Find Your Scotland Photography Tours

24/08/2024

A moody sky with dramatic clouds, fleeting glimpses of the sunshine and the Perthshire hills slathered in purple heather. I kept expecting Jamie Fraser to wander across the landscape.

This isn't everyone's idea of summer but just look how bonnie the hills are. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

01/08/2024

Perthshire is also known as Big Tree Country. Home to some very famous trees. But did you know it's also home to the largest area of ancient Caledonian forest?

Nestled along the south shore of loch Rannoch in highland Perthshire it is classed as a Special Area of Conservation. This provides protection to the many plants and creatures that call it home.

There are some magnificent Granny Pines mixed in with the deciduous oaks, some of which are 250-300 years old.

Mosses and lichens adorn the branches, rocks and forest floor proving just how clean and pure the air quality is. Whilst in the summer blaeberrys and heather are in abundance.

Walking through the woods the silence can be deafening but the sense of history is overwhelming here. Clan battles, Redcoat marches and foresters and lumberjacks during the 2nd World War.

Local legend has it that the last wolf of Scotland was killed here by a local lady using a spurtle (a wooden implement for stirring porridge). And whilst I doubt this tale is true I quite like it.

If you're visiting the area (or on one of our tours) be sure to check it out. You never know you might even see a cheeky wee red squirrel. 🐿️

16/07/2024

Let's talk about visiting Scotland in the winter months.

I know, I know it's July but bear with me.

I've seen various FB groups recently where people are asking if they should visit Scotland during the colder winter months.

My answer, in short: hell yes! Why wouldn't you?

Before moving to Scotland, I had only ever visited in the colder months (usually January or March), and yet I still managed to leave a piece of my heart here every single time. 💙

Yes, the daylight hours are shorter.
Yes, some places are closed but many aren't.

There are still plenty of wildlife experiences to be had. Atmospheric, moody glens to be explored. Stone circles to be in awe of. Coffee shops to people watch. Live music to tap your toes to. Real fires to thaw out by and whisky to sip.

We still provide tours during the winter. Perthshire is an amazing winter playground. So if I've convinced you to visit, let me show you around.

16/06/2024

Check out my Perth and Kinross Big 5 things to do over on the blog. I say big 5 but it's actually five things within five things. There's no way I could choose just five from this incredible playground.

https://findyourscotland.co.uk/travel/perth-kinross-big-5-things-to-do/

08/04/2024

What time of year is best to visit Scotland? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

What a question! Depending on who you ask, you will get many different answers and reasons of why Edinburgh in August is the best time. Or why Harris is stunning in spring and Skye should be avoided in July! It’s all personal preference or being limited to school holidays maybe?

Before we moved to Perthshire, I had been up to Scotland on holiday many times; once at the end of May to Fort William and all the other times were in March when we stayed on the Isle of Mull. To say we had been lucky with the weather, I think is an understatement. Our Fort William trip was my first ever time in Scotland and we managed to get a clear view from the top of Ben Nevis, which on average has a clear view from the summit, one out of ten days!

However, since moving to Scotland we have travelled to Shetland in January. Besides the shorter daylight hours, the weather was relatively kind to us. We enjoyed plenty of walks and watched for otters. Dude has played golf in the middle of March on a links course in Harris. Now that was an experience. The wind was not too strong but the sound of crashing waves close by followed us all around the course. A glamping trip in July to Braemar was filled with sunshine, walks and horsefly bites.

The truth is you cannot count on the weather being good, even in the summer.

There is nothing we can do about the weather, except be prepared for it with the right clothing and where necessary, sun cream! As the saying goes “there is no such thing as bad weather” and I totally agree with this. We have to embrace it all. Remember that Scotland is beautiful, lush and green because of the rain. There are no watering faeries that appear whilst we sleep. The rain and mist makes glens and lochs very atmospheric in the autumn and with changing colours of the trees it is rather special. It also fuels some of the most spectacular waterfalls. Of course, if you’re lucky you may even get a rainbow. That’s gotta be worth a smile?

