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scottishinsider.org
Journeydude
@scottishinsider.org
36K followers 41K following 3.1K posts
🪬🧿 Explorer and Freemason exploring Scotland, One story at the time
Founder of www.scottishinsider.org
Novel: www.epochofaodhan.com
Yt: www.youtube.com/c/journeydude
Pens: www.luxurywoodenpens.com
Prints: www.scottishwallart.com
🕊️ Peace to all
Posts Replies Media Videos
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I went to Castle Hill in Edinburgh and this wee friendly creature came to say HI :) #cat #Edinburgh #kitty #scotland
A close-up outdoor photograph captures a gray tabby cat sitting pensively on red terracotta roof tiles next to a stack of stacked orange roof tiles and a carved stone architectural detail. The cat faces slightly left with narrowed eyes, downturned mouth conveying a moody or judgmental expression, ears perked, striped fur detailed against the white stucco wall and dark window panes behind in soft daylight.
January 14, 2026 at 5:41 PM
scottishinsider.org
True!
A two-panel black-and-white comic strip depicts Jesus in blue robes and sandals with a beard, gesturing emphatically toward a divine light beam from heaven amid scattered stones labeled "troubles." In the first panel, Jesus asks the Lord, "Why do you pile all these troubles on us? Isn't it because of the gays? Yes, it is," confirming the assumption. ​ In the second panel, Jesus looks shocked as the Lord replies, "I knew gays shitty... Oh, no. Not at all. I'm punishing you for the shitty way you treat them," flipping the narrative to critique homophobia as the true cause of suffering. The bottom credits "Chuckleaduck www.chuckleaduck.com ©2013," marking this satirical take on religious judgment.
January 14, 2026 at 5:36 PM
scottishinsider.org
Such a Lovely evening :) RAC degree :) #freemason #RAC #edinburgh
Indoor photograph taken in a traditional lodge room shows a person standing beside a cream stone pedestal carved with vertical characters, in front of a dark upholstered kneeling bench. The person wears a black tuxedo with bow tie, white shirt, black shoes, and distinctive regalia: a blue velvet jacket, a wide sash of alternating red and blue triangles worn from right shoulder to left hip, and an embroidered white apron with red-and-blue triangular border, golden tassels, and central emblem. The walls display framed coats of arms, plaques, carved wooden chairs, and statues holding lamps, with polished wooden floor and patterned black‑and‑white carpet beneath the subject. ​
January 13, 2026 at 9:55 PM
scottishinsider.org
Dunmore Pineapple, built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore #Scotland #beautifuldestinations #pineapple #history
An aerial photograph shows the Dunmore Pineapple, a quirky 18th‑century stone summerhouse near Airth in Stirlingshire, Scotland, sitting at the centre of a long brick walled garden surrounded by trees and lawns. The low, orangey-pink classical building stretches horizontally with small sash windows and a pedimented central doorway, above which rises an ornate, oversized stone pineapple cupola sculpted with layered spiky leaves that dominates the scene against the green grass and woodland backdrop.
January 12, 2026 at 3:19 PM
scottishinsider.org
Glencoe Lochan #scotland #glencoe #beautiful #nature #lake #loch
A breathtaking landscape photograph captures Glencoe Lochan in the Scottish Highlands, framed symmetrically with glassy black waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding autumnal forest and misty mountains. Dense stands of tall evergreen conifers in deep greens line both shores, their reflections creating a seamless, ethereal divide, while golden-yellow deciduous trees add warm highlights amid subtle mist. ​ ​ Towering, rugged peaks shrouded in layered gray-pink clouds rise dramatically in the background under a dynamic sky blending deep blue, purple storm hues, and soft sunset glows. The serene artificial lochan, planted in the 1890s by Lord Strathcona for his Canadian wife, evokes a Pacific Northwest vibe at the edge of historic Glencoe village. ​ ​ This easy woodland trail spot offers accessible paths through North American conifers, with views of Pap of Glencoe and Loch Leven, ideal for photography in tranquil Highland scenery.
January 11, 2026 at 2:20 PM
scottishinsider.org
Years ago (i was 19), we met at a train station and talked about Freemasonry. You wrote a reference letter for me that changed the way I’ve seen myself ever since. My dear friend, may your kind soul rest in peace.
death announcement about my friend (sorry not capable of writing alt text now
January 11, 2026 at 8:45 AM
scottishinsider.org
Not all heroes wear capes! #ice #usa #minnesota
A social media image captures a lone drummer protesting outside a Minneapolis Hilton hotel during an anti-ICE demonstration in early January 2026. A bearded man in winter coat hunches over a full drum kit in snowy conditions at night, striking cymbals and bass drum amid ground snow and building shadows, with onlookers nearby. ​ ​ The overlaid caption reads: "This guy who set up his whole damn drum kit at 1am outside a Minneapolis Hilton where ICE agents are trying to sleep" followed by drum and cymbal emojis. This tactic disrupted federal agents housed at the Canopy by Hilton amid protests after an ICE shooting of local activist Renee Nicole Good on January 7. ​ ​ Protesters used noise from drums, whistles, and lights for several nights to harass agents deployed for immigration enforcement surges targeting Somali migrants, leading to arrests and minor damage. ​ ​
January 10, 2026 at 7:38 PM
scottishinsider.org
Wueeeey! My fundraising idea for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity has been approved! :) Plus, local media are on board! SOON! LETS GOOOOO!
logo of the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity
January 7, 2026 at 4:14 PM
scottishinsider.org
Scott Monument, Edinburgh - 1845 -2025

