Thistle

Photographing Autumn Colours

It’s that time of year again when photographing the kaleidoscope of colours is a captivating endeavour. As the seasons transition, a breath-taking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows unfolds, albeit briefly. To succeed, ph it’s best to pinpoint the elusive “peak” of colour change—a variable target influenced by location, elevation,[…]

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Visitor attractions – Perthshire

Perthshire, often called “the Big County”, is the fourth largest historic county in Scotland. Known for its diverse landscapes, it transitions from fertile agricultural lowlands in the east to the rugged mountains of the southern Highlands. The region is famous as “Big Tree Country” due to its extensive woodlands, including[…]

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Visitor attractions – Clackmannanshire

Clackmannanshire, known as “The Wee County,” is Scotland’s smallest historic county. Located in central Scotland, it’s bordered by the Ochil Hills to the north and the River Forth to the south. The area is a blend of scenic landscapes, with deep glens and rolling hills, and a rich industrial heritage,[…]

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Visitor attractions – Stirlingshire

Stirlingshire is a historic county in central Scotland, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Highlands” due to its strategic location between the Lowlands and the Highlands. The region is defined by its dramatic landscapes, from the rolling hills and fertile plains of the Forth Valley to the rugged[…]

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Visitor attractions – Kincardineshire

Summary Kincardineshire (also called The Mearns) is a historic county on Scotland’s northeast coast, now part of Aberdeenshire. It stretches from the North Sea inland, includes coastal cliffs, rolling farmland, and seaside villages. Rich history: Roman camps, medieval castles and Pictish heritage. Natural assets include dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, and[…]

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Visitor attractions – Forfarshire

Summary of Forfarshire (Angus) Forfarshire, now known as Angus, lies on Scotland’s east coast between Dundee and Aberdeenshire. It combines rugged coastal scenery, fertile farmland, and the Grampian mountains. Once a key area in Pictish history, it later became important for medieval castles, abbeys, and weaving industries. Angus is also[…]

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Visitor attractions – Fifeshire

Summary of Fifeshire (Fife) Fife, often called the “Kingdom of Fife,” is a historic region in eastern Scotland known for its coastal villages, medieval heritage, and links to Scotland’s monarchy. Bordered by the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay, Fife combines rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rolling countryside, and[…]

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Planning the nc500

12 Dornoch to Dingwall

The shortest run so far and you may even have called it a day at Dornoch with only 33 miles to go to Dingwall, however, the route from Dornoch to Dingwall is like traversing a diverse canvas of Scottish landscapes. This route offers an ever-changing palette of vistas, from serene[…]

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Visitor attractions – Wester Ross

Summary Wester Ross, another old region and the westerly half of Ross and Cromarty, in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, is celebrated for its breathtaking and dramatic wilderness. The region features a stunning coastline of pristine white-sand beaches, often compared to the Caribbean, juxtaposed with the ancient, rugged peaks of[…]

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Visitor attractions – The Isle of Skye

Summary The Isle of Skye, situated off Scotland’s west coast in the Inner Hebrides, is a treasure trove of natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Despite being associated with Inverness-shire and the Highland Council Region by politicians, we believe Skye deserves its own spotlight. This majestic island is celebrated for[…]

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