Winter gives us a white wonderland of snow capped mountains that easily rival any landscapes across Scandinavia and if you manage to get a bit of blue sky with that too, you’re on to a winner!

Spring is full of hope, new life and the days start to draw out giving us more day light. I love the fresh feel of the spring months, the air is still crisp, snowdrops and daffodils appear along our driveways and public parks too. We still need to wrap up and look out for April showers but it is a lovely time of year.

As the summer arrives and we get used to the longer days, there are highland games, harbour and book festivals that fill the calendar (it’s not all about the Fringe!). BUT, on the west coast (mainly) there are midges. Tiny, annoying little blighters that bite, they come en masse and there is no escaping them. This, for me, is enough to put me off going west or into the highlands at this time of year.

In short, there are pros and cons for each month and each season but all I ask is that you don’t write one off because it might be cold or it gets dark earlier, in favour for following the crowds in peak season for more daylight and cramming more in.

So, the answer to the question “when is the best time to visit Scotland” from me would be “whenever you like. It’s always pretty, breathtaking, atmospheric and welcoming.

16/03/2024

Finding our own version of Scotland.

Jamie and I have taken time off this past couple of weeks to have our own adventures. We LOVE Scotland.

We prefer to use one place as a base and then explore within an hour drive radius. To really get under the skin of a location. For this trip, we revisited Fort William.

From here we drove out to Oban. The coastal drive from Fort William is stunning. It was nice for us to wander around Oban and discover that there's more to it than the ferry to Mull (our usual reason for going to Oban). A pull up to Mcaigs tower for clear views of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. There's chocolate and whisky to be enjoyed as well as castle ruins and white sandy beaches not far from the town centre.

Glen Nevis and Steall Falls walk and dip. This is one of our most favourite walks. It's not for the faint of heart. From the bottom carpark the well made path hugs the clear waters of the rivers edge. As the rocky trail gets you clambering over rocks, remember to pay attention and not get sidetracked by the views down the glen. Steall Falls is the 2nd highest, single drop waterfall in the UK. It is spectacular. We extended our walk by following the route that goes out to Corrour. I found a beautiful pool for a quick dip too. We walked just over 14.4km and even managed to spot a golden eagle.

A new highlight for us was getting to know some of Ardnamurchan too. The weather was forecast to pour with rain but it was amazingly clear and not a breath of wind. We saw so many deer, seals, herons, diving birds and a woodpecker. The landscape feels raw and rugged. We drove out to Ardnamurchan lighthouse, the mostly westerly point on mainland UK. The views across to Eigg, Rum and Coll were insane. We were lucky enough to have the entire place to ourselves as the tourist season is not yet in full swing. What a day.

Of course we had the obligatory stops in Glen Coe which NEVER fails to put a lump in my throat.

So, now we're well rested, full of inspiration and ready for the season ahead.

Whilst our photography tours are primarily based in Perthshire we are always willing to head off piste if that's something you'd like.

07/02/2024

I spent two hours wandering without purpose around a local woodland this morning.

Although there are no leaves on the trees the birds were loud and the sun was shining. Definitely feel like Spring is on the way.

03/02/2024

We love a winter getaway but this recent stay in Inverness was by far our windiest! 💨

In-between storms we drove the 2-ish hours from north to one of our favourite places, Inverness.

Just a four night break, filled with LOTS of walking and even more excellent food (I'll be sharing that with you too very soon).

The joy of taking a risk with the wintery weather means that we get places to all to ourselves. With a little effort to explore the less touristy trails too.

With all the rain we've had recently the rivers were loud and powerful. The colours emphasised by a glimpse of the sun and moody skies.

Don't be put off visiting Scotland in the colder weather, it still has plenty to offer.

11/01/2024

I am loving this cold (dry) weather. ❄️
Perfect for some mindfulness photography.
I took this not far from home, beside the burn. The sound of running water, bubbling along made me pause and then I noticed this pretty ice formation.

I also spotted the first of the wild garlic shooting up through the hard ground.

