Exploring the Tranquil Character of Scotland

From ancient volcanoes to modern sanctuaries, Scotland has endured a vast and rugged history which has shaped it into the captivating and hardy country visited by millions today.

Over ten days and 1,577 kilometres of road-trip provided ample opportunity to discover and reconnect with nature in the wilds of Scotland, while exploring the rich past that helped mould the character of the region and its people. The geology and geography that provide the foundation to untamed coastlines, unspoilt beaches, boundless valleys and majestic mountains, encourage natural sanctuaries teeming with wildlife and a scenic backdrop for dramatic sculptures paying homage to historic figures.

The following twenty photos follow the journey from the eastern Isles of Mull, Iona and Staffa, all the way to the most northern shorelines of the British mainland.

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Listen to me!

Listen to me! Vocal Atlantic Puffins during breeding season, Isle of Staffa, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

A pipe dream.

A pipe dream. Basaltic Columnar Jointing outside Cave of Melody, Isle of Staffa, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Early messengers.

16th Century MacLean’s Stone Cross at Iona Abbey, Isle of Iona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Lazy Saturdays.

View of the Main Street of Iona taken from the sea, Isle of Iona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

That’s my rock.

Seals lying on offshore rocks off the coast of Iona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

The Eagle of Iona.

MV Iolaire of Iona wooden boat from Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Patience is a virtue.

Watching for otters from the viewpoint at Fishnish wildlife hide, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Teach me how to fly.

Heron gliding across the Sound of Mull before sunset, Fishnish, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Show me the way.

Eilean Musdile Lighthouse islet as seen from the Oban to Craignure ferry crossing, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

United We Conquer.

“United We Conquer” bronze sculpture Commando Memorial with Highlands in the background, Lochaber, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Dark Hedges of Scotland.

Tree tunnel and hedge, along the road on the way to the northernmost point, Caithness, Scotland

Where the wind blows.

House looking out to the North Sea near Helmsdale, Highlands, Scotland

A new world.

Close-up of the Emigrants Statue in Couper Park commemorating the people evicted during the Highland Clearances, Helmsdale, Highlands, Scotland

Calm before the storm.

Herring fishing boats safely moored in Helmsdale Harbour, Highlands, Scotland

What are you looking at?

Lone Scottish Highland Cow eating long grass along the side of the road, Caithness, Scotland

Don’t look down.

Puffins and Gannets perched on the cliffs at Dunnet Head peninsula, the most northerly point of the mainland Great Britain, Caithness, Scotland

Did you see that?

Salmon fishing along the River Tummel near Pitlochry Dam, Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland

Admiring the view.

Walkers taking a break in Cairngorms National Park with Aviemore in the background, Cairngorms National Park, Highlands, Scotland

Name that tune.

Bagpiper playing for tourists outside Scott Monument, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

Scottish Poets and Stained Glass Windows.

Stained glass window for Scottish poet James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland