Image Details
I had arrived at the Braemore viewpoint after the heaviest snowfall for many years in order to capture the fantastic view of Strathmore visible from this spot. The view from Braemore along the length of Strathmore to Loch Broom is impressive at any time of the year, and I was excited at the prospect of seeing it covered in a thick blanket of snow.
The light was flat when I arrived and as I wanted some light and shade to reveal the textures in the snow and hills I settled down to wait in the hope that this would eventually happen. Waiting is good. Without enforced waits it is possible that some scenic delights will be missed.
While waiting I have time to look in detail at my surroundings and absorb everything of visual interest. Eventually my eye alighted on this small part of Braemore Forest. Some of Braemore Forest had been felled and on the right of this image it is just possible to make out the young trees planted to replace them.
What caught my interest was the contrast between the red larch trees and the green conifers, with the tree trunks giving a good impression of a fringe on a blanket. This had to be captured and it was just a question of deciding how little or how much of this part of the scene should be included.
It is unexpected bonuses like this that make landscape photography so endlessly interesting and exciting. And, yes, later on I did get the shots I had planned on getting when I set out!
North-west Highland Place Names
The landscape of the North-west Highlands and the Gaelic language are intimately connected. Other languages have contributed to the richness of our place names, notably Norse, but the North-west Highlands have for centuries been a Gaelic landscape. In listing the meanings of place names I have relied on authoritative sources wherever possible. For further information about sources please refer to North-west Highland Place Names in the main menu.
Braemore; Gaelic am Bràigh’ Mór, ‘the big upper part’.
Loch Broom; The name Loch Broom is an anglicised version of its true Gaelic name which is Loch Bhraoin. Bhraoin means a 'drop of water or rain' and is named after the river Abhainn Bhraoin that flows from Loch a' Bhraoin high in the Braemore (Am Braigh Mor).
Strathmore; Gaelic an Strath Mór. ‘the big strath’ at the head of Loch Broom.
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