My first visit to the Isle of Skye came at a time when I had just bought my first camera. The Island was one of the reasons that I developed a love for the landscape. I took around 1000 shots capturing everything and anything about the island all on auto settings, into the sun, out the car window, highlights blown – the whole shebang! I was proud of my pictures but you could definitely say they were not limited edition candidates!

I recently completed my 3rd visit to the Isle of Skye and although my photography skills have some what changed the Island and it’s spectacular scenery has not. It’s still the magical and charming place I remember evident from the minute I arrived at Uig ferry terminal where we were greeted by a bagpipe player bellowing out ‘Flower of Scotland’ with all his might. Anyone that knows me knows that my favourite place in the world is ‘The Trotternish Ridge’. It’s as spectacular setting as you will ever see with The Quiraing, views across the Sound of Raasay to the mainland and a phenomenal view along the ridge towards the Old Man of Storr and The Cuillin Hills. For me it’s perfect but despite my best efforts I’ve still yet to capture an image that I feel will do the location justice, it’s disappointing but on one hand it gives me a great reason to keep coming back despite it being 500 miles from home.

There is a lot more to the Isle of Skye than the Trotternish Ridge however. The most popular feature has got to be the famous Cuillin Hills. Visible for miles the mountains are popular with climbers and walkers. For me the waterfalls on their slopes offer a wealth of photographic opportunity. Often just labelled as ‘Waterfall’ on the Ordnance Survey map they can often be as spectacular as they come. I found many just off the footpath as you climb Bla Bheinn near Torrin, and Sgurr Alasdair at Glenbrittle. Meltwater from the peaks of the mountains would flow down the slope cutting it’s path in spectacular fashion. One location know as ‘The Fairy Pools’ near Glenbrittle was particularly impressive with it’s turquoise coloured water and multiple falls.

I also spent time at Neist Point, which houses one of the most spectacular lighthouse locations you will see. This remote outpost of the west coast of the island protects boats from the towering cliffs on Ness Point and Moonen Bay. Above the lighthouse on a clear day you can see right across The Minch to the Outer Hebrides, the Islands of North & South Uist, Harris and Lewis are all visible to the naked eye.

For the third time the Isle of Skye did not disappoint but I was left with the feeling that there is still a lot more to be discovered and I cannot wait to return. It’s a landscape that offers a photographer a real challenge and never fails to ignite your passion for the landscape.

Allt Aisridh, Torrin, Isle of Skye