Bob Marshall
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bobmarshall.co.uk
Bob Marshall
@bobmarshall.co.uk
1.1K followers 470 following 480 posts
Edinburgh-based architectural illustrator and 3D reconstruction artist. #Blender3D Pro. Member: Society of Architectural Illustrators, Scottish Castles Association, and the Caithness Broch Project. https://bobmarshall.co.uk
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bobmarshall.co.uk
The new #SirDavidAttenborough series #Kingdom is a BIG hit with my cat tonight. He’s been glued to the TV right since the start. 🐅
A domestic cat watching a television program featuring big cats in the wild. A domestic cat watching a television program featuring big cats in the wild.
November 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
My reconstruction of Allen Smelt Mill (2017) is a good contender for being among my most challenging visualisation projects. It required months of effort, research, and problem-solving with the aid of 3D models. I wrote an article about the experience.... bob-marshall.blogspot.com/2018/01/reco...
Illustrated reconstruction drawing showing a cutaway view of Allendale Smelt Mill in Northumberland, as it might have looked in the 1800s. A central water wheel drives mechanical bellows, which feed a supply of air to the factory's ore hearths. Fumes from the furnaces that burn off sulphur and other impurities in the lead ore are carried away from the factory by a complex network of flues. The Smelting Mill was demolished in the 1950s and 1970s. All that remains are flue openings, the ore hearths, the wheel pit, and the foundations of the roasting furnaces. The flues can be described as long horizontal chimneys, which end at chimneys high up on the moors above Allendale, over two miles away. The flue system here is the best preserved in England. A reconstruction drawing of Allenheads Mine Yard in Northumberland. Teams of men and boys operated 'jiggers' and 'buddles' to sift and wash the mined minerals to extract every available ounce of lead ore. The process required vast quantities of water. The ore was then taken from here to the smelting mill at Allendale on the backs of small, rugged horses known as Galloways, then deposited into storage bays here called bingsteads, where the material would then await refinement. This is the only plan drawing we have of Allen Smelt Mill in the 1800s, showing the layout of its buildings and the route of its horizontal flues. A 3D computer model of 'Brunton Buddles'. This equipment was used for washing the iron ore of unwanted material. The material was loaded through a hopper at the top and then passed on to a canvas belt, where water washed away the unwanted material, leaving lead-rich ore to drop into a large tank for collection.
November 1, 2025 at 8:02 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Castle Gloom, a.k.a. Castle Campbell, Clackmannanshire. 🏰
📷 My own.

Happy All Hallows' Eve, folks.
An eerie silhouette of Castle Campbell looming in the fog, framed by bare trees. Clackmannanshire, Scotland. Photo © Bob Marshall 2017
October 31, 2025 at 4:55 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Post a perfect album from 1989. A perfect music year.
The album cover of '3 Feet High and Rising' by De La Soul. By Toby Mott - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, ttps://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129689563
October 31, 2025 at 1:24 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Castle Toward was the residence of the chiefs of Clan Lamont. It was besieged in 1646 by their rivals, Clan Campbell. Upon surrendering, more than 36 Lamonts were taken to Dunoon Castle and hanged. Toward is said to be haunted by the ghosts of those who were slain.
Old Toward Castle in Argyllshire was built in the 15th century as the residence of the chiefs of Clan Lamont. It was expanded in the 17th century, but ruined after Clan Campbell’s 1646 attack during the Dunoon massacre. This view is of the remains of the castle from the east. The tallest of the remaining structures is the castle's tower or keep. Old Toward Castle in Argyllshire was built in the 15th century as the residence of the chiefs of Clan Lamont. It was expanded in the 17th century, but ruined after Clan Campbell’s 1646 attack during the Dunoon massacre. The tallest of the remaining structures is the castle's tower or keep. This view is of the tower from the ruinous kitchen range on the east side of the courtyard. A photograph taken inside one of the vaulted chambers of Old Castle Toward in Argyllshire. The castle is in a dangerously ruinous condition. Old Toward Castle in Argyllshire was built in the 15th century as the residence of the chiefs of Clan Lamont. It was expanded in the 17th century, but ruined after Clan Campbell’s 1646 attack during the Dunoon massacre.
October 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Good morning. Caught an early ferry from Inverclyde over to Dunoon for a few castle visits today. ☀️🏰
A view of Dunoon Castle in the early morning sunshine. Argyllshire, Scotland. A panoramic view of the Firth of Clyde from Dunoon Castle, Argyllshire, Scotland. Early morning sunshine.
October 30, 2025 at 8:40 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Couldn't resist sharing this because CBP don't have a Bluesky account yet.