As I was standing still a dipper raced passed me, low to the water.

I spent five minutes in this spot and it was quite the experience.

I'll be setting some dates very soon for our Mindfulness photography sessions near Perth. We'd love to see you there.

31/12/2023

Wishing you lovely bunch a very happy New year.

May 2024 be kind to you. Filled with adventures and love.

Maybe it will be the year you live out your Scottish road trip dream? Follow in the footsteps of your favourite fictional characters from Outlander, Harry Potter, Take the High Road, Brave, to name a few.

Just maybe, you'll find your own version of Scotland?

24/12/2023

We would like to take a second to wish you all a Merry Christmas, however that may look.

Here's to hoping Santa delivers you the best Scotland inspiration. If not, let me know and I can help you out. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I thought I'd share some of our own Scotland roadtrip photos with you. We love exploring, getting away from the crowds and finding our own version of Scotland.

22/12/2023

Happy Winter Solstice.

Today is the shortest day. Obviously it's not any shorter but we've had the least daylight hours. You know what I mean.

Before we moved to Scotland I'd only ever visited in winter and still managed to fall in love with it.

If you make the effort to come at this time of year, I promise you will leave a piece of your heart here.

Don't get me wrong you need to come prepared. You'll need a variety of jackets - waterproofs and or warm. Possibly hat, gloves and scarf. Definitely some decent footwear. Don't bother with an umbrella, they're useless in the gentle breeze (read, gale force wind).

Days out will require some effort. The best thing to do is set out before daylight and either be on your way or arrived at your destination as it gets light. This means you can enjoy more time exploring in the daylight.

There are still plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. They still need to hunt and graze and actually you might have a better chance of seeing deer, otters or golden eagles because the window of opportunity is smaller.

Don't worry, you can still get some decent photographs too.

Our photo tours run through winter as we want visitors to have the experience. If you're thinking about a winter break then there is still time to book in a tour with us.

01/12/2023

Solo travellers to Scotland are in for a real treat. There's so much to discover.

We offer solo photography tours in Perthshire and it's a brilliant opportunity to get to know the area better with our driver guides.

We offer bespoke photography tours for solo travellers in Scotland. A hassle-free travel experience with a professional local guide.

11/10/2023

Even the roadside views are giving dramatic vibes.

Our driver guides allow you to take in all the atmosphere during your photography tours of Perthshire.

This shot was taken in Highland Perthshire after we'd had over a month's rain fall in just 24hours.

See how this brings out the Autumnal colours? 🍂

This view of Schiehallion is stunning. At 1083metres high, it's a fairly prominent feature in the landscape.

In the 18th century it was at the centre of a ground breaking experiment to estimate the mass of the earth! 🤯

Bonnie view, don't you think?

29/09/2023

Today is a sad day for trees and the natural world.

One of the UK's most famous and most photographed trees was recklessly vandalised in the most abhorrent way.

*Spoiler alert* none of these photos are of the lone tree that stood at Hadrian's Wall for 300 years.

Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country. Home to world famous trees such as the Fortingall Yew and the Birnam Oak.

The area is filled to the brim with spectacular specimens. Home to beasties, birds, lichens and mosses - whole eco-systems exist because of trees.

It's no secret I love a good tree hug and quite often just feel the need to place my hand on the tall trunk to feel more than just the rough bark. The energy and instant calm this brief action can provide is palpable.

The thought that someone has been so disconnected from nature, trees, wildlife and a much bigger picture hurts my heart.

One purpose of my Mindfulness photography sessions here in Perth is to help people become reacquainted with nature. To take time out to allow a reset. To see things differently. To be creative and enjoy the process of taking a conscious photo.

Let's make friends with our local woodlands and get to know our big trees.

Hands up if you've visited some of Perthshire's famous trees?

09/09/2023

A final hurrah from summer maybe?

I'm not a fan of this heat. At. All. But I am a fan of making every second of day light count as we head into Autumn and the shorter days.

Yesterday evening was magic.

