Weekly Photo Challenge: Out Of Focus

 

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Castle Tioram at Loch Moidart can be accessed easily at low tide in her magical setting between land and sea. Early records show this castle has been here since the 14th century and the original building has been added to over time.

two whippets at Castle Tioram

The castle was sold privately to an individual millionaire believed to be acting on behalf of another in a tale of smoke and mirrors. He wanted to restore the castle to its former glory and turn it into a private dwelling with limited access to visitors.

blue whippet at Castle Tioram

Objections to his ambitious plans flew in from Historic Scotland, council members and others concerned with preserving the historic integrity of the ruin. They wish to maintain year round access for tourists and visitors. Both parties claim they represent the highest good for the castle and its historic interest and value. With this refusal on the table the private owner is no longer doing any work. After a stand-off spanning nearly twenty years the castle has a danger notice and the walls have become unstable. Trees and greens are growing inside the ruin as nature is slowly reclaiming her ground.

non-resistance
among crumbling stones
ferns reach for the sky

© Xenia Tran

 

two whippets on crag looking at tall ferns

We wish you all a very happy Friday and a wonderful weekend!

With love from Eivor, Pearl and Xenia xxx

 

Photographs by Xenia Tran, edited in lr.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ200, settings: Landscape and iA, 1/200 s.

 

Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Focus

Carpe Diem #1207: Non-Resistance

 

Author: whippetwisdom

The stories, poems and photographs on this blog are the original creative work of Xenia Tran. Inspired by life in the Scottish Highlands and in awe of nature she gives voice to the wisdom of her adopted and fostered whippets.

52 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: Out Of Focus”

  1. What a beauty and what a story! It’s kind of ironic, isn’t it? Both sides claim to have the best interests in mind for the castle, and yet it crumbles into a ruin. Out of focus, indeed!

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      2. Thank you J.R., I too love to see history preserved when possible and yet there was something very peaceful about nature gradually reclaiming this tidal island that made me think that maybe this is how it is meant to be.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Ah, the castle! And what a story… a shame no compromise could be reached after withstanding so many centuries. Still, nature has to win sometimes 🌲A very apt title for this photo challenge. Happy Friday to you and hope you all have a lovely weekend 💖 xxx

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Cathy and in this beautiful setting it will be very fitting if nature ultimately wins over egos and righteousness ;o) A very happy Friday to all of you too and enjoy your weekend! :o) xxx

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Shielagh :o) The way in which the stones surrendered to the vegetation reminded me of the Tibetan practice of non-resistance, which in turn inspired the haiku poem. I hope you are feeling better and wish you a wonderful weekend :o) xxx

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  7. The photos are beautiful! What a dilemma of the story. To bad that it was a no ‘win’ situation. We had a story regarding a mansion bought by Steve Jobs, founder of Apple computer. He bought the mansion but wanted to tear it down to rebuild something else. The local official didn’t approve because of the historic value. Well, Steve didn’t maintain it, left the windows of 14 bedrooms open. Eventually, the building was ruin!!

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      1. Yes, he was a stubborn guy. His own house is almost empty, no furniture pleased him. When president Clinton went to visit him during his cancer treatment, his wife had to rent all the furniture to prepare a house for Clinton to stay. His wife is one of a kind, knowing him, and supported him!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes, I only know her as much as from reading. Steve approached Walter Isaacson to write his biography. Walter thought, asked me in 10 years. Steve’s wife told Walter that he had cancer, so Walter made many trips to interview him. His book includes some photos of Steve’s “empty” home and his “office.”

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Sometimes, a private owner can do things to preserve these buildings that a community could not. That said, what was really sad was that everyone lost in the end and in the future people will be hesitant to buy these buildings to preserve them. The man was out all that money, and it sends a chilling message to the public writ large. Maybe they should’ve just put some stipulations that could’ve satisfied them? I’m thinking along the lines of how we’ve preserved Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia in the USA. It’s a privately owned endeavor and saved a lot of our history.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. We are fortunate in that we have many historic treasures here who are either owned by a trust or by private individuals who allow access. Castle Tioram is an exceptional case where the owner ignored the guidelines and neither party has been able to resolve the matter.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Great subject for the challenge.
    Wow, the castle’s been there since the 14th century . it’s amazing any of it is still standing. It’s sad that it’s going to ruins without no one maintaining it. I do understand why they would want it to be accessible to visitors but it’s a shame they didn’t secure some way of maintaining it. Still I think it would be an inspiration to focus on for some cool fairytales.
    I hope you and the beauties have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you for your kind words E.C. It is a magical location for fairytales and who knows how much the fairies have had a hand in all that has unfolded!😉 We wish you a wonderful weekend and much love to you from all of us here ☺💖 xxx

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  11. Pingback: Focus Wind Mill | What's (in) the picture?

    1. Thank you for your kind words Denis and I believe people who operate in this way will always get stuck at some point, until they see the light and change their ways 😉

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  16. “Gift it Holds Within”
    A greaTest MaGiC i found
    bound to sheet music playing
    the piano note by note only
    iMproviSing by note..
    is when the
    notes StArting
    SinGinG through
    My Fingers without
    any sheets.. Bare SoUL
    ExpoSinG DancEs ouT
    Without a Rope
    of reins
    that
    hold.. SingS
    oN FloW iN ZoNe..:)

    Liked by 1 person

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