I am back from my two weeks in Scotland, whilst the bulk of the UK was basking in sunshine and warm weather Scotland continued to be wet and stormy, but these conditions make for some dramatic black and white images.

Our trip took us from Ardrossan across to Brodick on Arran then on to Lochranza then over from Claonaig  on Kintyre, where these is a short drive to Kennacraig to catch the ferry to Islay, from Islay we went to Oban then from Oban we went to Coll then on to Tiree then back to Oban and on to Applecross from Applecross the went on to Skye and from Sky we got the ferry over to Mallaig.

We always feel that part of the holiday is the ferry journeys! The views from the boats are stunning on a good day, but I guess with a camper the holiday starts when you leave the front door.  

I needed to visit a friend on Islay who I could not get to last year due to the ferry being canceled, thanks for the Whisky Philip very nice of you.

One of the highlights of this trip was being able to not just see a Corncrake for the first time but to be able to get a few shots! The Corncrake is very hard to spot and very secretive, hard to flush out and a nightmare to spot even though you can here is day and night with its rasping call. I have been trying to spot one for years but had not luck. On this occasion one flew over my head as I was walking and landed quite close before running in to cover.

I was using the Fuji X100 most of the time on this trip as it was so light and easy to carry and great for most occasions.  The only downside to this in Scotland is the unexpected wildlife shots!  We were walking along the road in Applecross when an Otter decided to follow us along the shore line coming out to scent mark at various points! Turns out he has lived here for a while and is getting used to people being around. He has been spotted in the village at night! So I might have to get myself another Fuji with interchangeable lenses for these occasions. I missed a little Roe Deer in Oban walking up the side of the hill from the town!

The weather was fine on Islay so we managed to get out to Soldiers Rock, a favorite place for Jane as she loves to walk out to that point and the sea stack. The weather on Coll and Tiree was not the best but the few hours the rain stopped was a very welcome break.

Applecross was stunning! We could not get to Applecross last year due to landslides so we had to go this year, I can only recommend Applecross to everyone to put on their Bucket List, the place it amazing, the seafood is the best we have ever had, the people are very friendly and the views and wildlife are stunning not many places you can see Otters,Seals,Red Deer,Wales,Dolphins,Corncrakes,Pedigree Highald Cows and an abundance of Wildlife all in about a 2 mile radius, with foot paths a cycle tracks to explore for all the family. 

I am planning a where is Jane book for later in the year due lots of requests and this one will have words and pictures, but it will not be ready until October / November time. Jane has also taken a few shots of me this time, so there will be a few behind the lens shots from now on.

If anyone wants any information on the route’s of our trips and places to stay let me know, I have just started to use trip advisor so hopefully when I get the hang of it I will include some links in my blog, so watch this space.

Now for some editing and then some more blog updates as I have promised myself more web site time and less facbook time for the rest of the year !