#Scotland #beforeandafter #history #visitscotland #oldphoto
A split-image contrasts the Scott Monument in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 1845 on the left with 2025 on the right. The sepia 1845 calotype-style photo, likely by Hill and Adamson, shows the newly completed Victorian Gothic tower rising dramatically from Princes Street Gardens, its intricate spire, flying buttresses, pointed arches, and crocketed pinnacles piercing the sky amid period buildings shortly after construction ended in 1844. ​ The colorful 2025 low-angle shot captures the 200-foot Binny sandstone monument under a sunset sky streaked in pink and blue, emphasizing soaring pinnacles, ornate carvings of Scott's characters, and the base statue of Sir Walter Scott with his dog amid manicured gardens. ​ Script labels "1845" above the historic view and "Scott Monument, Edinburgh 2025" below the modern, credited to Dominik Smrek and Scottish Insider on Facebook, highlighting enduring legacy of George Meikle Kemp's design honoring the author who died in 1832.
January 5, 2026 at 3:35 PM
scottishinsider.org
Big things are brewing for 2026! Livestreams, videos, and simple helping! And I want to bring you along the way! #edinburgh #scotland
A sleek landing page for "Send Me On Adventure," a fundraising challenge by Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity, features a twilight Scottish hillside backdrop fading to dark navy. Bold white text proclaims "SEND ME ON ADVENTURE" with subtitle "Help Scotland's Hospital alone don't face," alongside a silhouetted hiker in red backpack trekking grassy moors under a starry sky. ​ The red logo "Send Me Adventure" sits top-left with charity badge "supporting Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity." Prominent pink "Donate Now" and red "Submit Challenge" buttons flank orange "Watch Videos," with subtle "The Cause" and "Submit" links top-right. ​ This initiative encourages participants to fundraise via adventures for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, ensuring no child faces hospital stays alone through donor-supported care and activities. ​
January 4, 2026 at 8:27 PM
scottishinsider.org
Breaking! Loch Ness monster debunked!

#scotland #meme #lochness #mystery
A four-panel cartoon humorously depicts the Loch Ness Monster discovery in a simple, bold-lined style on a light blue background. In the top left, a stick-figure person on a brown wooden boat excitedly shouts "There it is Ness Monster!" pointing at a long green plesiosaur-like neck emerging from wavy blue Loch Ness waters. ​ Top right shows two figures panicking with "Oh no! We've been found out! Let's get out of here!" as the green serpentine neck looms nearby. Bottom left repeats the boat, neck, and monster fully visible with bubbles, heightening the reveal. ​ Bottom right zooms on the punchline: three green Nessies—one adult plesiosaur spitting water, a smaller yellow one, and tiny orange baby—crammed inside a yellow submarine, with "tikibarthell.com" watermarked below, satirizing cryptozoology myths. ​
January 3, 2026 at 7:48 PM
scottishinsider.org
The University of Glasgow - 2025 and 1870