05/09/2023

Today I was up with the lark (well, 6am) to head to Pitlochry and walk up Ben Y Vrackie.

This prominent feature in our Perthshire landscape has been on my to do list for some time.

So last night I decided today would be the day as the sun was due to shine.

With my bag packed - plenty of water, sun cream, a windproof jacket, first aid kit, snacks and sandwiches and an OS map (despite this being a well marked trail and no chance of bad weather).

I left the car park at 07:25 and reached the summit at 09:45. Even by this time it was heating up and I was really glad of the breeze at the top.

The views at 2757ft (841m) across Perthshire and the Cairngorms were stunning. With a tiny bit of low lying mist over the rivers Tay and Garry.

I'm not going to say it was easy. I sounded like a steam train, looked like a tomato and got a bit sweaty but I bloody loved it.

23/08/2023

Scotland's big picture is filled with endless opportunities of little pictures.

It's tempting to stare into the distance and admire the vast landscape before you.

But what about the little details that make up that bigger picture? How many of us take note of them? How many of us stop to really see them?

Me. I stop to notice the rain drops on harebells and the moss on walls.

I can't tell you how many images of wee beasties, tree bark and flowers I have on my phone.

Todays photography our around Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Kenmore was all about the small things.

Oh, and one big thing. The sun came out, a total contrast to yesterdays tour. 😎

21/08/2023

I'm just going to throw this out into the universe.... If you venture outside during any driech day in Scotland, you shall be rewarded. 🥰

Todays tour with a client we experienced blue sky, glorious sunshine AND driving rain and impressive grey clouds.

Without the rain these colours wouldn't be the same. Just look at that purple heather!

Scotland, I love you. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

11/08/2023

Driver guides.

We've all been there. Mini domestic with our other halves when the navigating gets stressful on a roadtrip.

Despite having a SatNav, old school map and directions it can still get a bit fraught in the car. Not to mention driving on unfamiliar roads, in a vehicle you picked up two hours ago.

The roads here in Scotland vary from wide open (but still busy) motorways to single track carriageways with passing places.

Our Perthshire photography tours take away all that pressure.
This allows you to take in the scenery, look for coos in the fields and more importantly, relax.

We will drive along the roads we know and we'll stop in the right places for photo opportunities; and of course we know plenty of really good lunch/coffee and cake stops too. 🥰

08/08/2023

We take more photographs than any other generation before us.

I have something like 18,000 images on my phone alone! Many of which are taken from the same viewpoints at different times of the day/year.

A lot of these photos are just things that catch my eye, make me smile or have stopped me in my tracks.

Taken by me, for me.

They bring me happiness, peace and satisfaction.

I've been a photographer for 14 years now and without knowing it, a small part of me has also been a mindful photographer.

I know 18,000 photographs on something I carry about in my pocket doesn't sound particularly mindful but when I stop during a woodland walk I really do become more present. If you were to scroll through my photo roll and ask me about any of them, I'm pretty certain I could tell you where it was taken, what the weather was like and why I took it.

How can I not be inspired by our adventures across Scotland and in particular, Perthshire.

Our Mindfulness Photography sessions will help you tune into nature, switch off and take time out from adulting. You don't have to be a photographer, or particularly creative just open to the opportunities that may arise.

26/07/2023

I have some hard hitting news for you......

Glen Coe is NOT the only picturesque glen filled with a history of battles, legend and folkore, wildlife and and scenic views.

I doesn't have the imposing lump of Buachaille etive Mor greeting each and every visitor, the Sma Glen is softer in her offering, subtle. But don't take her for granted. These heather hills have their own tales.

Follow in the footsteps of General Wade over the bridge. Test your strength with the saddlin' stone, listen to the sound of the river Almond as it makes its way through the wild landscape.

Our photography tours around Perthshire are packed full with quirky, photogenic and peaceful places.

14/07/2023

Rain isn't always a bad thing.

I've been getting out in-between some of the short, sharp showers for some mindfulness photography.

It's not about being a photographer or taking my best kit. It's time out.

