In the Herald 02-09-20 - My trip to the Isle of Skye - Kevin Thorne

As an enthusiastic landscape photographer, I have found being locked down for almost 6 months has been a very difficult experience.  Irvine Camera Club has provided plenty of opportunity for taking photos in the local area but my wanderlust has really been pulling at my feet.   Just last week I found myself with 3 days holiday leave to take from my work.  Isobel, my wife, mentioned that she had never been to Skye.  That sounded like the perfect plan…take the wife to Skye and get some landscape photography in as well!

Unfortunately, the weather forecast was not looking so good for Skye.  It’s a little-known fact that unsettled weather can often provide the best conditions for dramatic landscape photography, particularly in the wild mountainous vistas of the western isles.   On the way up to Skye You go through some of the most beautiful landscape scenery in the world.  Majestic Glencoe, Fort William, Invergarry and of course the Castle were Dream Weddings are made, Eilean Donanand.  Finally, we crossed over the Skye Bridge to Kyleakin where we were staying.  The next two days were spent showing my wife how beautiful this country is.

Luckily the weather was actually quite good to us, unlike the pesky midges who were, as usual, out in force.  From Kyleakin we toured around for two days, taking photos and sightseeing.  Isobel now knows just how beautiful Skye is and I managed to combine some quality time away with plenty of opportunity to take some photos.   It was very busy due to so many folk taking summer staycations because of Covid.   I will return to Skye in later in the autumn to make images of the snow on the mountains.  If you have not been to Skye it is a must for your bucket list, whether you are a photographer or not.   I do hope you enjoy some of the photos I managed to get on this impromptu trip, and that you are inspired to visit and perhaps have a go at getting some photos for yourself. 

Kevin

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Wherever you decide to venture, you may want to get more confident with your camera before you hit the road.  Irvine Camera Club is smashing group of keen photographers of all skill levels and you’ll get a warm welcome should you decide to come along.  We are meeting at Dreghorn Bowling Club and our new season started on Wednesday 2nd September with a welcome evening.   All the details are on our website www.irvinecc.co.uk and you can also find us the usual social media platforms.