#scotland #BeforeAndAfter #glasgow #university #alttextt
A split-image layout contrasts the University of Glasgow's Gilbert Scott Building in 1870 on the left with a 2025 aerial view on the right. The sepia-toned 1870 photograph depicts the newly constructed Gothic Revival main building shortly after its opening, showcasing the imposing central tower without its full spire, flanked by symmetrical wings of pointed arches, turrets, and quadrangle structures amid Gilmorehill's developing landscape. ​ The vibrant 2025 drone shot reveals the thriving Gilmorehill campus from above, centered on the iconic bell tower now topped with an open spire overlooking expansive quads, modern surrounding buildings, parked cars, lush green lawns, and tree-lined paths blending historic sandstone with contemporary additions. ​ Elegant script text labels "1870" atop the historic image and "Glasgow University 2025" below the modern one, credited to Dominik Smrek and Scottish Insider via Facebook, illustrating 155 years of evolution from Sir George Gilbert Scott's 1870 design to today's bustling hub. ​
January 3, 2026 at 3:23 PM
scottishinsider.org
Wee fella - Cupar, Fife

#scotland #animals #squirrel #naturelovers #photography
Close-up of a red squirrel perched alertly on a mossy tree branch in dappled woodland light. The squirrel faces left, its large black eyes wide and shiny, bushy ears perked forward, and fluffy reddish-brown fur with white underbelly and cream paws. It nibbles on a seed or nut held in its front paws, cheeks puffed slightly, against a blurred backdrop of green oak leaves and slender twigs.
January 2, 2026 at 1:50 PM
scottishinsider.org
Culross Palace, Kingdom of Fife - Outlander filming location

#scotland #beautifuldestinations #Outlander #travel
Aerial view of Culross Palace in Fife, a courtyard of bright mustard‑yellow harled buildings with steep red‑tiled roofs, surrounded by narrow cobbled lanes and white cottages. The main palace block stands on the right, three storeys high with small gabled dormer windows and dark doors at ground level. In the centre is a paved courtyard path forming a loop through small grass lawns and planting beds, where a few visitors walk or sit on benches. To the upper edge of the scene terraced gardens climb the hillside behind stone walls, with vegetable plots, hedges and trees giving a layered, historic village atmosphere.
January 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
scottishinsider.org
Rosslyn Chapel - Midlothian - 1883 and 2025. Have you visited? :)

#scotland #edinburgh #mystery #beautifuldestinations #visitscotland
A split-image comparison shows Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian, Scotland, juxtaposing its 1883 state on the left against a 2025 view on the right. The sepia-toned 1883 photo captures the Gothic chapel's full facade from the southeast, towering with pointed arches, intricate stone pinnacles, tall stained-glass windows, and a prominent square tower rising above flying buttresses and railings, evoking Victorian-era mystery amid overgrown surroundings. ​ The 2025 color image reveals the well-preserved structure today, framed by lush green lawns, mature trees with autumn foliage, and a vivid blue sky. Sunlight illuminates ornate details like the rose window, arched entrance, reddish stone memorials, and elaborate carvings on pillars and buttresses, highlighting its 15th-century craftsmanship by the Sinclair family. ​ Text overlays specify "1883 Rosslyn Chapel" above the historic image and "Rosslyn Chapel, Midlothian 2025" below the modern one, with credits to photographer Dominik Smrek and "Scottish Insider" at the bottom, emphasizing restoration over 142 years. ​
December 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
scottishinsider.org
Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, 1865 and 2025

