Harvey Travel Arts

Today's photos are more examples of the intricate architecture of Scotland's past. Throughout Europe, one can find countless cathedrals, castles, theaters, etc. that were designed uniquely for one place. One purpose. The handiwork of the artists, sculptors, craftsmen, masons, whatever their trade is just that: hand iwork. Sure, they had basic machinery. But the carvings were done by hand. The plans were laid out by hand. Each person contributed a part of themselves. They had to apprentice for years before their work was ready for such large projects. Such incredible feats of accomplishment! Today a lot of the handiwork has been lost. Yes, there are still beautiful buildings being created. I am an enthusiast of modern architecture. I know that computers have simplified the craft. Years of education is still required to design today's modern structures. But there is a generic feel to so many of today's structures that saddens me. Truely unique buildings are still being de...

I had dreamed of making a pilgrimage to Dryburgh Abbey in Scotland for about a decade before I finally got to see it. For those of you reading this who are family, you will understand why when you see the below photograph. This Abbey, majestic even today, is where an ancestor of ours is buried. No, not Sir Walter Scott, although there is a family connection there. I'm talking about John Haliburton. An almost identical photo to the one above is in a book that my grandmother owns on the Haliburton / Burton family line. For some reason, this family lineage has been well documented over time. The following photo is taken of some documentation at the Abbey that explains some of the history of Sir Walter Scott and John Haliburton. Below you will find one more example of the beautiful architecture that is Dryburgh Abbey. Can you imagine what it must have once looked like?