Isn't this just completely AWESOME?!!!

I feel obliged to point out that authentic Iron Age Brochs didn't have car parking, however. 🤣

#Brochs
A local planning application summary (Highland) showing the successful application to build the first replica Iron Age Broch in over 2000 years near Latheron in Caithness, Scotland.
October 22, 2025 at 3:49 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
#HillfortsWednesday #DogsAtHillforts My much-adored, and greatly missed Jack Russell terrier inspects Traprain Law Hillfort in #EastLothian back in 2008.

Remote sensing data, imported into Blender 3D, shows the hillfort's topography and quarried-out northeast slopes.

#RemoteSensingData #Digital3D
A Jack Russell terrier dog poses at the summit of Traprain law, an Iron Age hillfort in East Lothian, Scotland. 50cm LIDAR topographical data showing Traprain Law, an Iron Age hillfort in East Lothian, Scotland. The image shows a deep quarry on the hillfort's northeast slope. Image reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. CC-BY A digital 3D model of Traprain Law, an Iron Age hillfort in East Lothian, Scotland. Created using the Blender 3D open-source software. A digital 3D model of Traprain Law, an Iron Age hillfort in East Lothian, Scotland. Created using the Blender 3D open-source software. The image shows a deep quarry on the northeast slope of the hillfort.
October 22, 2025 at 10:27 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
To develop the digital model, I analysed laser survey and GIS data, hundreds of measured architectural drawings from Historic England archives, old engravings and paintings, and the findings of three detailed archaeological reports. The Dover Castle at Siege exhibition opened in July 2024.
Digital reconstruction of Dover Castle from the Northern Spur, as it might have looked on the eve of the Great Siege in 1216, when the Castle defended an attack by an Anglo-French rebellion against an unpopular King John of England. Artist: Bob Marshall 2024. © Historic England / English Heritage Trust.
October 14, 2025 at 9:53 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Two years ago, I embarked on an ambitious 3D reconstruction model of Dover Castle, recreating how it might have looked at the time of the Great Siege in 1216. Working with a team of architectural and military historians, the digital model and 3D renders took over five months to develop. #Blender3D
Computer 3D model reconstruction of Dover Castle as it might have looked in 1216 on the eve of the Great Siege of 1216, when the Castle defended an attack by an Anglo-French rebellion against an unpopular King John of England. Working closely with a team of architectural and military historians, the digital model absorbed over 800 hours of work over five months. Laser survey and GIS data, hundreds of measured architectural drawings from Historic England archives, old engravings and paintings, and the findings of three detailed archaeological reports were analysed to create the digital model. Photographic textures, 3D renders, and manual digital painting helped bring the Castle's history to life through richly detailed images. The completed images were created for the exhibition, Dover Castle at Siege, which English Heritage opened in July 2024. Computer 3D model reconstruction of Dover Castle as it might have looked in 1216 on the eve of the Great Siege of 1216, when the Castle defended an attack by an Anglo-French rebellion against an unpopular King John of England. Working closely with a team of architectural and military historians, the digital model absorbed over 800 hours of work over five months. Laser survey and GIS data, hundreds of measured architectural drawings from Historic England archives, old engravings and paintings, and the findings of three detailed archaeological reports were analysed to create the digital model. Photographic textures, 3D renders, and manual digital painting helped bring the Castle's history to life through richly detailed images. The completed images were created for the exhibition, Dover Castle at Siege, which English Heritage opened in July 2024. Computer 3D model reconstruction of Dover Castle as it might have looked in 1216 on the eve of the Great Siege of 1216, when the Castle defended an attack by an Anglo-French rebellion against an unpopular King John of England. Working closely with a team of architectural and military historians, the digital model absorbed over 800 hours of work over five months. Laser survey and GIS data, hundreds of measured architectural drawings from Historic England archives, old engravings and paintings, and the findings of three detailed archaeological reports were analysed to create the digital model. Photographic textures, 3D renders, and manual digital painting helped bring the Castle's history to life through richly detailed images. The completed images were created for the exhibition, Dover Castle at Siege, which English Heritage opened in July 2024. Computer 3D model reconstruction of Dover Castle as it might have looked in 1216 on the eve of the Great Siege of 1216, when the Castle defended an attack by an Anglo-French rebellion against an unpopular King John of England. Working closely with a team of architectural and military historians, the digital model absorbed over 800 hours of work over five months. Laser survey and GIS data, hundreds of measured architectural drawings from Historic England archives, old engravings and paintings, and the findings of three detailed archaeological reports were analysed to create the digital model. Photographic textures, 3D renders, and manual digital painting helped bring the Castle's history to life through richly detailed images. The completed images were created for the exhibition, Dover Castle at Siege, which English Heritage opened in July 2024.
October 14, 2025 at 9:53 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Hi #PortfolioDay!

