Discovering the Hidden Gems of the Outer Hebrides

While exploring the islands of the Scottish Outer Hebrides we often took remote roads away from the routes travelled by other visitors. And we were rewarded time and again by such stunning scenery and unique experiences.

That morning, the weather looked less than promising, but we decided to risk it and drive out over the single-track road across the peninsula of Lochportain to the far north-east of the Isle of North Uist.

As we returned from the tiny hamlets of Hoebeg and Cheesebay at the far end of the road, we passed Loch an t-Sagairt lit by the sunlight but with a backdrop of threatening, dark clouds on the horizon. Believe it or not, it didn’t rain.

I was struck by the sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside and how the old fence line led the eye into the image.

For me, there is something special about the Hebridean islands and this scene depicts the ever-present contrasts between darkness and light.

You have memories of your visit to the Outer Hebrides or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or maybe a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover? This image and many more from the fascinating Western Isles of Scotland are available as

Well over 1,000 happy customers all over the globe!

Eilean Donan Castle: A Scottish Highlands Gem

A must-visit location in the Scottish Highlands for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. The tide was out and the shore was lined with shiny seaweed, the clouds provided a moody backdrop. The island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh is near the pretty village of Dornie.

Actually I set off in the morning for a tour of the Isle of Skye. Unexpectedly, I ended up here at the end of the day. I was ever so lucky to arrive in time to enjoy this amazing view of iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Although I nearly ended up getting stranded. Read on below…

So how did I get on this adventure? During the Skye tour I was offered a lift here. There was a regular local bus back to my hotel. Why not? I double checked the bus time beforehand and checked again with the waitress in the nearby pub at dinner. Yes, the last bus is at 7.45 p.m. from the castle.

I took photos of the castle and the pretty village of Dornie. Then I went for a lovely meal in the village before heading for the bus ahead of time.

But it didn’t come… and I didn’t have an internet connection.

My phone worked so I called my hotel on Skye who gave me the numbers of the two local taxis. One didn’t answer and the other was already on a long trip up the coast. “No way today, sorry.”

Remember, I am on the west coast of Scotland, 9 miles on a dark road from the next town, without a footpath, 11 miles from my hotel on the Isle of Skye. The last bus has officially gone. The only two local taxis are not coming. It is getting dark and cold. I listen to music, dance a little to keep warm.

Suddenly I see an “Out of Service” bus approaching. I almost run out in front of it. I learn that my bus had broken down and this was the replacement bringing people from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. I hopped on gratefully and eventually got back to my hotel. Where everyone in the meantime knew about the “Glasgae bus breakdoon”.

You have memories of your visit to this iconic castle or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or maybe a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover? This image and many more from Bonnie Scotland are available as

Well over 1,000 happy customers all over the globe!

Hidden Haven of Coral Beach in Plockton

On my first stopover on my Scottish Grand Tour I found Coral Beach – a real hidden gem – thanks to a tip from fellow travellers whom I got chatting to in picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Bonnie Scotland.
I was staying in a lovely B&B on the shore near Roinn An Fhaing (on the map below) and decided to take the hike up the hill over the peninsula, through the gorse-lined prepared path and finally across a few rocks and slithery stones. I hoped I could make it there and back, take photos – of course – and maybe have a wee paddle in the water too before the forecast rain came. And I did, almost:-)

© WalkHighlands I highly recommend them if you are visiting Scotland and looking for walks, hikes and more.
Locals having a siesta
Path with view of Loch Kishorn and mountains
Coral is not coral

“The beach is not actually made of coral but of minute pieces of calcified algae known as maerl. Living maerl is a pink and purple seaweed that covers the sea floor with broad beds of spiky carpets. Maerl is a coralline type of algae, which means that it deposits lime on its cell walls as it grows.” (Thanks to “British Express” for the information.)

Check out the Coral Beach image in my shops: available as wall art and a wide range of other products on Pixels and Redbubble, and wall art only on PM4Me.

Picturesque Plockton at Dusk: A Trip of a Lifetime

I’d beem dreaming of doing the Scottish Grand Tour for long time, and researched and booked the accommodation months before.

The weather forecast a couple of days beforehand was incredibly bad, and I even considered cutting my losses and cancelling. But I’m so pleased that I didn’t. It was a trip of a lifetime in so many ways.

At the end of May I set off on the rail tour from Edinburgh via Perth, Dunkeld and Inverness to picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Scotland. When I arrived after an amazing train journey there was a torrential rainfall so I relaxed in my cozy B&B and read a book. By the evening Mother Nature played along and gave me stunning dusk moments and these amazing reflections.

The last rays of the setting sun lit up the picturesque shore at Plockton and the waters of the Loch Carron estuary. I had to fight off the pesky midges on this calm evening but this view was well worth it.

This image is available as wall art and a wide range of other products on KasiaDesign.art and Redbubble, and wall art only on PM4Me.

