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've just become addicted to these videos. Lots of people (too many) talk about driving the NC500 but there are parts of Scotland that are rarely visited by the masses and yet more spectacular. I just need to work out how to avoid the worst of the weather and midges.
Red Squirrel.-Once I was fishing the River Blackwater near Bridge Of Cally. I had just got to my start point under an old bridge and was about to start fishing when a Red squirrel started running about on one of the bridge pillars! I stood stock still and watched him/her for a good few minutes. What a privilege? Lack of trees on Orkney or Shetland is down to the winds I'm sure we were told. The same local I think told us there were no chickens or the same reason!
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)
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.
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!
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 😍
@@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.
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.
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.
Wow the gardens were amazing. We have gray squirrels here in North Carolina. When we went to Colorado , they had squirrels that live in holes in the ground…not in the trees! I thought that was cool.
Beautiful area, close to my heart as a Northern Irish person. Driven past many times but never made it south past Port Patrick. Port Logan gardens were used in a legendary film, The Wicker Man, filmed mostly in Dumfries. I hope to visit some day. Thanks for a great video.
I’m a sassenach who absolutely loves Scotland. I’ve done the NC500 and the Heart 200 in my campervan. I am going to do the SW300 this May so your vlog has been most informative, many thanks.
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 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.
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. 😊
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.
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 👋
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 😊
Hi Ruth! I looked up Dunskey Castle and it said that it was used in the 1951 film Treasure Island. I've read the book and it is indeed really good. Silly as it sounds, I recommend Muppet Treasure Island as another film version since it's hilarious but also very true to the story.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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. 😂😂😂
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!
If you enjoy visiting and seeing history in Scotland i would recommend visiting the oldest tree in Scotland The Fortingall Yew in Perthshire Scotland it is believed to be 2.000 to 3.000 Years old and is situated in the Churchyard in Fortingall we visited Yesterday it was really interesting
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.
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 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
I found some grat places in that part of Scotland, travelling down the A75 from the M6. Taking the lovely coast road from Stranraer to girvan But let's not tell too many people 😉🤣😎👍
Very beautiful road, but it's right up against cliff with sea on the other side, much of the way. So a bit dangerous, with big lorries going to and and from port at Stranraer. Girvan itself is nice seaside town. Maybe they've improved road now.
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.
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 😘🌺🌸🚗
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.
I visited this exact area for the first time 2 months ago. I Try to manage a motorcycle camping trip every year and this was my choice this year. As a Scotsman I felt I really should visit the corner I'd never been to before. I had lunch in the Crown in Portpatrick and camped in west Tarbet bay by the Mull. I loved it ❤ I did just ride into Portpatrick and I had no idea the castle was there.... oh no.... I guess I'll have to go back again 😂 Kirkmadrine church is a hidden wee gem! I has no idea about the Port Logan fish pond!! Yet another reason to return 🤔 I thought the Mull is spectacular at sunset, but it looks just as good at dawn!
That sounds a fantastic trip. So many of those spots are easy to miss, especially the castle as you can't see it from Portpatrick! There's lots more to see in other parts of Dumfries and Galloway too if you come back again!
@@ruthaisling I made friends with someone from Isle of Whithorn so I'm visiting next year. I will have to research more on what to see, as the trip was spur of the moment this year... it was nice weather that week, that's my excuse 😂😂
@@Decrepit_biker The Isle of Whithorn is a lovely area too. Here are a few recommendations from me: - Wigtown (Scotland's book town). - The Martyrs steak in Wigtown. - A meal in the Isle of Whithorn at the Steampacket - St. Ninian’s cave - Bladnoch Distillery (Scotland’s southernmost whisky distillery) If you have more time, head to the Galloway Forest Park too.
@@ruthaisling thank you such for the recommendations. 😊 I think I am going to plan to camp in the field at the steam packet and use it as a base for a week of wandering around on the bike 🏍
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!
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 !!!!
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!! 👍❤️🇺🇸
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.
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 😂
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 ♥.
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.
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*
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.
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.
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 😂
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!❤
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 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.😁
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.
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
It might be worth looking at "Driving In France " videos on RUclips. I found that a lot of the French tailgate..The only red squirrel i have seen was on The Isle of Wight off the south coast of England..apparently red squirrels are protected there and there a very few if any greys..Great little vid once again and your blonde french friend was quite entertaining, perhaps there will be more cameo appearances?
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 .
Ruth your video are stunning ❤ can I politely ask you to say in the videos or maybe write down in the description the month you’re travelling in? I’m in Scotland four times a year and want to go as well. Is this November?
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.
I love portpatrick, it’s gorgeous I used to go on holiday with my gran, grandfather and mum and aunt, brought back so many memories, my papa used to always want to take me to the “arcade” (so he could have a cheeky pint or 2) can hear his voice just now saying mind son if yer gran asks we were in the arcade😅
I live in Mount Shasta, California. I have California Gray Squirrels all around me. The Red squirrels are so very cute. We have none here. We also have a few Scottish ladies living here. In their sixties, they are so beautiful I first thought they were the legendary Lemurian's who are said to live beneath the great mountain. Ruth, you look like them! Spooky!
