! Just awful. Had to stop watching it was too jarring.
Yes another lovely video Ruth👍 , I have been to Stranraer with its miniature railway and Port Patrick and love it down that part of Scotland😊 , you forgot to mention that the film called the Wicker man was made in locations around the coast there , apart from the stunning sunsets to be seen on the west coast ♥.
Another lovely and informative video, Ruth. Those botanical gardens were amazing. I have to admit, when you were running towards the cliff edge to achieve your goal, all I could think was "don't slip, don't slip, don't slip". LOL. I guess we'll have to add Port Patrick and area to our list of places to see in Scotland, especially now that we've done Muckle Flugga. :) Have a great week! PS Jean-Paul looked vaguely familiar. I can't think why.
Oh yes, it'll be nice to compare it to Muckle Flugga! Haha I think the camera / drone made it look like I was closer to the edge than I actually was 😂 Thank you, I hope you have a great week too! Hopefully I'll get some more French practice in with Jean-Paul 😂
Oh my gosh, I walked that same stretch to the castle in Sept 2017. I saw the castle and marveled at the cliffs. Just adored that little town. I'm glad to know the name of the castle now. Now I can research it.
If you’re seeking a more intensive spoken French language course I recommend Geraldine and her RUclips channel Comme Une Francaise. She has private courses through her website and she REALLY focuses on street level spoken French.
Stranraer is a town I frequented many many times Ruth over the years as it used to be the port for the ferries arriving from Belfast / Larne. It used to be a bustling town in those days but maybe not so much now as Csirnryan has taken over. Portpatrick was a popular stop on occasions. From memory it was a place called Cross Keys hotel which I am sure is long gone. The drive from Stranraer north to Ayr is a lovely drive. A passion for a football team in Dundee sadly. I had no idea there was so much to see on that little peninsula. Another great video Ruth thank you.
Thank you Jim! That's how I remember Stranraer with all the lorries coming and going for the ferry. I love that drive from Starnraer to Ayr too. On a sunny day it's the best, with a wee stop off in Girvan for some fish and chips 😂
When I moved to North Carolina I was surprised to see Fox Squirrels. They’re larger than the gray squirrels and they’re mostly black, with white markings.
Nice one! Aye, R.L. Stevenson was part of the lighthouse Stevenson family. He penned a good part of Treasure Island in the Highland village of Braemar and the house he rented there all those years ago is now a B&B, so you can still stay there.
Ruth, I'm frightened to binge-watch your videos in case I watch all of them. Please keep them coming! I live in Germany and have red squirrels in the garden. People here have no conception of what a grey squirrel is.
Great video Ruth, thank you. Fabulous location. I'm now familiar with most of the sights you have taken us to. I moved from England just over a year ago to a village in Dumfries and Galloway on the coast. So much to explore in this area. I have shared this video with some of my friends friends down south so they can see how lovely this part of Scotland is. Thanks again 😊
@@ruthaisling Hi Ruth, I moved to Creetown. It's very beautiful here and I'm not far at all from some pretty beaches. It was definitely the right choice to move to Scotland. ❤
Ruth you are my fav traveller and my fav videos. I would love to go on a crossing trip by ferry with you and see some of the very gorgeous places of Scotland. You have a lovely personality and your content is always realistic. I loved the whirlpool videos you did and the meals you make look so yummy. Pls make many more and as you enjoy all this it really shows in your reports and what you speak about.
Thank you for this wonderful video Ruth.Never seen that part of Scotland before.Very interesting & beautiful.We here in Australia have a place called Cape York in Queensland.Where of course, just like in your video.One cannot go any further unless by boat.Very much enjoy your videos.Thank you.😁
Hi Ruth, thoroughly enjoying the videos (doing catchup), I'm originally from Stranraer myself now based in London, hopefully will be back up to The Toon next month for a family visit. Always like to do some cliff walking at Portpatrick so I was chuffed that you have made this video, I've spent many a summer cycling to Sandhead back in the day. Last time I was at Kirkmadrine was 20 years ago, another ancient graveyard is situated at Monreith by St Medan golf course, on the approach road is a sculpture of an Otter representing author Gavin Maxwell (Ring of Bright Water) who was born and brought up in the area, Elrig House is the family seat nearby. The old St Medan chapel and graveyard has headstones dating back to the 1600s.
Hi Ruth, I have been in that area many times in my working life, usually coming off the ferry in wee hours of the morning in my truck. I went to Port Patrick with my caravan one year, I think it was the one near the old castle on your video. It turned out to be the wettest two weeks of the year. So thanks for showing me the lovely surrounding area. I still remember cars slipping on the wet grass as we all helped each other to get our vans off the site.
Wow Ruth you certainly do your research on the places you visit and bring out the very best of otherwise hidden Scotland. I love the way you lower your tone to a whisper when you deem yourself to be somewhere reverent. :o) Great job, looking forward to your further adventures and France.
