Rannoch Moor, Scotland – Mountains and water

Rannoch Moor is a desolate area of loch strewn bog, it is covers an area of more than 20 square miles of over 1000 foot and is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe.

The series of images that follow were taken whilst on a winter return trip from Glasgow. I originally had no intention of stopping at Rannoch Moor to photograph anything as I had another appointment to complete before heading home. However, as soon as I saw these views on the drive opening up in glorious winter sunshine I just could not resist the opportunity and decided to stop, donned boots and waterproofs and headed to the nearest loch.

Though I was only able to manage a brief stop at Rannoch Moor I was able to complete these images in about 15 minutes, I know I did not give the area the time it deserved and it would have been great to have spent a few more hours trying different locations and compositions but circumstances dictated otherwise. I consoled myself with the images from the moment secure in the knowledge that I had done my best in the limited time available.

Hope you think the time was well spent and you enjoy these Rannoch Moor images.

Dodging waves at Oldshoremore, Scotland

Oldshoremore Scotland is one of my favourite spots on the west coast of Scotland – a wonderfully remote and impressive beach. A huge sweep of sand curves to a fine-shaped rocky headland jutting out at one end, sawn off by the waves to form a small but dramatic cliff at the tip. All the ingredients for some great images, but, although I have visited many times I have failed to do the place justice.

Recently I was over west on a commission, shooting geological locations in the north-west Highlands. On finishing the final site, cloud was marching in from the east but there was enough of a gap on the western horizon to make dramatic late afternoon light a possibility. A chance to try for Oldshoremore Scotland again.

On arriving I wasn’t disappointed – low winter sunshine and huge Atlantic waves breaking on the bay leaving fascinating foam patterns where they finally came to a halt. As I wandered about trying out different ideas the sun sank behind the small cliffs on the headland and left a wonderful afterglow lingering for some time. After quite a bit of wave-dodging I headed for the car as the final colour faded to blue.

Here are a few of the highlights from a fantastic winter afternoon in the north-west Highlands:

Dramatic Landscape Photography – Isle of Skye

Dramatic landscape photography makes for interesting imagery. Lovely landscape views can be totally transformed with the inclusion of a dramatic and moody sky. Clearly these are less likely to be the “chocolate box” type of images required of postcard and calendar manufacturers.

However, I believe they show the real drama of these locations as the dark foreboding sky reinforces the sense of isolation, loneliness and harshness of these types of environment.

This collection of dramatic landscape photography images are taken from our last visit to the Isle of Skye, the largest island within the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland (** Note : Skye is now connected by a bridge to the Scottish mainland and because of this many people no longer consider Skye to be an island, most notably Hamish Haswell-Smith in his book Scottish Islands who says “Rules are rules, and having decided that the bridge destroys insularity there was no other option ….. no longer qualifies for inclusion.” ).

Nonetheless the Isle of Skye is still a terrific place to visit and often offers unlimited dramatic landscape photography opportunities.

Edinburgh architecture

Edinburgh architecture is fascinating, whilst city steeped in history it offers the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary architecture. Here are just a few examples of Edinburgh architecture from our last visit.

St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh – One of the most important architectural landmarks along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile the church, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh is where John Knox preached the Reformation and is the mother church of the Church of Scotland. This view looks toward the great east window.

Image of the columns and vaulted ceiling of the Gothic style St Giles Cathedral.

The James Braidwood memorial statue – Located in Parliament Square, Edinburgh it was unveiled on the 5th September 2008 by Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal of Edinburgh University. This statue is dedicated to the memory of James Braidwood 1800 – 1861, a pioneer of the scientific approach to fire-fighting.

Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber – This is a detail of one of 112 unique stainless steel connecting joints that enable the reinforced steel and oak laminated beam roof to span 30 metres without any supporting columns.

National Gallery of Scotland – One of the tree lined walkways in Princess Street Gardens adjacent to the National Gallery of Scotland.