The ghost communicator device is called a Spirit Box. Dan and I are into the paranormal. We usually use mediumship, and Dan has the Seer mobile app, but I'm going to treat myself to one of these boxes for Christmas. Thry cost around £120 on Ebay.
@@ruthaisling 😹😹 especially on a really cold, dark night in quiet places. Those are the best conditions for spirit activity - dark, quiet places with a remote element to them. Dan and I once did a vigil in the dungeon and then a seance at Tutbury Castle👻
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.
I've just become addicted to these videos. Lots of people (too many) talk about driving the NC500 but there are parts of Scotland that are rarely visited by the masses and yet more spectacular. I just need to work out how to avoid the worst of the weather and midges.
SW Scotland is definitely an overlooked jewel.
It certainly is!
Red Squirrel.-Once I was fishing the River Blackwater near Bridge Of Cally. I had just got to my start point under an old bridge and was about to start fishing when a Red squirrel started running about on one of the bridge pillars! I stood stock still and watched him/her for a good few minutes. What a privilege? Lack of trees on Orkney or Shetland is down to the winds I'm sure we were told. The same local I think told us there were no chickens or the same reason!
Thanks for sharing!
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)
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!
Ruth I discovered you recently. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion of Scotland
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! 😂
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!!
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 🚐
This is a wonderful video then, but the volume is a bit low ....! 😉🦊
mines ok, maybe turn it up lolol
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。
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'.
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.
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.
Another great vid. No idea these places existed. Need to visit that area next year.
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.
Wow the gardens were amazing. We have gray squirrels here in North Carolina. When we went to Colorado , they had squirrels that live in holes in the ground…not in the trees! I thought that was cool.
Beautiful area, close to my heart as a Northern Irish person. Driven past many times but never made it south past Port Patrick. Port Logan gardens were used in a legendary film, The Wicker Man, filmed mostly in Dumfries. I hope to visit some day. Thanks for a great video.
I’m a sassenach who absolutely loves Scotland. I’ve done the NC500 and the Heart 200 in my campervan. I am going to do the SW300 this May so your vlog has been most informative, many thanks.
We saw a red squirrel or two several years ago near our house, but they're really unusual here in WV. It was adorable!
Here in Eastgermany there are only red squirrels. Best regards!
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 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.
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. 😊
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!
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!
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!
Hi Ruth! I looked up Dunskey Castle and it said that it was used in the 1951 film Treasure Island. I've read the book and it is indeed really good. Silly as it sounds, I recommend Muppet Treasure Island as another film version since it's hilarious but also very true to the story.
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!
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)
Such a pretty part of Scotland. I’ve never heard of it. I’m sorry I missed it. Thank you for taking us along
Thanks for watching Annette!
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!
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!
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!
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
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. 😂😂😂
😂 🦶
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!
Thank you, Ruth, your videos are very interesting to watch!!!
If you enjoy visiting and seeing history in Scotland i would recommend visiting the oldest tree in Scotland The Fortingall Yew in Perthshire Scotland it is believed to be 2.000 to 3.000 Years old and is situated in the Churchyard in Fortingall we visited Yesterday it was really interesting
Ruth, it is a tree fern so you were right on both counts 😉We have heaps of them them in Australia 🦋🦋
Thank you 👍
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。
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!
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 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!
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 😺
I live in Stranraer rn i live up the road from the lidl she was at
Thanks for sharing this lovely area, and also, thanks for making your ad fun, I really enjoyed it! Have a wonderful day over there 😊
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 🙏
On the Isle Of Wight there are only red squirrels and no grey squirrels
That's nice, hopefully not grey squirrels make it over on the ferry!
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!
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.
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
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 found some grat places in that part of Scotland, travelling down the A75 from the M6.
Taking the lovely coast road from Stranraer to girvan
But let's not tell too many people 😉🤣😎👍
It's a very nice part of the world 😂
@@ruthaisling it sure is,hoping to get back that way b4 xmas😎😁
Very beautiful road, but it's right up against cliff with sea on the other side, much of the way. So a bit dangerous, with big lorries going to and and from port at Stranraer. Girvan itself is nice seaside town. Maybe they've improved road now.
@@ianstobie it is,but always somewhere to park up 👍
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!
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!
You make me smile, you wee joker ❤
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.
There are no trees on Orkney and Shetland becuse of Vikings used to cut off all ( was not to much becuse of climate of wind)for ships.
Thanks for sharing about that
@@ruthaisling my pleasure
I visited this exact area for the first time 2 months ago. I Try to manage a motorcycle camping trip every year and this was my choice this year. As a Scotsman I felt I really should visit the corner I'd never been to before. I had lunch in the Crown in Portpatrick and camped in west Tarbet bay by the Mull. I loved it ❤ I did just ride into Portpatrick and I had no idea the castle was there.... oh no.... I guess I'll have to go back again 😂 Kirkmadrine church is a hidden wee gem! I has no idea about the Port Logan fish pond!! Yet another reason to return 🤔 I thought the Mull is spectacular at sunset, but it looks just as good at dawn!