Been there 1995 (castle and light house) - and loved it. Thanks for showing it again. The garden reminds me of Inverewe Gardens in the North of Scotland.
Good morning Ruth loved showing us where you grew up and southern most point of Scotland looks like beautiful beaches and interesting facts about lighthouses designed by Robert Stevenson who knew and your learning French and onto France good luck stay safe see ya soon 😘🌺🌸🚗
Hi Ruth ,lovely video,was in Scotland 18 months ago,we did some touring of the west coast ,Mull,Iona,Skye and the north coast,and even managed a very short visit to Stornoway because we only got an hour there ,the ferry had to be back for servicing.I sometimes see grey squirrels in the lane at the rear of my house,and occasionaly running along my back fence,but I'm afraid no reds.That is a very interesting area of Scotland and the garden is amazing.Hope your dog bite is now better.Best wishes .Alan 😊😊👌👌
When I was a boy living in Northern Minnesota, there were a few red squirrels living among the grays. My grandfather disliked the reds and would take shots at them with a 22 rifle. Lucky, he was a poor shot. Thanks for the excellent video.
Puahaha, sorry just saw Jean-Paul in action... Many places in my area is english friendly, like Eymet, little bastide in south if Dordogne, but its always nice to speak a tiny bit of language when you visit another country. Driving on the opposite way is why, whenever i'll visit Scotland, will be going by plane first. Thanks for the share, waiting to your french tour vidéo. Till then, au revoir
Hahaha Jean Paul 😅 That’s good to know that places are English friendly too! I’ll do by best to get to a level where I can at least have some basic conversations with locals!
Another fine adventure!👍👍 You asked why there are not many trees in Shetland and Orkney. In Shetland one is never further than three miles from the sea in any direction, so the wind and the salt air are the main reasons. During the last 30 years here In Shetland more trees have been planted in areas which have some natural shelter and there is a long established wood in a sheltered valley, however, it is a struggle to grow trees and many other plants within the 60th degree of latitude, but we still try.
There is low brush at Land's End for the same reason, the wind. It seemed slightly weird seeing densely packed small stand of trees here and there while traveling via train to Inverness years ago. Settlers to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia caused by the Highland Clearances had to learn to cut down trees and build log cabins. There were more trees than stones, so no blackhouses.
@@ruthaisling The Lerwick Up Helly Aa festival is the largest event and it takes place on the last Tuesday in January, but there are smaller festivals held in many areas of Shetland and an internet search will find the relevant information.
After a 14hr day working in the rain ,what better way to spend my sun night with hot choc and an ice slice watching your vid. Yet again stunning scenery and very informative Ruth .I have been to Stranraer bout 20 yrs ago delivering doors but had to head back the same day 😢will defo be heading back there at some point .Stay safe Ruth 👊👊
Stranraer was always somewhere to pass through coming off the Sealink (now Stena) ferry. France is a doddle with a van, the network of "aires" is super. If you have UK gas bottles take full ones with you, if you have a gas tank you'd need adapters. A little French is much appreciated by the locals, especially in rural areas they love to chat 😊. You "should " have a crit air sticker (emissions) for the van - about 5 euro and available on line. You'll love it !
@@ruthaisling I believe most are open in winter, though sometimes the water may be turned off. They range from basic carparks with no facilities to mini campsites, and free to 5-15 euro a night. Vicarious books do a good guide, or park for night has most of them listed.
Reaching the most northern and most southern parts of Scotland is very cool, thanks for sharing that with us. I live in the U.S. and I've driven in three countries that drive on the left and it is a bit scary at first. I found I had to concentrate a little more and be careful when turning but otherwise, the transition wasn't too bad. The trick will be using your van built for UK roads while in France. Good luck.
Im sure this has been answered already, but I read that there is too much wind in Orkney for saplings to survive to adulthood. Im in Pennsylvania US and we have gray squirrels and a few black squirrels but not adorable red squirrels.
We were doing that trip 1st week of Oct , it rained… but it was stunning in Portpatrick & my wife can confirm the Cullen skunk in the Crown is top notch. Good to tick off the Southern point too. Thanks for the vids , keep em up.
I'll need to go back for the Cullen skink! Shame about the rain, I thought it would rain the whole time for me too. I ended up very lucky with the weather!
Thank you all for tuning in today. I apologise for the low audio in this video. I've removed all ads to prevent any sudden loud disruptions if you raise the volume on your device. I'll look into the audio issue and ensure it's resolved for the next video. My apologies once more!
Thank you. The subtitles had a chance to earn their keep today, so all's good. :)
@@ericrabinowitz6390 Great to know!
