Mugdock Castle

Today I made some time at the end of the afternoon to photograph Mugdock Castle using my Olympus DSLR for a change. The 14th century castle is situated in Mugdock Country Park 12 miles north of Glasgow and is the seat of the Clan Graham. Although in ruins to a large extent, a special room in the remaining SW tower holds historical artifacts and documents - more info on the Clan Graham website.

Mugdock Loch lies below it and the view westwards across the loch towards the tower is my favourite vantage point. I could not believe my luck today when a swan, that I had spotted nesting on one of the islets, swam over towards me and began preening itself as if it wanted to look its best for a photo. Well, who could resist that?!

The light was overcast and I have spent some time at my computer deliberating on whether to post a colour shot with a bit of adjustment or go for a black and white shot adjusted to look like an etching. I like the effect of the tracery of branches on the far bank, ripples on the water and detailing on the pristine white feathers. I probably could not have teased as much detail out of an iPhone shot. Anyway here it is - this week's castle!