I'm an Architectural Illustrator from Edinburgh. I visually reconstruct heritage buildings and monuments in #Blender3D guided by archaeology, measured survey data, and by working in collaboration with historians and archaeologists.

Website: bobmarshall.co.uk
ALT: A speculative digital reconstruction of the Bass of Inverurie - a late twelfth-century timber and earthwork castle held by the Earls of Garioch (pronounced "Geary" in the local tongue)- members of the extended royal family of Scotland and the ancestors of King Robert the Bruce. Personal project © Bob Marshall 2017. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Speculative digital reconstruction of Tor Alvie hillfort near Aviemore, Scottish Highlands. The site was identified as a hillfort in 2010-11 (Historic Environment Record: MHG55341). The reconstruction model was created in Blender 3D using a combination of high-resolution digital terrain data obtained from Ordnance Survey, which I used to create my backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains. Although the fort has never been excavated, the line of its rampart walls can broadly be determined by a stony bank that encloses an area of roughly 85m x 30m, bearing immediate similarities in size and shape to Craig Phadrig hillfort near Inverness. However, unlike Craig Phadrig, there is no evidence that Torr Alvie was vitrified. It is difficult to know how thick the ramparts were, whether there were timber palisades, and how many entrances the fort had, so imagination plays a large part in this visualisation. With grateful thanks to Eve Boyle and Adam Welfare of Historic Environment Scotland and Professor Gordon Noble of the University of Aberdeen for their input and assistance. © Bob Marshall / badenochstorylands.com 2020. A speculative digital reconstruction of the early sixteenth-century chancel screen of St Mary's parish church in Youghal, Ireland. Using survey measurements, I developed a computer model to help me work out a possible design for the screen and its loft. Its form is guided by the information written in historical documents and from a single piece of decorated timber, which may have been part of this original screen, found underneath the church floor during recent archaeological investigations. I have combined influences from some surviving medieval screens found in churches in several English counties. The depiction of the Last Judgement painted above the chancel arch is imaginary, and also influenced by similar mural paintings found in several medieval English churches. The Last Judgement, sometimes also referred to as a ‘Doom’, was a common feature of medieval churches. It was an instrument for highlighting the contrasts between the rewards of heaven and the agony of hell, intended to guide Christians away from sin and misbehaviour. A digital reconstruction of Brougham Castle shows how it may have looked in 1388 following the additions and alterations made by Roger Clifford, 5th Baron of Westmoreland. This view of the castle in wintertime is from the northwest. Artist: Bob Marshall. © Historic England / English Heritage Trust. Contact Historic England Archives for Licensing enquiries.
October 14, 2025 at 7:23 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Hawthorn shrapnel from autumn hedgerow flailing wreaking havoc on my tyres today 🚴‍♂️. About as bad as riding over carpet tacks. If anyone out there can develop better guards to prevent the debris from flail mowers scattering across the road, you'll be my new bestest friend.
October 11, 2025 at 12:40 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Shell House / Shell Grotto doorway (c1782) in the grounds of Newhailes House, Musselburgh. (National Trust for Scotland). 📷 Bob Marshall Oct 2025. #AdoorableThursday
The Shell House / Shell Grotto doorway (c1782) in the grounds of Newhailes House, Musselburgh. (National Trust for Scotland). Photo by Bob Marshall Oct 2025.
October 9, 2025 at 7:57 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
At Stirling's Engine Shed today hearing from different stakeholders on the issues, challenges, and successes of restoring and conserving Scotland's Castles. Very pleased to hear the resounding success of at least one conservation project I had a lot of personal involvement in. #ScottishCastles