@@ruthaisling Ruth, something has happened to drop the sound volume of this video - I can barely hear it. I hope it's just me and my computer, but it was fine when the video was new and no other of your videos are giving me the same problem. I've turned everything up and will keep checking on my end. Just in case the issue IS on your end, I thought I'd let you know. Everything else is wonderful. Enjoy, be well!
Sound was fabulous for me - no problem at all :-)
My daughter has a black squirrel that lives in her back garden in central Massachusetts. It's a cute wee thing.
SW Scotland is definitely an overlooked jewel.
It certainly is!
Ruth I discovered you recently. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion of Scotland
The Scottish Tourist Board ought to pay you ! So much information, wonderful videos.
Thanks Leslie, that's so nice of you to say. I'm really glad you're enjoying the videos.
Agreed - Ruth's videos are the perfect blend of professional and personal.
I’m working to catch up on Ruth’s wonderful videos. The content, obvious hard work, ideas, research, talent, skills & knowledge are remarkable. For me, she is a economical wordsmith. No vacuous cliches or BS.
Thanks so much Mick!
Lovely video Ruth thank you! I recognise that lighthouse from other vloggers trips there but yours was magical with the sunrise & the rainbow & I was fascinated (& saddened) buy the fish pond place. Everywhere you take us is wonderful & you show us things others haven't 😍
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the places I go! More to come 🚐
No idea if you look at comments on old video but we have just come back from a brilliant couple of weeks in our campervan in southwest Scotland and this video is probably one of the main reasons we went there. Mull of Galloway, Portpatrick, Dunskey Castle, Stranraer (and Wanlockhead) - we enjoyed them all. Thanks so much!
@@DaveGeog yes I always see the comments! So glad to hear you had such a good time in Dumfries and Galloway!!
I was in this area as a small boy with my family back in 1967 (I think - I recall "Excerpt from a teenage opera" being a hit at the time and google tells me that was 1967, so let's go with that.) We stayed in a guest house in Glenluce and visited most of the places you showed in this video, so it brings back a lot of memories - Portpatrick, Port Logan, the fish pond, the botanic gardens, and the Mull of Galloway lighthouse which I went up - so fascinating for a wee boy!
Hi Ruth, yes I remember seeing red squirrels as a child when I lived in Shepherd's Bush in West London back in the late 1950's. I've also seen black squirrels while walking in Stevenage, Hertfordshire back in the 1990's.
Love your professionally made content and have been binge watching most of today. You have given me food for thought and made my bucket list of places to see very long. Thank you.
There is actually a remnant of temperate rainforest in Galloway. Sheep grazing is one of the main reasons trees are absent from large areas and latterly the expanding deer population. Regeneration cannot take place as seedling are quickly nibbled and also sheep cause a lot of soil erosion on the now treeless hillsides/mountains and create pathways that act as fast flowing runnels channelling rain. Another reason is the maintenance of large upland estates used for grouse shooting etc. It is the same here in Wales where vast areas are deforested due to massive overgrazing by almost ten million sheep (there are less than three million people however many of which have no access to any land whatsoever and cannot afford it)
いいところですね👍ルースさんも元気そうで良かった🟠 綺麗な動画ありがとうございます📹😊
サポートに感謝している。
I lived in Stranraer from 1991 - 2003 it was and is a very special place.
Absolutely stunning video! Between Port Patrick, the castles & that beautiful sunrise, it's hard to pick the highlight. I love how you edit your videos, as well as your commentary... It really makes anyone watching, feel like they are coming along for the adventure. 😊
Thanks for another lovely video such a treat to watch on Sunday night before the working week , I love your enthusiasm and that you take us to parts of Scotland that don't get much promotion from the tourism industry....really appreciated hope you have a lovely week ahead Ruth 😊
Thank you, have a great week too!
In Arkansas, USA, there are four kinds of squirrels, Red, Grey, Black and Flying. Yes, we have flying squirrels. They are much smaller than the other kind. All the squirells love to raid our bird feeders and are fun to watch. Ruth, thank you for all of your hard work to keep your adoring fans entertained.
Wow, I think flying squirrels would be weird!!
Flying Squirrels are Sugar Flyers. We have them on the West Coast (Oregon) Forests as well. No Black Squirrels, yet.
Your 'RED' squirrels are actually Greys. UK reds are tiny with tufted ears (different species)
It was on the path by Dunskey Castle that I encountered a sunbathing Adder, which is interesting because the Port is named after Saint Patrick (his departing point) who is creited for expelling snakes from Ireland on that trip.
Here in Eastgermany there are only red squirrels. Best regards!
First of all I'd like to thank for your efforts to film those rural areas of Scotland so you did a great job Ruth. The most noticable things near that village of Port Partrict for me are castle, historical communication buildings.The boulders around were used to build up the houses and the fence by the locals. I can't wait to see your next destination in Scotland, keep it up 👋
Thank you, that castle is really amazing!