That sounds a fantastic trip. So many of those spots are easy to miss, especially the castle as you can't see it from Portpatrick! There's lots more to see in other parts of Dumfries and Galloway too if you come back again!
@@ruthaisling I made friends with someone from Isle of Whithorn so I'm visiting next year. I will have to research more on what to see, as the trip was spur of the moment this year... it was nice weather that week, that's my excuse 😂😂
@@Decrepit_biker The Isle of Whithorn is a lovely area too.
Here are a few recommendations from me:
- Wigtown (Scotland's book town).
- The Martyrs steak in Wigtown.
- A meal in the Isle of Whithorn at the Steampacket
- St. Ninian’s cave
- Bladnoch Distillery (Scotland’s southernmost whisky distillery)
If you have more time, head to the Galloway Forest Park too.
@@ruthaisling thank you such for the recommendations. 😊 I think I am going to plan to camp in the field at the steam packet and use it as a base for a week of wandering around on the bike 🏍
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!
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!
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!! 👍❤️🇺🇸
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.
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 😂
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 😃
Stevenson family designed most of the lighthouses of Scotland. He became a writer though.
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!
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*
Loved the visit to this area. Just to say that in the mountains of Western North Carolina we have white squirrels.
Aww nice! Thanks for watching!
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!
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!
Cracking sunrise and rainbow at that lighthouse 😊
It was so lucky!
we loved it as always been there many times It was always raining and high winds when we lived in gatehouse of fleet
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 😂
Treasure Island was a school setwork book. So it was compulsory reading 😊
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!
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 😂
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!
ルースさんこんにちわ。８４歳 兵庫姫路の宇仁菅(ウニスガ)です。いつもスコットランドのリポート有難う。
それにしても、、スコットランドには沢山の自然一杯のクラシカルな風景が残っているのですね。
今日のルースさんの表情、にこやかでいいですね！たまには、日本人の皆さんに日本語呼びかけてほしいですね。
待ってます．ガンバッテね‼
姫路からご覧いただきありがとうございます。そちらの紅葉シーズンはまだですか？書写寺は秋になるといつも素晴らしい姿を見せてくれる。
近々公開予定のビデオでは、和食の夕食を作りますので、楽しみにしていてください。
いつもご視聴、コメントありがとうございます。
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.
ITS THE WAY SCOTS PRONOUNCE town
It’s the Scots word “toun” NOT a mispronunciation of the English word.
Scotland looks wonderful. It's defiantly on my bucket list to visit.
Hope you can visit sometime!
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
You need to come up to Argyll and visit Inveraray castle, Dunstaffnage Castle, Dunollie Castle, then cross the water to Duart Castle. All amazing.❤
Thanks for the tips! 👍
Wonderful video from another beautiful part of Scotland where I live in Denmark we have nothing but red squirrels :)
Very scenic area. Always nice to explore areas that aren't over crowded with people.
Absolutely!
I read Treasure island, great story, many moons ago
It might be worth looking at "Driving In France " videos on RUclips. I found that a lot of the French tailgate..The only red squirrel i have seen was on The Isle of Wight off the south coast of England..apparently red squirrels are protected there and there a very few if any greys..Great little vid once again and your blonde french friend was quite entertaining, perhaps there will be more cameo appearances?
I'll start doing some research for France soon! I'm hoping to get invited round for some French Onion soup next week 😂
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!
Ruth your video are stunning ❤ can I politely ask you to say in the videos or maybe write down in the description the month you’re travelling in? I’m in Scotland four times a year and want to go as well. Is this November?
Thank you, I do try to mention it sometimes but I will try to do it more or add it to the description. This was filmed in early October.
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.
I was lucky enough to see some red squirrels in Dunkeld about 25 years ago. I live in Ga, USA. We have an over abundance of grey squirrels.
In the zoo? Because red squirrels don't live in the U.S. When I visited there, I only saw the grey ones.
@@IfSoGirl88 no. In Dunkeld, Scotland.
I love portpatrick, it’s gorgeous I used to go on holiday with my gran, grandfather and mum and aunt, brought back so many memories, my papa used to always want to take me to the “arcade” (so he could have a cheeky pint or 2) can hear his voice just now saying mind son if yer gran asks we were in the arcade😅
Love that story!
I live in Mount Shasta, California. I have California Gray Squirrels all around me. The Red squirrels are so very cute. We have none here. We also have a few Scottish ladies living here. In their sixties, they are so beautiful I first thought they were the legendary Lemurian's who are said to live beneath the great mountain. Ruth, you look like them! Spooky!
The ghost communicator device is called a Spirit Box. Dan and I are into the paranormal. We usually use mediumship, and Dan has the Seer mobile app, but I'm going to treat myself to one of these boxes for Christmas. Thry cost around £120 on Ebay.
Oh that’s interesting! I think I’d be too much of a wimp to use one!
@@ruthaisling 😹😹 especially on a really cold, dark night in quiet places. Those are the best conditions for spirit activity - dark, quiet places with a remote element to them. Dan and I once did a vigil in the dungeon and then a seance at Tutbury Castle👻