Frosty dawn over Ullapool at 8.15am 30/12/08
Ullapool is an ideal destination for photographers, from beginners to pros. The northern Highlands of Scotland remain a relatively untouched wilderness of rugged, yet peaceful, beauty and the typically changeable weather conditions provide an unparalled quality of light. It's heaven on earth for landscape photography, and there's plenty to interest wildlife photographers too.
Landscapes: I am a landscape photographer, and almost all of the images on my highlandpix website were captured at locations within 40 miles of Ullapool. Although the light can be great at any time of year in the Highlands, it's at its best in the late Autumn, Winter and early Spring. My favourite months are December and January, when the days are shortest (9am sunrise, 4pm sunset - very civilised!) and the low sun provides a gentle golden glow throughout the day. Even in bad weather, the storms create and moody, dramatic backdrop against the hills and lochs.
Stac Pollaidh summit ridge - 2.45pm on Christmas Eve 2006
In November, January and February each year I offer Photography Holidays, based on a week's stay at Waterfront Cottage and 3 days landscape photography during that week - see my highlandpix website for details
Eight below at Loch Borralan - 8.50am on 30/12/08	First light on Canisp - 9.50am on 29/12/08
Wildlife: There's plenty of wildlife in the wilderness of the Highlands. At different times of year, there are opportunities to photograph nature in the wild at locations within easy reach of Ullapool. Nothing can be guaranteed, but in the last seven years or so, I've seen (though mostly not photographed) golden eagles, sea eagles, osprey, buzzards, hen harriers, merlin, gulls, heron, oyster catchers, many other sea birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, otters, pine marten, wild cats, Highland cattle, red grouse, ptarmigan, wild deer, leaping salmon and stupid sheep. And many more.
Stag in the rain, Glen Achall