Thank you so much for these informative and entertaining videos. Scotland is truly breathtaking. My great-great-grandfather emigrated from SW Scotland to Upper Canada (now Ontario) in the 1850s. I now live in SW Nova Scotia (New Scotland) -- it's also a relatively undiscovered scenic gem in this Atlantic Canadian province. Great seafood too!
Glad you’re enjoying the videos. I hope to visit Nova Scotia sometime!
What wonderful videos. I have always wanted to visit Scotland but at 67 years old I’m not sure that will happen. I have also subscribed to your channel so I’m sure not to miss anything. Thank you so much.
I got so excited seeing this trip. My family, the Stewart’s- immigrated to America from Dumfries-Galloway. I can just imagine them roaming the hills. Thanks for the great video!
I would love to see more castles. Do you go to Perth? No one ever talks about it. The people who raised me are from there. What an amazing video, plants, light house, haunted castle, jagged coast and the music made it. Really lovely.
Such beautiful places! Dunskey Castle looks like such a cool/spooky spot to explore. Also, JEAN PAUL IS SO HANDSOME!!! 😂
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. He is very handsome! 😂
Thanks for showing us the beauty of Southern Scotland. I have been to Scotland on six trips but never ventured below Ayrshire. Looks like I have missed something special. Love Scotland and all your videos...thanks!
Yes it's quite common for people to visit Scotland and not explore the south. Thanks for watching!
Ruth, you've now become the patron saint of Scotland 🧐
Haha thanks!
Stevenson's one of my favourite writers. 'The Black Arrow ' and 'Catriona' are really great
My favourite is 'Kidnapped'.
Lovely video of a very special part of Scotland to us, I've been visiting there for over 60 years, first with my parents, then with my own children, and now with my wife, always staying at New England Bay caravan site, We don't consider our caravans, and now campervan, christened untill they're been to the Rhinns!! Re you driving in France, if your confident driving your Camper in Scotland, you'll have no issues driving in France, the roads over three are far superior, and less crowed outside of cities than in the UK. We spent June touring France, and september touring Scotland, France was far more relaxing to drive, less traffic, virtually no hold ups and smooth roads, no pot holes lol.just go for it, and enjoy.
That's so lovely to hear you know the area so well. What's your favourite thing to do when visiting? Thanks for the information about driving in France, that's really helpful to know. I had always imagined it would be so busy so it's good to hear that the roads are quieter.
A lovely video, thank you. Not a lot of people realise how far south Scotland goes - it's further south than a large chunk of England (Northumberland), and the Mull of Galloway here is even further south than Newcastle Upon Tyne or Durham!
On a sunny day, Port Logan beach looks like something out of the Caribbean with azure blue seas and white sands, with flowering Yucca everywhere. The seawater is crystal clear, but not too warm though, even in high Summer it's a chilly 13c. Girvan, Croy and Ayr up the coast have warmer bathing beaches.
Thanks for watching. The Port Logan bathing pool must be amazing on those sunny days. It didn't look very appealing on the day I was there haha
I began to watch your video a couple of months ago. I'm always fascinated by the beauty of Scotland where I have never been to! ! Many thanks from Japan.
Thank you for watching from Japan, would you like to visit Scotland someday?
@@ruthaisling
Yes, I would like to do someday!
I traveled England many years ago. Now I am interested in Scotland more!
Thank you again Ruth. I’m really enjoying your natural organic approach to presenting your Vlogs and you always give the impression of the moment, come sunshine, rain, sunrise, sunset, tough, beautiful…frequently finished up with a little tot of whiskey… just how I like it.
I was in Port Patrick only last Sunday having wanted to share this beautiful place with my girlfriend…. Really lovely, also to see how much Stranraer has picked up in its fortunes since the ferries moved across the loch…
I have been to the Rhins many times over the years along with pretty much all of Scotland over 35 years…. still enjoy the mountains the Glens the sea, the quiet places and some of the beautiful cities and towns
Advice for traveling in a van across France = be very very alert & cautious. Love your channel. So glad you tell us about some of the history in the places you stop in. Love Scotland!! 👍❤️🇺🇸
Although the cables you came across are almost certainly long since decommissioned and unused and thus not carrying current and safe to touch, it's precisely such things that are why local municipalities caution people to never dig on their properties without first consulting with local authorities to make sure that they won't come across live wires and cables that could potential harm them and/or cause a disruption in service.
I recently did some digging on our front lawn to prep the ground for some plants that I wanted to put in, around 8-12 inches deep, and while I didn't find any live wires I did come across some pieces of old cables and conduit and other obvious man made construction and utility objects. Made me feel like an amateur archeologist (of the fairly recent past)! I have actually worked on a dig so it did somewhat remind me of that. Anyway, be careful folks!
And, nice video, as always, especially the done shots. Stunning!
