Occasionally I have to do the tourist thing… and photograph the “hairy coo,” or its equivalent in other places. So, yes, this is a picture of a cow, or “coo” as they say Scotland. These cattle are apparently a unique breed found in Scotland. Several things distinguish them: that long fur, the ability to thrive in very cold climates, and the horns found on both males and females. The Scots seem to be quite proud of them.
Continue reading Highland Hairy Coo
One surprising thing about the Isle of Skye and other parts of northwest Scotland is that mountainous landscape can be barely above sea level. I think it is a combination of the northern latitude and the rocky geology that gives us alpine summits rising directly from the coast. So I was constantly surprised and sometimes confused when we would drive though hills, past peaks, then come around a bend and see an ocean inlet like Loch Slapin.
Continue reading Loch Slapin
We had our first close-up view of the Cuillin Mountains when we arrived on the Isle of Skye. Driving onto the Isle from the east, the road loops southwest at Loch Slighachan, then heads north between the Red Cuillin Mountains, before turning back to the southwest to loop around these peaks. Of course, they are big enough to be visible from many places on and near to Skye, too.
Continue reading Approaching The Cuillin Mountains
Just a few days after sharing a post in which I mentioned that I photograph a lot of subjects that are not icons… here is a photograph of an icon! This scene in the town of Portree, Isle of Skye is definitely in that category. I’m pretty sure that this scene will show up if you search (or as I hear I should now say, “search up”) “Portree.” It is an attractive row of colorful buildings, and their reflection in the water adds to the effect.
Continue reading Colorful Buildings, Portree, Scotland