A Photographer’s Journey: Highlands & Islands Through the Lens

There’s no better way to reconnect with nature, slow time, and fill your memory cards than a few days photographing the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It’s a land of drama, contrast, and fleeting light — and this trip had a bit of everything: iconic views, unexpected detours, and even a newly returned legend standing in a loch.

A hiker admires the dramatic rocky landscape and coastal views from Old Man of Storr on Scotland's Isle of Skye.

April 2025

First Stop: The Mirror Man Returns

The journey began with a stop at Loch Earn, where the recently reinstated Mirror Man sculpture stands silently in the water once again. The statue, officially known as “Still,” gleams against the loch’s dark surface, perfectly reflecting the sky above and anchoring compositions with serene symmetry. It’s a peaceful place, and catching it in the soft morning light was the perfect warm-up for the days ahead.

A lone figure stands in calm blue lake waters surrounded by rolling hills on a clear sunny day.

Wooden dock extending over tranquil blue lake with forested mountain peak rising in background under clear sky.

Into the Heart of the Highlands: Rannoch Moor & Glencoe

Next came the vast, untamed expanse of Rannoch Moor, where the landscape seems to breathe under layers of mist and heather. There’s something meditative about standing there, camera in hand, watching the clouds race across the sky while lone trees and quiet pools offer stillness below. The interplay between harsh terrain and delicate light is everything a landscape photographer dreams of.

From there, I continued into Glencoe, a place that never fails to impress no matter how many times you visit. The towering ridges and deep valleys are as moody as ever, perfect for dramatic wide-angle shots. A short wander led me to Glencoe Lochan, a lesser-known gem nestled among pines. The mirrored reflections of trees and mountains on the still water make it feel almost like a Scottish fairytale.

Eilean Donan Castle: History in the Blue Hour

Before crossing to Skye, I made time for Eilean Donan Castle — that postcard-perfect icon perched at the meeting of three lochs. Timing my arrival to catch the last light of day, I stayed into the blue hour as the castle lights came on, casting golden reflections across the water. It’s hard to take a bad photo here, but the real challenge is finding a unique perspective. Finding a small stream as a leading line into the scene paid of.

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland illuminated at sunset with a stream flowing through grassy hills in the foreground.

Ancient stone bridge with arches spans rocky stream beneath rugged mountain peaks on Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Over the Bridge to Skye: Sligachan & The Fairy Pools

Staying at a cozy hotel near the Skye Bridge turned out to be the perfect base. It kept travel times short and allowed me to chase the light..

First up was the Sligachan Old Bridge, set against the backdrop of the Black Cuillin. It’s a classic composition, but the real magic came when a break in the clouds sent beams of light slicing through the mountains, turning the whole scene into something out of a storybook.

Then came a hike to the Fairy Pools — crystal-clear waters tumbling through rocky channels. They’re a dream for long exposure work, and I managed to capture a few moody frames however the sun was facing the wrong direction for me so the light was often a little harsh.

A Miss at Neist Point, but Skye Delivers. I had planned to photograph Neist Point Lighthouse at sunset, but a closed road threw a wrench in the works. A bit of a disappointment, sure — but that’s part of photographing the Highlands. You plan, the weather (or in this case, the roads) decide.

Fortunately, Portree was waiting with its charming harbour, colourful houses, and a warm meal. A walk along the waterfront made for some lovely twilight shots, with reflections dancing on the calm sea.

Sunlit mountain landscape with rocky pools and waterfalls in a rugged alpine terrain during golden hour.

Colorful row houses line the waterfront in Portree harbor on Isle of Skye with boats and mountains in background.

Kilt Rock & The Storr: A Grand Finale

On the final day, I made my way up the coast to Kilt Rock Waterfall, where the cliffs drop straight into the sea and a ribbon of water tumbles down like it’s trying to defy gravity. The wind was howling, but the drama of the place is worth every gust.

The trip ended with an afternoon four hour hike to the Old Man of Storr. Low clouds clung to the jagged pinnacles, and for a moment it felt like I was walking through another world. When the mist lifted just enough to reveal the landscape below, it was one of those rare, quiet moments where you forget you’re taking photos and just stand there in awe. In fact I nearly forget to take any photographs as I was admiring the view so much!

Dramatic coastal waterfall cascades down steep cliffs into the ocean at Mealt Falls on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Dramatic rocky spires of the Old Man of Storr rise above the rugged coastline on Scotland's Isle of Skye.

Final Thoughts

Scotland’s Highlands and Islands have a way of reminding you why you fell in love with photography in the first place. It’s not just about capturing images — it’s about the stillness, the unexpected moments, and the connection to a landscape that feels alive.

From the shimmering figure in Loch Earn to the towering rock of the Storr, this short journey packed in a lifetime of inspiration. And while the road to Neist Point may have been closed this time, it just gives me one more reason to return.