Thank you for sharing that!
Thanks for the important attention that you draw to all these destinations.
My mother's side of the family hail from former West Germany, which accounts for many fond memories 15:51 of Europe.
As for the UK, I've flown over Ireland, which was gorgeously verdant, but I've only spent time in London.
Thanks for sharing so much of the bits that I've missed. Your efforts help round out my notions of what I feel l not to be superior, as such, but an important shoal of humanity.
Your passion captures my heart.
PS: We have mostly grey squirrels, in Michigan.
Thanks for watching in Michigan!
The grey squirrels you see there are actually an invasive species. They were imported from N. America, and compete with the red squirrels. There are folks who try and limit the populations of grey squirrels in the UK via hunting and other methods to preserve the red squirrel population.
Portpatrick had a very early electricity system. A burn was dammed south of the village and dc electricity was generated and supplied to a battery house in Hill Street. It then supplied the local landowners estate house and the Portpatrick Hotel on the cliffs. The bacle can still be found in Heugh Road in wooden troghs filled with pitch. It didn't last long as the burn was very silty and filled the dam and the biggest demand was n the summer when the hotel was full and there was less water to generate.
very interesting thank you!
You absolutely have to read Treasure Island! A wonderful escape from reality. Maybe on a rainy day when you're bored and stuck in the campervan!
That's a great idea!
I was down there last year when it was warm but a bit windy. The lighthouse was a great location we stopped at for some time. The nearby cafe has a great cliff view witch was amazing in the wind. The vertical updraft at 50mph was fun and almost lifted us of our feet when we to looked over the edge.
Loved that trip.
Oh wow it sounds like a very windy day when you were there! I’ll need to pop into the care next time 😃
How wonderful, I really love these kinds of videos Ruth, so different from all the tourist destinations in Scotland ,you see on RUclips. They always seem to look the same. Everyone seems to do the same thing these days.I think you would have definitely looked the part of being French if you had some onions around your neck, LOL 😂
Dan and I went to the Mull o' Galloway 6 years ago, days after my father died. We travelled there from our base in Dumfries. It was so beautiful, warm and sunny. We also visited the tranquil Logan Botanic Gardens. It waa a grand day! ❤ Thank you for this fabulous video!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😊
@@ruthaisling 😺
素晴らしい景色ですね。❤ どの場所も絵葉書に出来そうな美しさでした。😊 遺跡もたくさん出てきて興味深かったです。ありがとうございました。🤗
コメントありがとう。遺跡を楽しんでいただけてうれしいです。
I totally agree with you, this is the best bit of Scotland and it's something most people miss. There are very good campsites at Sandyhills Bay and Brighouse Bay on the way there. I share your excitement about visiting the extremes of the country and believe me, the southernmost point of Scotland is so much more impressive than the same point in England! That castle looks amazing, it's definitely on the list now! I love the views we get on the coasts of the Irish Sea, seeing the other parts of the UK from a single point (I think you have to go to the Isle of Man to see all of them). Thank you so much for making such enjoyable videos. All good wishes, Pete in the Lake District.
It's really amazing! 😍 Glad you're enjoying the videos, Pete!
Hi, you asked why there are no trees on Orkney. The simple answer is the WIND, but in a few sheltered places there are a few trees. Our guide said it is normally so windy you will find the bins kept on their sides so they don't blow away, Take care keep smiling !!!!
Thanks for sharing, that makes a lot of sense!
Cracking sunrise and rainbow at that lighthouse 😊
It was so lucky!
Treasure Island was a school setwork book. So it was compulsory reading 😊
Very scenic area. Always nice to explore areas that aren't over crowded with people.
Absolutely!
There are few trees in Orkney because of the incessant winds blowing any seeds half way between Orkney and Norway. The strong continuous winds do it. Rmb5*
You love to visit special geographic areas which cool. You are becoming a map geek. When you were in NZ, did you visit Slope Point in the South Island? It is the most southerly point on the island. Head due East and your first landfall is the coast of Chile, go due west and first landfall is the coast of Argentina
Scotland looks wonderful. It's defiantly on my bucket list to visit.
Hope you can visit sometime!
Stunning countryside. Love Scotland. Thank you, Ruth.❤
You’re welcome 😊 thanks for watching 🙏
Great adventure Ruth! Portpatrick was so picturesque. I would love to visit there! Beautiful plants and flowers in the botanical garden. Our squirrels are grey here in PA in the United States. Beautiful most southern point of Scotland! Wonderful video Ruth!❤
Thank you Mary, I wonder if they are the same type of grey squirrels we have here in Scotland. Please visit sometime!
Thank you this brought back many happy and emotional memories as I was born between the Toon and the Port....
Aww, I'm glad to hear that. It's a nostalgic area for me too.
