Sunshine on Leith

with Wings

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This week’s most liked images on Edinburgh O’Clock bluesky account - 24 images every day - a fantastic random selection curated by an algorithm, then liked by followers on this bluesky account.

We’ll take our cue from the first image and give you the Proclaimers classic to accompany the vistas.

No.20 is a bazooka lens view of the sun setting over Leith docks with a lucky gulbombing. Every time I see this shot I wonder about the wee gaps on the wings and I’m not birdsmart enough to know the reason - perhaps one of you knows?

No.19 is a lush springtime view of St Bernard’s Well on the bank of the Water of Leith in Stockbridge. The spring that flowed here with “restorative waters” was protected by this building in 1790. The day I took this the air was pungent with wild garlic and the leaves still had that soft feel and crazy luminosity.

No.18 celebrates this Hairy Coo posing with Scottish Thistles out in East Lothian.

No.17 is an inspiring view of the whole length of Princes St with the 3 spires of St Mary’s cathedral in the middle, The Forsyth Sphere on the right and the old Donaldson’s school behind that. On the far left is the Caley Hotel and the spire of Shandwick Chapel almost hiding the shorter spire of St John’s beneath it.

No.16 sees a cautious return to Forth Bridge images with a long exposure of 30 seconds capturing a train crossing above North Queensferry village nestled beneath the hulking structure.

No.15 is a long distance bazooka lens shot (200-500mm Nikon) of the 3 Forths at sunset, with a wee birdy bonus or two.

No.14 shows the fireworks for the 2024 Hogmanay celebration under their protective covers on Edinburgh Castle ramparts. That’s the One O’Clock Gun in the background wearing its own wee coat.

No.13 is a whopping full moon image of Barn’s Ness Lighthouse out near Dunbar. This is a great place for a walk along the shore, so do plan a trip if you’ve never visited.

No.12 is this chilly lady on top of the Ross Fountain in Princes St Gardens with the castle behind and well above.

No.11 takes in the views looking south east over the top of what is soon to become the new National Centre for Music, on the flank of Calton Hill. You can see the Burns Monument to the left then Holyrood Palace further left, as well as the long arc of Salisbury Crags and the bottom of the Royal Mile.

No.10 is one of my favourite views of the castle with the Bank of Scotland building in front, before the recent upgrade with fancy LED lights.

No.9 is this amazing sandstone archway along in East Lothian. It can only be accessed at low tide so you don’t see many images of this one. I must get out and do some more.

No.8 is the Northern Lights, but in the south - this is on the slope that is just inside the gate at the Commonwealth Pool entrance to Holyrood Park. Folk were very excited.

No.7 is a view of the Scott Monument (on Princes St) and the Tron Kirk (on the Royal Mile). My bazooka lens brings them smack together.

No.6 is a view the Hub spire with Camera Obscura and Ramsay Garden perched on the steep slope overlooking Princes St.

No.5 is a view over George Square and the Fringe venues nestled at the heart of Edinburgh University. The castle is on the right horizon.

No.4 is a Bass Rock moonrise from about 30 miles away, which has the effect of making the moon much bigger compared to this famous island.

No.3 takes us above the haar that crept into the north of the city, with only the street lights visible in much of the view over to Fife in the distance. The spire is Broughton St Mary’s and the church on the right is the Mansfield Traquair aka “Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel”. The purple light behind is the Bellevue Chapel which brightens this corner of the New Town

No.2 is a moontastic view of the city centre with a full moon stuck behind the Carlton Hotel on North Bridge.

No.1 is a personal favourite as well as being liked by more folk than any other shot this week. It shows the view west from the pedestrian crossing at West Port, where the Point Hotel divides the flow along E. Fountainbridge and Bread St. There is a hint of a nash* in the gait of these youngsters.

Thanks for picking if you’ve been picking, and if you’ve not please join in at this link here. Bluesky is much more pleasant than the musky alternative.

Maybe see you out there.
TD

*Nash: Hurry or run; To move quickly, run, or run away (Scots)