#scotland #beautifuldestinations #visitscotland #edinburgh
A split-image comparison shows the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, juxtaposing a historical black-and-white photograph from 1865 on the left with a modern color photograph from 2025 on the right. The top text reads "1865" above the older image, labeled "Holyrood Palace Edinburgh," while the bottom text reads "2025" above the contemporary image, both overlaid with "Holyrood.com Palace, Edinburgh" in stylish script. ​ Historical View (1865) Black-and-white photo captures the palace's north-western façade with its tall, pointed turrets, steep roofs, chimneys, and symmetrical stone architecture rebuilt in the 1670s by Sir William Bruce. In the foreground stands the newly installed Victorian fountain, an octagonal stone structure commissioned by Queen Victoria in the 1860s, featuring lion heads, a crown held by halberdiers, and carvings of figures like David Rizzio playing a flute. The scene appears somber and aged, emphasizing the palace's abbey ruins and Gothic elements at the far end. ​ Modern View (2025) Color photo depicts the same palace frontage under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds, highlighting warm sandstone hues, intact towers, and expansive lawns. The fountain remains central in the spacious courtyard, now surrounded by paved areas, a few parked cars, and manicured gardens, showing minimal architectural change over 160 years. This official residence of the British monarch in Scotland looks vibrant and well-preserved. ​
December 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM
scottishinsider.org
Tonight i have been installed as Worshipful Junior Warden of my Masonic lodge. What a great evening :) #scotland
A person in formal Masonic regalia stands on a black‑and‑white checkered floor in an ornate lodge room, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, bow tie, blue sash, and decorated blue and white apron, and holding a large wooden ceremonial staff diagonally across their body; their face is blurred, and the background shows dark wooden paneling, arched carvings, red seating, and tall windows.
December 29, 2025 at 11:17 PM
scottishinsider.org
Your timeline cleansing time!
My email password was hacked again. It's the third time I've had to rename my dog
December 29, 2025 at 4:22 PM
scottishinsider.org
Victoria street, Edinburgh - 1961 - 2025
Historical Photo Courtesy of Scotsman Publications LTD.

#scotland #edinburgh #oldphoto #oldedinburgh #history
A striking split-image comparison of Victoria Street in Edinburgh's Old Town captures the street's timeless charm across six decades. On the left, a black-and-white photograph from 1961 shows a quaint, narrow cobblestone road curving uphill amid tall, austere stone tenements with arched windows and plain facades. Vintage cars—boxy sedans and vans—line the misty street, with sparse pedestrians in coats strolling under overcast skies, evoking mid-20th-century Scotland's subdued vibe. The right side bursts into vibrant color from 2025 at sunset: the same buildings now painted in whimsical pastels—deep pink, sky blue, lavender, and mustard yellow—with ornate gables, turrets, and flower boxes. Tourists in modern attire wander the lively thoroughfare, boutique shops glow warmly, and a dramatic orange-pink sky bathes the scene in golden light. Bold white text overlays read "Victoria Street, Edinburgh" top-center, "1961" bottom-left, and "2025" bottom-right, with credits "facebook.com/Dominik.Smrek.Scottish.Insider." This visual evolution highlights the street's transformation from gritty historic lane to Instagram-famous Harry Potter-inspired wonder.
December 29, 2025 at 2:47 PM
scottishinsider.org
Dean Village, Edinburgh - 1837 and 2025

Feel free to share your lovely memories from this place :)

#scotland #edinburgh #beautifuldestinations #visitscotland
Side‑by‑side comparison image of Dean Village in Edinburgh across time. On the left is a detailed black‑and‑white drawing labelled “1837,” showing old stone mill buildings packed closely beside a curving river. The water in the foreground flows around scattered boulders and over a low weir or waterfall, with an arched stone bridge in the background and tall, plain gabled warehouses rising above the riverbank. On the right, labelled “2025,” is a bright colour photograph taken from a similar angle. Sunlight warms reddish and yellow sandstone tenement buildings with pitched roofs, chimneys, and bay windows, surrounded by green trees and bushes. The Water of Leith runs calmly through the foreground, bordered by grassy banks and a stone wall. Across the top center, in large white script, is the title “Dean Village.” Along the bottom in small white text is a Facebook link.
December 28, 2025 at 3:49 PM
scottishinsider.org
Hermitage of Braid - Edinburgh - Historical picture by H.D. Willie (1953) Do you have any memories from this place? Please share in comments :)

