Thistle

Handing Over

Hi, All, due to various circumstances we’ve handed over all our PHOTO work to our sister site www.photoedithelp.com who specialize in creative AI solutions to support photographic work. We will remain active and focus exclusively on the NC500, Scottish Regional Tourist Attractions etc. and any articles we feel will help[…]

Read more
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,[…]

Read more

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[…]

Read more

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,[…]

Read more

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[…]

Read more

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[…]

Read more

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[…]

Read more

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[…]

Read more
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[…]

Read more

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[…]

Read more

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[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Easter Ross and Cromarty

Easter Ross and Cromarty Easter Ross and Cromarty boast a captivating blend of rugged Highland landscapes and serene coastal beauty. From the spectacular waterfalls of Rogie Falls where you can spot salmon leaping, to the peaceful sandy stretches of the Seaboard villages, the region offers diverse natural attractions. Visitors can[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Elginshire

Elginshire, or Moray as it is now, (but we will include it so nothing gets missed) boasts a diverse range of natural attractions, from tranquil lochs and lush forests to dramatic coastlines. The area is defined by a flattish coastal section with towns and a hilly interior extending into the[…]

Read more
Planning the nc500

11 Dornoch – (4 Day Stay)

Dornoch is a historic coastal town and Royal Burgh located in Sutherland, in the Scottish Highlands. Situated on the picturesque Dornoch Firth, it’s a popular destination known for its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and world-class golf. October brings soft autumnal light, often with dramatic skies and misty mornings, ideal[…]

Read more
Planning the nc500

10 Thurso to Dornoch

Now you may want to make a choice – whether to go to John o’ Groats on your way. The Direct Route: Thurso to Dornoch The Detour: Via John o’ Groats Recommendations In summary, the detour to John o’ Groats is a worthwhile addition if you have the time and[…]

Read more
Planning the nc500

09 Thurso – (4 Day Stay)

Thurso, located on the far north coast of Scotland, is the northernmost town on the British mainland. Sitting on the Atlantic Ocean, it serves as a gateway to the rugged beauty of Caithness and the Orkney Islands, which are visible across the Pentland Firth. Historically, Thurso has been a significant[…]

Read more
Planning the nc500

05 Ullapool – (4 Day Stay)

Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Loch Broom in the Scottish Highlands, offers a stunning blend of rugged coastline, dramatic mountains, and serene lochs, making it a prime destination for landscape photography. October brings crisp autumnal colors, misty mornings, and often dynamic skies, perfect for capturing atmospheric shots. Within a[…]

Read more
Planning the nc500

08 Durness to Thurso

A short run now, around 71 miles and just over 2 hours, without stops ! The trip to Thurso is a photographer’s dream trip; an enchanting mix of wild charm and peaceful scenery which you will surely recall it if you lingered a bit in Durness. Next, you follow the[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Moray

Summary Discover the enchanting region of Moray, nestled in northeastern Scotland, where breathtaking coastal scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture converge. This captivating destination boasts an diverse array of landscapes, from pristine sandy beaches and dramatic rugged cliffs to lush fertile farmland and rolling hills. Explore Moray’s storied past through[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Nairnshire

Summary Another historic County, incorporated into Moray (separate entry) Nairnshire, as was , tucked away on the Moray Firth coast in northeast Scotland, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This historic Scottish county, was centered around the picturesque town of Nairn, boasting an alluring blend of[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Sutherland

Sutherland Overview Sutherland, in Scotland’s far north, is a wild and remote region known for its rugged mountains, dramatic coastline, ancient ruins, and pristine lochs. It offers breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage that makes it a dream destination for photographers, walkers, and history enthusiasts alike. Have[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Caithness

Caithness Natural Attractions & Scenic Spots – Summary Caithness in the far north of Scotland offers dramatic cliffs, sweeping moorlands, and untouched coastal beauty. It’s a place of expansive skies and quiet landscapes where visitors can find sea-stacks, sandy bays, and unique geological formations. Nature here feels raw and elemental,[…]

Read more
Planning the nc500

07 Durness – (4 Day Stay)

Durness, a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, is the most north-westerly settlement on mainland Britain. Situated on the North Coast 500 route, it’s a popular stop for travelers seeking dramatic landscapes and outdoor activities. The area is famous for its stunning scenery, including pristine white-sand beaches like Balnakeil Bay[…]

Read more
Planning the nc500

06 Ullapool to Durness

Ullapool to Durness is almost 100 miles and because much of it is on single track road the journey can easily take 4 to 4.5 hours without stopping for photographs – AND YOU WILL – the road winds past Assynt’s sculpted peaks—Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, and Quinag—framed by shimmering lochs. Light[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Banffshire

Banffshire is a historic county in northeastern Scotland, now part of the Moray and Aberdeenshire council areas. It’s natural attractions are centered on its dramatic coastline and the River Deveron valley. The coast, with its rugged cliffs, sandy bays, and picturesque fishing villages like Gardenstown and Crovie, is a key[…]

Read more

Visitor attractions – Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire’s natural attractions are a striking blend of rugged mountains, rolling countryside, and a dramatic coastline. The region includes a significant portion of the Cairngorms National Park, offering vast wilderness, ancient forests, and high peaks. The coast is defined by stunning cliffs, secluded coves, and expansive sandy beaches, where visitors[…]

Read more

57 of my Favourite Scottish Waterfalls

A ‘Heinz’ collection of my favourite Scottish waterfalls. There’s an interactive map here but NOTE:: the coordinates are very approximate ! Name Region Description Latitude Longitude Achness Falls (Cascades of the Cassley) Rosehall, Sutherland Broad tiered falls on River Cassley. 58.015 -4.616 Ardessie Falls Loch Broom, Wester Ross Steep stream[…]

Read more

A small (fun) diversion.

An interactive map and list of all the distilleries north of Inverness – North is Best (some may argue) There’s an interactive map also. Slainte. Something to help you find them but remember Buy Scottish ! Abhainn Dearg Distillery 58.212734 -6.990279 HS2 9EA Private/Independent Auchroisk Distillery 57.51453 -3.127001 AB55 6XS[…]

Read more