My Dad went to the Mull of Galloway school ,,I remember as a small child he told me that 9 tides meet at the Mull and you can see 5 Kingdoms from the Mull .. Scotland, England, Isle of Man, Wales and Ireland
You make me smile, you wee joker ❤
Ruth, it is a tree fern so you were right on both counts 😉We have heaps of them them in Australia 🦋🦋
Thank you 👍
Thanks for another lovely outing. You know, just about 43 km east of Stranraer, around Wigtown, you might run into a nice young gentleman who has had a wee bit of success putting up a RUclips video or two. He has a charming smile, but if he asks you to get into his crush so he can check your feet, just decline politely and back away. 😂😂😂
😂 🦶
Beautifully produced! Thank you.
Many thanks!
I & my father have been to the Mull of GALLOWAY LIGHTHOUSE many years ago & we were able to get the chance to get up to the top of the Lighthouse & like you were could see the Isle of Man, which l had been to some years before, many thanks for the tour of this part of the great country of Scotland. ... Take care around the cliffs, it can be Dangerous if the wind is gusting .
That sounds like a wonderful experience! Thanks for sharing!
I have spent many holidays at Morroch Bay . A cottage on the beach about 2 miles from Portpatrick Fabulous quiet place just us and our dogs. Where they could be free and swim whenever they wanted. Galloway is fabulous .
Just looked it up, looks so lovely!
@@ruthaisling well worth a visit Ruth But you need a 4 wheel drive
As a tourist in 2017, my family and I visited Stranraer. We have good memories there of walking around the harbor and getting free pint glasses at a local pub to take home. Nice town.
That’s a nice souvenir!
Very weak sound you have today Ruth, but lovely Scotland beautiful scenery with a lovely Scotland girl thank you 🥰
Makes the adds even more annoying. PS whispering doesn't help 🙂
Sorry about the sound on this video, I’ll work on that for next time!
@@dudleysdadThanks for the feedback! I was whispering so I didn’t scare away any red squirrels or disturb the wildlife photographers at the lighthouse at sunrise. I’ll try and avoid whispering next time!
First video of yours I've seen, really disappointed by the too quite audio, even when not whispering, then the numerous bon skippable mid roll ads! Just awful. Had to stop watching it was too jarring.
Yes another lovely video Ruth👍 , I have been to Stranraer with its miniature railway and Port Patrick and love it down that part of Scotland😊 , you forgot to mention that the film called the Wicker man was made in locations around the coast there , apart from the stunning sunsets to be seen on the west coast ♥.
The wickerman sorry is very interesting! I’ll try and introduce it in a future video 😃
We have some friends who lived in Portpatrick. It was lovely to see it. It’s a gorgeous area of Scotland.
Once again another great informative video. Only problem I found was I had to turn the sound volume up very high.
Yes, volume very low on. Beautiful video.
I’m sorry for the issues with volume. I’ll fix that for next time 🙏
Another lovely and informative video, Ruth. Those botanical gardens were amazing. I have to admit, when you were running towards the cliff edge to achieve your goal, all I could think was "don't slip, don't slip, don't slip". LOL. I guess we'll have to add Port Patrick and area to our list of places to see in Scotland, especially now that we've done Muckle Flugga. :) Have a great week! PS Jean-Paul looked vaguely familiar. I can't think why.
Oh yes, it'll be nice to compare it to Muckle Flugga! Haha I think the camera / drone made it look like I was closer to the edge than I actually was 😂 Thank you, I hope you have a great week too! Hopefully I'll get some more French practice in with Jean-Paul 😂
Oh my gosh, I walked that same stretch to the castle in Sept 2017. I saw the castle and marveled at the cliffs. Just adored that little town. I'm glad to know the name of the castle now. Now I can research it.
I’m glad it was helpful!
we loved it as always been there many times It was always raining and high winds when we lived in gatehouse of fleet
If you’re seeking a more intensive spoken French language course I recommend Geraldine and her RUclips channel Comme Une Francaise. She has private courses through her website and she REALLY focuses on street level spoken French.
Thanks for the recommendation
Stranraer is a town I frequented many many times Ruth over the years as it used to be the port for the ferries arriving from Belfast / Larne. It used to be a bustling town in those days but maybe not so much now as Csirnryan has taken over. Portpatrick was a popular stop on occasions. From memory it was a place called Cross Keys hotel which I am sure is long gone. The drive from Stranraer north to Ayr is a lovely drive. A passion for a football team in Dundee sadly. I had no idea there was so much to see on that little peninsula. Another great video Ruth thank you.
Thank you Jim! That's how I remember Stranraer with all the lorries coming and going for the ferry. I love that drive from Starnraer to Ayr too. On a sunny day it's the best, with a wee stop off in Girvan for some fish and chips 😂
When I moved to North Carolina I was surprised to see Fox Squirrels. They’re larger than the gray squirrels and they’re mostly black, with white markings.