#scotland #edinburgh #oldphoto #vintagevibes #explore #beautifuldestinations
A side-by-side comparison showing the Hermitage of Braid in Edinburgh across two time periods. The left image from 1953 is in black and white, showing a historic stone mansion with bare trees in winter, and a cascading waterfall flowing over multiple tiers in the foreground. The right image from 2025 is in color, displaying the same building now painted in cream stone with castellated features, turrets, arched windows, and a distinctive orange door. The building is surrounded by mature green trees under a bright blue sky with white clouds. The architectural style is Scottish baronial with Gothic revival elements. Text overlay reads "Hermitage of Braid" with dates "1953" and "2025" marking each respective photograph. A Facebook credit appears at the bottom: facebook.com/Dominik.Smrek.Scottish.insider.
December 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
scottishinsider.org
Vennel point, Edinburgh Circa 1880 and 2025 :)

#edinburgh #Scotland #bestdestinations #TravelVibes #VisitScotland
Side-by-side comparison of Vennel Point in Edinburgh showing the same viewpoint in 1880 and 2025. Both images feature Edinburgh Castle perched dramatically on its volcanic rock cliff in the background. The left 1880 photograph is in black and white, showing a narrow cobblestone vennel (alleyway) with stone buildings, stairs, and a solitary figure walking. The right 2025 photograph is in color, taken during sunset with pink and blue clouds, showing the same vennel now paved, with two people walking together, street lamps, and more maintained stone walls. The historic architecture remains largely intact across 145 years, though the earlier image appears more austere while the modern photo captures the romantic character of Old Town Edinburgh. Text overlays mark each time period, with a social media credit at the bottom.
December 25, 2025 at 4:21 PM
scottishinsider.org
Lothian Road, Edinburgh 1950 and now #scotland #Edinburgh #oldies #oldedinburgh
A side-by-side "then and now" comparison of the Usher Hall on Lothian Road, Edinburgh. The left side is a black-and-white photograph labeled "1950," showing the grand, circular Beaux-Arts building behind a cluttered foreground of vintage trucks, wooden crates, and trailers. The street appears industrial and busy with mid-century vehicles. The right side is a color photograph labeled "2025," taken from a similar angle. The Usher Hall remains the central focus, its sandstone masonry and copper dome now appearing cleaned and well-maintained. The foreground is a modern, clean paved sidewalk and a multi-lane road with clear markings. Modern street furniture, like digital information kiosks and a black bin, replaces the old crates. The sky in the 2025 photo is bright teal with soft white clouds, contrasting with the hazy, gray sky of the 1950s. The text "Lothian Road" is written in a stylized white font across the top center of the split image.
December 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
scottishinsider.org
🪬🧿 Dunfermline Abbey, Fife, Scotland

#scotland #dunfermline #travel #beautiful #history
The interior of Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland, showcasing grand Romanesque architecture. The perspective is from a low angle, looking down a long nave lined with massive, cylindrical stone pillars. One prominent pillar is carved with a deep zigzag chevron pattern. These columns support heavy, rounded stone arches that create a rhythmic tunnel effect toward the back of the church. To the left, stained glass windows glow with soft light, while a large, rectangular leaded window at the far end illuminates the stone walls. The ceiling features dark wooden beams against a light-colored surface. The atmosphere is quiet and historic, with warm light hitting the textured, sandy-colored masonry of the ancient abbey.
December 23, 2025 at 5:07 PM
scottishinsider.org
This is officially the first photo of Rosslyn chapel taken from space - this is not AI - It was made possible thanks to YouTuber Mark Rober. :) Rosslyn Chapel #scotland #spacephoto
An image showing a "space selfie" displayed on a smartphone screen, which is mounted to a specialized rig high above Earth. In the background, the curvature of the Earth is visible against the pitch-black void of space. The planet's surface is a mix of deep blue oceans and vast, swirling white cloud formations over landmasses. The central focus is a black protective enclosure holding a Google Pixel phone. On the screen is a photo of a man in formal attire inside Rosslyn Chapel, looking upward at the intricate stone carvings. Above the screen, the logos for "CrunchLabs" and "Sent Into Space" are visible. At the bottom of the image, white text reads: "To get your CrunchLabs space selfie visit SpaceSelfie.com" and "Displayed on Google Pixel." The perspective creates a striking contrast between the ancient, detailed architecture on the screen and the high-tech, orbital view in the background.
December 23, 2025 at 9:38 AM