Janet Brennan-Inglis gives a presentation about restoring Barholm Castle (privately-owned) in Dumfriesshire. Her talk was one of several presentations given by different stakeholders as part of a two-day conference tackling the issues, challenges, and success-stories of restoring, repairing, and conserving Scotland's many castles. The event was organised by the Scottish Castles Association and took place at the Engine Shed in Stirling on 9th September 2025. Among the keynote speakers were Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, and the Landmark Trust. Dr Anna Keay from the Landmark Trust gives a presentation about the recent restoration of Fairburn Tower near Muir of Ord in the Scottish Highlands. Her talk was one of several presentations given by different stakeholders as part of a two-day conference tackling the issues, challenges, and success-stories of restoring, repairing, and conserving Scotland's many castles. The event was organised by the Scottish Castles Association and took place at the Engine Shed in Stirling on 9th September 2025. Among the keynote speakers were Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, and the Landmark Trust. Bryan Dickson from the National Trust for Scotland gives a presentation about the recent community conservation project to consolidate the ruin of Preston Tower castle in East Lothian. His talk was one of several presentations given by different stakeholders as part of a two-day conference tackling the issues, challenges, and success-stories of restoring, repairing, and conserving Scotland's many castles. The event was organised by the Scottish Castles Association and took place at the Engine Shed in Stirling on 9th September 2025. Among the keynote speakers were Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, and the Landmark Trust.
October 9, 2025 at 6:28 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Walmgate Barbican looked rather splendid in the sun on my Monday morning walk around the City walls.
A view of Walmgate Bar and Barbican Gate, York, in the early morning sunshine. September 29, 2025.
October 2, 2025 at 7:38 AM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Spotted in York. My old Jack Russell terrier loved a good pub. I'm trying to get my Dachsie interested, but he's a bit grumpy. #dogsinpubs
A black and white sign outside a pub in York, England, welcoming dogs, on condition their owners behave themselves.
September 28, 2025 at 4:47 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Loved seeing the brand new Station Hall exhibition at the National Railway Museum today, which opened to visitors this weekend. The interior lighting could be a little better to help you see inside one or two of the historic carriage interiors, but that's my only minor complaint.
A view inside the Station Hall exhibition space at the National Railway Museum in York. The Station Hall was opened on 26 September 2025.
September 27, 2025 at 9:20 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
What better way to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway than a visit the National Railway Museum in York.
LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard at the National Railway Museum in York. A 4-6-2 "Pacific" steam locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built in 1938 for operation on the London and North Eastern Railway.
September 27, 2025 at 1:08 PM
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Pre-breakfast power walk around York City Walls. It's becoming something of a ritual whenever I visit.
View of York Minster from York City Walls View of York Minster from York City Walls Clifford's Tower, York, England York City Walls in the early morning sunshine.
September 27, 2025 at 8:39 AM
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#AdoorableThursday West door, Dunblane Cathedral.
The mid-thirteenth-century west door of Dunblane Cathedral, Scotland.
September 25, 2025 at 9:38 AM
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You'll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Castles.

