Image Details
For me, this part of Loch Maree typifies the wild landscape of the Scottish West Highlands; a beautiful loch, Scots pine-covered islands, a craggy mountain, all overhung by sullen clouds as on this day.
This viewpoint was planned in advance by studying ordnance survey maps. I love maps and have a complete collection of ordnance survey maps for the entire west coast of Scotland. As a former draughtsman I admire the detail and precision with which the maps are made, although nowadays this is done by CAD and not by human hand and eye. I often refer to maps when planning places to photograph, and in this case I was looking for a view in which the islands of Loch Maree would be an important feature.
I eventually decided on a rocky point on the eastern shore of Loch Maree, almost touching the islands, this point is called Creag Ghubhais. A week or so later I made my way out there, it's only about a kilometre from the road, but it was rough and very boggy after a few days of March rain. It was a dull afternoon, but with the promise of breaks in the cloud now and again to highlight parts of the scene, or so I hoped.
In the event, I waited four hours in this spot; it was completely silent and tranquil, with not even any birds or animal life to disturb the peace. It is not unpleasant to be in the one place for so long, in fact it is one of the joys of landscape photography that it often requires me to wait. By so doing I can absorb the atmosphere and enjoy the wilderness without feeling that I should be 'getting on' and not wasting time, I have good reason to be there after all!
The light I hoped for eventually came and went, all within a minute, and I got a few shots while it lasted. The main island on the right is Eilean Eachainn, and on the left is Eilean Subhainn. On the far right and behind Eilean Eachain, part of Isle Maree is just visible with sunlight catching its tree tops. Rising to the clouds is the magnificent Beinn Airigh Charr, and in the far distance, at the northern end of Loch Maree is Tollie Bay.
Copyright © 2001 Gordon C Harrison All Rights Reserved