Dawn Skies over the North Sea

It was a breathtaking dawn after the Spring flood storms of the evening before, and the early morning sun on the horizon reflected on the North Sea waters. The cliffs created a moody silhouette as a backdrop to this beautiful beach scene.

Well worth getting up early to enjoy the dramatic dawn skies over the Scottish North Sea coast. It was so peaceful, standing there alone on the beach at Eyemouth with only the sound of the gulls overhead and the waves washing the shore.

Make sure you visit this pretty fishing town in the Scottish Borders if you are travelling this way.

This image is available as wall art and a wide range of other products on Pixels and Redbubble, and wall art only on PM4Me.

Glorious Day on Loch Fyne

Travelling southward from Inverary on the Kintyre peninsula we enjoyed many stunning views like this one across Loch Fyne to the hills of Cowal beyond. This spectacular, 65-mile long sea loch in the west of Scotland is washed by tidal waters from the Atlantic. It is also well known for its delicious smoked haddock or Finnan Haddies.

It is a wonderful bus journey from Glasgow through the southern Highlands passing through the pretty town of Inverary towards Tarbet and Campbelltown.

Wall Art and a wide range of other products on Pixels and Redbubble; Wall Art only PM4Me.

Magnificent West Sands

I stepped down onto the untamed West Sands Beach and breathed in the salty sea air. It was perfect weather for a stroll as the waves washed against the Scottish North Sea coast. The cloud-kissed horizon and the pristine shoreline made it an unforgettable experience.

St Andrews, with its university and historic old town, is the perfect destination for a day trip or holiday. Take time to enjoy the stunning beaches and explore the fascinating town, castle and abbey ruins and picturesque harbour. Maybe even sign up for a round of golf on the famous golf course. Or take along your bucket and spade and build sandcastles.

St Andrews, Kingdom of Fife, Scotland.

This image is available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Pixels and Redbubble.

Tranquil Hebridean Dawn

I was up before dawn to visit the famous standing stones at Callanais and still had time before my well-earned full Scottish breakfast:-) So I headed up the coast and discovered this beautiful hamlet of Tolsta Chaolais nestled in the middle of nowhere.

The tranquility of a new day at Loch a’ Bhaile, as the sun gently rises over the calm waters, casting a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding Hebridean landscape – a scene that’s both peaceful and powerful, a testament to the wild beauty of Scotland’s remote islands. Tolsta Chaolais, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (Gaelic: Tolstadh A Chaolais or Tolasdadh A Chaolais, Eilean Leòdhais, Na h-Eileanan Siar).

Available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Redbubble.

Dawn Light at Eyemouth

Fate and a brilliant suggestion from my dear Sis brought me here unexpectedly on a March day.

After a stormy Spring tide the evening before there was a beautiful, calming start to the new day.

Just after sunrise looking over the beach and bay in the pretty harbour town of Eyemouth, Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders.

Available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Redbubble.

Miles of Magnificent Machir

Magnificent Machir Beach on the west coast of Islay is almost 2 miles long and so far away from it all.

Drive up the single track road and leave your car in the sandy parking area to walk down over the stream to the beach.
Most visitors stay and enjoy the area nearby but head off towards the cliffs in the distance and you will be almost alone.

Kilchoman, Machir or Machrie Beach (Tràigh Mhachir), Islay, Inner Hebrides, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

Available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Redbubble.

Breathe in that Invigorating Hebridean Air

If you visit the Outer Hebrides, don’t just do the typical tours: if can, travel off the beaten track and take life as it comes. That is not only the Mediterrean but also the Hebridean way of life.

Drive up north from Stornoway and take a walk on the 2 miles of fine, golden sands Tràigh Mhòr beach with views across the Minch and the Atlantic, and you are likely to have it all to yourself.

Breathtaking view from the cliffs tops, north of Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Redbubble.

Turquoise Paradise

Breathe in that magnificent sea air and take an invigorating walk along the amazing Tràigh Mhòr beach.

2 miles of fine, golden sand with a view across the Minch and the Atlantic. If the sun is right you’ll get Caribbean turquoise waters like this as a reward. But remember it may rain, just as it did this day shortly afterwards.

Located near the hamlet of Tolsta, north of Stornoway on the east coast of the island.

Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Breathtaking Berneray Beach

West Beach on the Outer Hebridean Isle of Berneray (Beàrnaraigh na Hearadh) with the Harris mountains in the distance. The island has a picturesque coast with rugged rocks, sandy beaches, turquoise waters. Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

This beautiful white beach was mistakenly used for a travel photo for a beach in Thailand:-)

Peaceful Atlantic Dawn

On my trips to Port Charlotte on the inner Hebridean island of Islay, I often got up before dawn and walked to the tiny harbour to enjoy the sunrise and stunning views across Loch Indaal. Once I came face to face with a deer wandering through the silent village, as much surprised to see me as I was her. Other times an otter swam nearby or fish jumped out of the waters.

On this morning I loved the subtle dawn light towards the Oa Peninsula across the sea loch.

Available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Redbubble.