The Site of Trimontium: A Trilogy.
A single day’s journey into the Scottish Borders last week had us purposefully perusing local maps for all of the sights we’d hoped to visit – while the threatening weather remained (mostly) on our side. One of the day’s most anticipated sites was here, at the renowned and history-steeped Scott’s View – Sir Walter Scott’s favourite view out to the triple-peaked Eildon Hills. At over 420m in height they look out to Teviotdale to the south and the northernmost peak has been discovered to be covered in over 5km of ramparts which enclose an area of around 40 acres within which at least 300 level platforms have been formed within the rock itself in order to have provided bases for houses. It is believed that the site was occupied as far back as 1000BC. During the 1st Century CE (common era) – the Romans had erected the huge fort of Trimontium of Newstead (named after the three peaks) at the foot of the hill on the bank of the River Tweed. As sights go – they don’t get a lot better than this on such a glorious day.
The hollow (as legends would have it) hills are actually marilyns and are steeped in folklore, as well as history, as the words of ‘Thomas the Rhymer’ would attest. Formed by the upward push of an underground volcano around 300m years ago, they were cleft in three by the magician Michael Scot as written by Walter Scott in his poem ‘The Lay of the Last Minstrel’, in 1805. With all this said, however, words alone cannot describe the feeling when standing at this spot and looking out at all of… this.
As most captures from up here would depict a very similar view with my standard set-ups, I decided to do things a little differently. The lens-ball treatment was a huge amount of fun and, I could never have left this scene without having grabbed an IR frame or two as well. (If you have been reading my pages for a while now, you’ll know this already, I guess). Thank you so much for reading and have a great weekend, all!
R.
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[Equip: X100-IR & X100s w/50mm TCL]
I | Through the Ball – 50mm.
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II | 720nm Infrared – 35mm.
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III | The Magic of a Fair Maiden’s Hand.
35Chronicle Photography 
Through the ball is a beautiful capture
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Thank you for your comments… very kind. And thank you for following my pages. Welcome! Best, Rob 🙏📷
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Who would have thought that IR would come out so nicely with orbs. Light is light, I guess? I have to try this and with no shame whatsoever will copy your ideas for my pics, Rob! Inspirational. 🙂
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Jiri.. I can only say this… copy, copy, COPY! 🤪 Just enjoy it. That’s all it’s about, don’t you think? I am happy to inspire even in some small way. I hope you have great fun with it! Thank you! Very best, Rob. 🙏📷
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Great images!
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Thank you, Stuart! 🙏📷
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I have fond memories of Melrose,
the old church ruins, nearby Sterling,
and of course, Scott’s lookout.
Thanks for the photogenic reminder!
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Then I am as lucky as you, David! Thank you so much. You’re very, very welcome. Gorgeous, eh?! 🙏📷
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I need to bring my crystal ball back out it’s box! Great images. I have to say your posts never disappoint. You are so lucky to live in a country filled with so much beauty and history.
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Carolyn, thank you so much for such kind words! I wonder if anyone who can enjoy such scenery can ever take it for granted? I don’t think I ever will. And yes, you definitely should. I know they’re considered a little old hat nowadays but I still love to play around with the lens ball. Show us what you do with yours! Bated breath… 🙏📷
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As always, love your work Robert !
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Harold thank you so much, my friend. I hope you’re keeping well. Never seem to catch my tail but I’m working on it! Keep well, H! 🙏📷
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I know that feeling – chasing my tail too
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Reblogged this on ausevor.
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Stunning! Three super images.
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Brian, thank you so much! 🙏📷
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