At the end of the line…
(Ardnamurchan, meaning ‘Headland of the great seas,’ Lochaber, west coast of Scotland. Music: the incomparable Traveling Wilbury’s, “End of the Line.”)
The iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, how I love it’s lines. Being a bit of a stone snob, I have to admit it’s remarkable for having stolen into my heart even though it’s concrete. Part of the reason is the setting, such a glorious and rugged valley. The other reason is the design, the gorgeous arched sections. I don’t wish to sound like HRH, but Prince Charles is right in that design does matter, it’s crucial. The Skye Bridge manages not to be a blot on the most stunning landscape because of it, the Forth Rail Bridge in all its industrial glory is a work of art and it’s all down to design, the pleasing lines, shape, and the journey the eye goes on with the sweep and the curve.
One last peep from me. I’ve posted this video before because I love it so much, a favourite song and I like the low budget video, it has tremendous quirky charm. For the video/music lovers, its “The Silencers,” version of “The Wild Mountain Thyme,” a Scottish or Irish folk song, depending on which story you believe. It was filmed in Lochranza, on the Isle of Arran. It’s a lovely song, one line in it, “And we’ll all go together, to pull wild mountain thyme, all around the blooming heather…” When I saw this photo, I couldn’t help but laugh imagining tourists and their romantic notions, plucking heather for the front grilles of their cars as I’ve seen so many times before. Then I imagined this beast, plunked in the middle of yon heather - too funny!
(Due to technological ignorance, photo to follow now.)