#kitchens #castles #Doune
Photo of the kitchen at Doune Castle, Scotland. Photo of the double kitchen servery hatches at Doune Castle, Scotland.
September 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Old Slains is one of many listed heritage sites that will inevitably succumb to the elements and the accelerated impact of climate change. I do not think it will survive. But can we record enough of this castle using digital technology while there is still time and before it is lost forever?
The ruins of Old Slains Castle, on the north east coast of Aberdeenshire. These are the precarious remains of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll's castle that was blown up by King James VI of Scotland's army in 1594 after the Earl's persistent support of Catholicism. The Earl was later forgiven, and he built a new castle north of the village of Cruden Bay called Bowness. It is now better known as New Slains Castle and romantically associated with Bram Stoker, the author of the Gothic horror novel, Dracula. The ruins of Old Slains Castle, on the north east coast of Aberdeenshire. These are the precarious remains of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll's castle that was blown up by King James VI of Scotland's army in 1594 after the Earl's persistent support of Catholicism. The Earl was later forgiven, and he built a new castle north of the village of Cruden Bay called Bowness. It is now better known as New Slains Castle and romantically associated with Bram Stoker, the author of the Gothic horror novel, Dracula. The ruins of Old Slains Castle, on the north east coast of Aberdeenshire. These are the precarious remains of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll's castle that was blown up by King James VI of Scotland's army in 1594 after the Earl's persistent support of Catholicism. The Earl was later forgiven, and he built a new castle north of the village of Cruden Bay called Bowness. It is now better known as New Slains Castle and romantically associated with Bram Stoker, the author of the Gothic horror novel, Dracula.
September 22, 2025 at 7:28 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
The ruins are pretty much as I remember them when I was young, but for how much longer? There are worrying signs of coastal erosion and land slippage all around the cliff edges here.
The ruins of Old Slains Castle, on the north east coast of Aberdeenshire. These are the precarious remains of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll's castle that was blown up by King James VI of Scotland's army in 1594 after the Earl's persistent support of Catholicism. The Earl was later forgiven, and he built a new castle north of the village of Cruden Bay called Bowness. It is now better known as New Slains Castle and romantically associated with Bram Stoker, the author of the Gothic horror novel, Dracula.
September 22, 2025 at 7:28 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
Revisited Old Slains today, the castle that inspired me growing up in a nearby village. It's the remains of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll's castle, which was blown up with gunpowder by King James VI's army in 1594 for the Earl's persistent support of Catholicism. They did eventually make peace!
The ruins of Old Slains Castle, on the north east coast of Aberdeenshire. These are the precarious remains of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll's castle that was blown up by King James VI of Scotland's army in 1594 after the Earl's persistent support of Catholicism. The Earl was later forgiven, and he built a new castle north of the village of Cruden Bay called Bowness. It is now better known as New Slains Castle and romantically associated with Bram Stoker, the author of the Gothic horror novel, Dracula.
September 22, 2025 at 7:28 PM
bobmarshall.co.uk
A few photos from our castles tour. The SCA organise visits to a range of castles from different periods in varied states of condition. We are extremely lucky to be invited inside many amazing private residences, and are mindful/respectful of the owners privacy, so I can't share all my photos.
Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire, showing its medieval tower and later courtyard entrance. Members of the Scottish Castles Association inspecting the ruins of Balquhain castle near Pitcaple in Aberdeenshire. Built in the fourteenth century, the castle belonged to the Leslie family. The south facade of Keith Hall in Aberdeenshire. Keith Hall was the seat of the Earl of Kintore, Hereditary Earl Marischal of Scotland (clan Keith). Modernised in the seventeen century, it incorporates an original Z-plan tower of Caskieben Castle. It was divided into private residences in the 1980s. A panoramic view of the old ringwork castle at Caskieben located a few hundred yards to the north of Keith Hall near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. The castle is on private land. Trees and woodland now grow on the site, but it is still possible to make out the ditch of a moat surrounding what would have been an early timber castle in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries.
September 22, 2025 at 6:08 AM