Nice one! Aye, R.L. Stevenson was part of the lighthouse Stevenson family. He penned a good part of Treasure Island in the Highland village of Braemar and the house he rented there all those years ago is now a B&B, so you can still stay there.
Wow, a bit like to George Orwell house, sounds like an interesting place to stay!
Ruth, I'm frightened to binge-watch your videos in case I watch all of them. Please keep them coming! I live in Germany and have red squirrels in the garden. People here have no conception of what a grey squirrel is.
Great video Ruth, thank you. Fabulous location. I'm now familiar with most of the sights you have taken us to.
I moved from England just over a year ago to a village in Dumfries and Galloway on the coast. So much to explore in this area.
I have shared this video with some of my friends friends down south so they can see how lovely this part of Scotland is.
Thanks again 😊
Thanks for watching! Whereabouts in Dumfries and Galloway did you move to? You’re right about there being so much to explore in the area. 😃
@@ruthaisling
Hi Ruth, I moved to Creetown. It's very beautiful here and I'm not far at all from some pretty beaches.
It was definitely the right choice to move to Scotland. ❤
Ruth you are my fav traveller and my fav videos. I would love to go on a crossing trip by ferry with you and see some of the very gorgeous places of Scotland. You have a lovely personality and your content is always realistic. I loved the whirlpool videos you did and the meals you make look so yummy. Pls make many more and as you enjoy all this it really shows in your reports and what you speak about.
That is so kind, thank you very much!
ITS THE WAY SCOTS PRONOUNCE town
It’s the Scots word “toun” NOT a mispronunciation of the English word.
This is a wonderful video then, but the volume is a bit low ....! 😉🦊
mines ok, maybe turn it up lolol
Thank you for this wonderful video Ruth.Never seen that part of Scotland before.Very interesting & beautiful.We here in Australia have a place called Cape York in Queensland.Where of course, just like in your video.One cannot go any further unless by boat.Very much enjoy your videos.Thank you.😁
Thank you for watching in Australia!
Hi Ruth, thoroughly enjoying the videos (doing catchup), I'm originally from Stranraer myself now based in London, hopefully will be back up to The Toon next month for a family visit. Always like to do some cliff walking at Portpatrick so I was chuffed that you have made this video, I've spent many a summer cycling to Sandhead back in the day. Last time I was at Kirkmadrine was 20 years ago, another ancient graveyard is situated at Monreith by St Medan golf course, on the approach road is a sculpture of an Otter representing author Gavin Maxwell (Ring of Bright Water) who was born and brought up in the area, Elrig House is the family seat nearby. The old St Medan chapel and graveyard has headstones dating back to the 1600s.
Thanks for all the info!
Wonderful video from another beautiful part of Scotland where I live in Denmark we have nothing but red squirrels :)
Hi Ruth, I have been in that area many times in my working life, usually coming off the ferry in wee hours of the morning in my truck. I went to Port Patrick with my caravan one year, I think it was the one near the old castle on your video. It turned out to be the wettest two weeks of the year. So thanks for showing me the lovely surrounding area. I still remember cars slipping on the wet grass as we all helped each other to get our vans off the site.
Oh no that sounds very unlucky with the weather! 😮
Wow Ruth you certainly do your research on the places you visit and bring out the very best of otherwise hidden Scotland. I love the way you lower your tone to a whisper when you deem yourself to be somewhere reverent. :o) Great job, looking forward to your further adventures and France.
Thank you for watching. Usually I don't want to scare away wildlife or disturb others by speaking very loudly 😂
Such very scenic coastal shots and video of the cliffs! Be careful though 😮
Thanks!
I read Treasure island, great story, many moons ago
Been there 1995 (castle and light house) - and loved it. Thanks for showing it again.
The garden reminds me of Inverewe Gardens in the North of Scotland.
Thanks for watching!
Another wonderful video Ruth. Portpatrick looks a lovely village to visit. Thankyou for the videos you make - they are amazing 😃
Glad you like them!
Good morning Ruth loved showing us where you grew up and southern most point of Scotland looks like beautiful beaches and interesting facts about lighthouses designed by Robert Stevenson who knew and your learning French and onto France good luck stay safe see ya soon 😘🌺🌸🚗
Thank you Linda!
Hi Ruth ,lovely video,was in Scotland 18 months ago,we did some touring of the west coast ,Mull,Iona,Skye and the north coast,and even managed a very short visit to Stornoway because we only got an hour there ,the ferry had to be back for servicing.I sometimes see grey squirrels in the lane at the rear of my house,and occasionaly running along my back fence,but I'm afraid no reds.That is a very interesting area of Scotland and the garden is amazing.Hope your dog bite is now better.Best wishes .Alan 😊😊👌👌
Thanks Alan, sounds like you had an amazing trip! Mull and Iona are lovely 😍
I live in Stranraer rn i live up the road from the lidl she was at
When I was a boy living in Northern Minnesota, there were a few red squirrels living among the grays. My grandfather disliked the reds and would take shots at them with a 22 rifle. Lucky, he was a poor shot.