Allowing myself to reset, be creative and be present.

Being outdoors helps me reset.

We all need a little time out and mindfulness photography can help.

You can join our Mindfulness photography sessions and we'll help you develop skills that can allow you to use them when life gets overwhelming or you have 5minutes to yourself.

Remember, it's not about the camera.

11/07/2023

Introductions.... Please meet Jamie.
He's my favourite human, adventure pal, best mate and could be your guide when you book your photography tour with us.

He has a long history with visiting Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and it's his love for the outdoors that led me here too.

With tales of big days out in the hills, whisky recommendations and magical wildlife experiences Jamie has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the great outdoors. He also has a great memory for all things random!

I think it's fair to say he loves Scotland as much as I do and that's perfect for your Perthshire photography tour.

Our explorations of Perth and Kinross will mean we can ensure you get to experience just how special it is here.

Jamie will make sure you capture all the best holiday memories and leave you wanting more.

10/07/2023

When your office is this beautiful and you want to spend time in it even in your days off.

Midweek 18km walk with gal-pals. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a swim in one of my favourite Perthshire lochs.

Forever the photographer, I can't help myself and took plenty of photos with my camera phone.

📷 Thanks to my mermate Nikki for the photo of me. 🥰

04/07/2023

They say if you don't like the weather right now in Scotland, just wait half an hour and it will change.

This week in our Perthshire office we've had it all. ☔😎

A little bit of changeable weather doesn't put us off, your photography tour will still go ahead. Just make sure you come prepared.

Seeing our beautiful lochs and glens in all weather really is a treat. You'll get to know the real Scotland, not just the one on shortbread tins.

During your photography tour of Perthshire we will make unplanned stops to capture rainbows 🌈 over corn fields, squally rain showers heading right towards us over the hills and moody cloud formations above historic castle ruins.

15/06/2023

Cuteness alert 🚨

On a day off what's better than a trip out to the Isle of May with your camera? Answer: nothing.

Sunshine, puffins, puffins, more puffins. Throw in a few gannets, seals, razorbills, eider and shags and it has all the elements for a perfect day.

Whilst you won't see any puffins in Perth and Kinross they really aren't that far away on the Fife coast.

Any excuse to get my camera out.

06/06/2023

A wee 10km-ish walk from Birnam yesterday.

Just 20 minutes from Perth, we started with breakfast/brunch at The Craft Diner, conveniently situated at the train station. A tasty toasty made with locally sourced products. Washed down with decent coffee too. 🥰

Our walk started with a beautiful woodland trail with moss covered rocks, oversized ferns, bluebells and the sound of the burn rumbling down to meet the river Tay.

Mixed with open views later on of Birnam hill and Craig Obney.

By now the air is filled with the calls of curlews and we spend time watching them from the edge of the woodland.

This circular route doesn't have any high summits but it's full of character, picture perfect views and pretty woodland.

Back in Birnam and it would be rude not to stop by and check out one of Perthshire's most famous trees, the Birnam Oak. 🌳

At around 600 years old it even gets a mention in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

It's a beautiful spot down by the river and well worth a visit.

25/05/2023

Whilst we don't do Outlander tours per se, it is quite possible that we will cross paths with Jamie Fraser at some point during one of our photography tours.

There are many filming locations throughout Perthshire that stand in for North Carolina in the fictional hit show.

The Witness trees on Fraser's Ridge can be seen way back in season 4. If you visit at this time of year (May) you'll be overwhelmed by the sea of bluebells in the ancient woodland where these beech trees stand proud in the outskirts.

Home to red squirrels, woodpeckers and many small birds. The air is filled with bird song.

So maybe you've already fallen in love with Perthshire without even realising it? 🥰

21/05/2023

I managed to lose three hours earlier this week. Taking in the sights, sounds and smells of an ancient woodland.

Arriving early to make the most of the soft light (and avoid the crowds). My ears rang with the sound of birdsong and my nose twitched at the sweet bluebell perfume.

Absolutely perfect.