Welcome to my first blog of 2015! Firstly I’d like to wish a very Happy New Year to all visitors here. With all the festivities, I am a little late with this article, which came about after a very tranquil and nostalgic walk through my home town of Ayr in Scotland on Christmas morning.

Ayr’s old and ‘new’ bridges.

The seaside town of Ayr has several very handsome and historic bridges. The Auld Brig (left) dates back as far as 1470 and is probably the town’s best known landmark. The New Bridge can be seen in the background.

Ayr’s Town Hall spire towers over the Ald Brig

Slightly further downstream as I strolled along beside the river, is the very attractive ‘New Bridge‘ (below). It was built in 1788 and carries the main road from the north into the town.

New Bridge looking towards Sandgate.

 

 

 

 

 

With buildings across the river having recently been renovated, the view across the river towards The Sandgate looks quite grand now.

I love photographing bridges. They make a great and popular focal point to a landscape or townscape. With still water and good lighting, the reflections are a definite bonus. Experiment with different angles. There may be a lot more to offer than at first appearence.

I crossed the river here and made my way past my old school, Ayr Academy and along beside the harbour.

Cormorants preening.

Up until the late 70’s (and behind my school) was an old metal girder railway bridge across the harbour. I snapped a pair of cormorants preening their feathers on one of the bridge piers. This dangerous bridge was once a (forbidden) exciting short-cut across the river for daring scholars!

Ayr Harbour entrance.

Looking south-west across to the Heads Of Ayr and a stunning stretch of coastline to explore.

 

My walk ended on the stone pier as the River Ayr meets the Firth Of Clyde. I remember a good few soakings standing by the lighthouse at the end on stormy days! It was calm however on my festive visit. The striking backdrop of the Isle Of Arran can be viewed beneath the clouds; a favourite sunset view of mine that inspired my early photography.

I hope you have enjoyed my stroll through the lovely town of Ayr. More Photographer’s Ramblings coming soon!