Thanks for the excellent video.
A lovely collection of attractions to visit and the coastline looks great.
It’s a lovely area!
Ruth i loved this vlog of the Southernmost point in Scotland. 😊
Thank you Sheila!
Such an interesting video. Scotland looks so beautiful!
It really is! 🏴
Amazing scenery , and Scotland's lovely too..thumbs up.
Glad you enjoyed it
Puahaha, sorry just saw Jean-Paul in action... Many places in my area is english friendly, like Eymet, little bastide in south if Dordogne, but its always nice to speak a tiny bit of language when you visit another country. Driving on the opposite way is why, whenever i'll visit Scotland, will be going by plane first. Thanks for the share, waiting to your french tour vidéo. Till then, au revoir
Hahaha Jean Paul 😅
That’s good to know that places are English friendly too! I’ll do by best to get to a level where I can at least have some basic conversations with locals!
Another fine adventure!👍👍 You asked why there are not many trees in Shetland and Orkney. In Shetland one is never further than three miles from the sea in any direction, so the wind and the salt air are the main reasons. During the last 30 years here In Shetland more trees have been planted in areas which have some natural shelter and there is a long established wood in a sheltered valley, however, it is a struggle to grow trees and many other plants within the 60th degree of latitude, but we still try.
There is low brush at Land's End for the same reason, the wind. It seemed slightly weird seeing densely packed small stand of trees here and there while traveling via train to Inverness years ago. Settlers to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia caused by the Highland Clearances had to learn to cut down trees and build log cabins. There were more trees than stones, so no blackhouses.
Thank you for sharing about that, I've been really curious about it
@@ruthaisling You are welcome and the long established wood which I mentioned previously is located at Kergord.
@@laurencejohnson4106 If I go back to Shetland, I'll make sure to visit it. I'd love to go to Up Helly Aa sometime
@@ruthaisling The Lerwick Up Helly Aa festival is the largest event and it takes place on the last Tuesday in January, but there are smaller festivals held in many areas of Shetland and an internet search will find the relevant information.
After a 14hr day working in the rain ,what better way to spend my sun night with hot choc and an ice slice watching your vid. Yet again stunning scenery and very informative Ruth .I have been to Stranraer bout 20 yrs ago delivering doors but had to head back the same day 😢will defo be heading back there at some point .Stay safe Ruth 👊👊
Thanks Jason, I'm glad you enjoyed the video at the end of a long day! A hot chocolate sounds amazing in this colder weather!
Stranraer was always somewhere to pass through coming off the Sealink (now Stena) ferry.
France is a doddle with a van, the network of "aires" is super.
If you have UK gas bottles take full ones with you, if you have a gas tank you'd need adapters.
A little French is much appreciated by the locals, especially in rural areas they love to chat 😊.
You "should " have a crit air sticker (emissions) for the van - about 5 euro and available on line.
You'll love it !
That’s so helpful, thank you very much for sharing! The Aires sound great, I hope there will still be some open during the winter!
@@ruthaisling
I believe most are open in winter, though sometimes the water may be turned off.
They range from basic carparks with no facilities to mini campsites, and free to 5-15 euro a night.
Vicarious books do a good guide, or park for night has most of them listed.
Reaching the most northern and most southern parts of Scotland is very cool, thanks for sharing that with us. I live in the U.S. and I've driven in three countries that drive on the left and it is a bit scary at first. I found I had to concentrate a little more and be careful when turning but otherwise, the transition wasn't too bad. The trick will be using your van built for UK roads while in France. Good luck.
Thank you, yes it'll probably just take some getting used to!
Im sure this has been answered already, but I read that there is too much wind in Orkney for saplings to survive to adulthood.
Im in Pennsylvania US and we have gray squirrels and a few black squirrels but not adorable red squirrels.
I’ve never seen black ones before! Thanks for sharing!
Played a few great golf courses in and around Port Patrick. Lovely part of Scotland
Which golf course did you enjoy the most?
A fantastic video Ruth. I have been in Stranraer often but never to Portpatrick. Something for my bucket list.
It's a lovely place, especially the castle
We were doing that trip 1st week of Oct , it rained… but it was stunning in Portpatrick & my wife can confirm the Cullen skunk in the Crown is top notch. Good to tick off the Southern point too. Thanks for the vids , keep em up.
I'll need to go back for the Cullen skink! Shame about the rain, I thought it would rain the whole time for me too. I ended up very lucky with the weather!
Hi Ruth we have red squirrels in the lane where we live just out side Blargowrie, And some come to our bird feeder .
How lovely!