Gallery

This page displays an assortment of photographs of Blaven, Torrin, the Seven Miles from Broadford to Blaven, Isle of Skye and other parts of Scotland.

Photography, particularly landscape photography, is a passion of mine. For this website I have deliberately avoided the angry seas, brooding clouds landscape shots that I enjoy and instead picked the kind of images that you'd expect to see in a travel guide or brochure. Unlike some a travel brochures though there are no building sites, motorways or sewage treatment plants just out of shot.

Click on any photograph below to see an enlargement of the image. Once you have opened a photograph hover your mouse over the image to see a toolbar of options that includes a slideshow and manually scrolling from one image to the next.

Blaven

This gallery section contains a collection of photographs of Blaven. You can read more about this mountain here. You can see more images of Blaven by visiting the header image gallery page.

The 'classic view' of Blaven from the east bank of Loch Slapin.

Blaven from Camas Malag.

The 'classic' view of Blaven from the east bank of Loch Slapin.

The 'classic' view of Blaven from the east bank of Loch Slapin.

Preparing for a photo-shoot by Loch Cill Chriosd with Blaven as a backdrop. This was a cold winter morning with everyone wrapped up and protected from the cold. Everyone that is except the model.

Blaven from the Sound of Sleat.

Blaven from the Sound of Sleat with Ornsay lighthouse to the left.

Blaven reflecting in Loch Slapin.

Blaven from the Kilbride road.

A snow-dusted Blaven from Torrin.

Rocks, sheep and Blaven from the east side of Loch Slapin. This is the only image on this website shot on 35mm film.

Three cows out for a stroll in the pastures above Torrin.

The concrete 'rock' in the foreground is part of the remains of a jetty that presumably once served the old Torrin quarry immediately behind the photographer.

Allt Slapin at the point that it meets Loch Slapin.

Blaven, sunset, clouds and trees.

Torrin

This section contains a varied selection of photographs in and around the village of Torrin. You can read more about the village here.

This beautiful cottage was restored during the 2000s.

Torrin from the west bank of Loch Slapin.

Looking west over Torrin towards Loch Slapin and Blaven.

A makeshift sign in Torrin makes a convenient nose scratcher.

Torrin's church was converted in to a family home in the early 1992. It now offers self-catering accommodation for up to eight people.

Torrin's church was converted in to a family home in the early 1992. It now offers self-catering accommodation for up to eight people.

Approaching Torrin with a snow covered Blaven in the background.

Approaching Torrin with Blaven in the background.

The remains of one of the 12 stone-lined boat nausts on the Torrin side of Loch Slapin. Each naust provided shelter for a boat. The age of these is unknown.

The rocks in the foreground form one of two primitive breakwaters lying on the approach to the boat nausts on the Torrin side of Loch Slapin.

Allt Slapin at Torrin.

The stream in the foreground is called Allt Slapin. It is hardly a surprise therefore to discover that the house in the background is also named 'Allt Slapin'. It is rented out as a self-catering cottage. See the 'Accommodation' section on the 'Links' page for more information.

Sheep stare back from the eastern bank of Loch Slapin.

The rear hut used to be the "Torrin Stores." It was moved to the current location after the shop closed around 1940.

The old marble quarry (left) and Torrin from the west bank of Loch Slapin.

Old machinery rusting gracefully in the salt-laden air of the former Torrin marble quarry..

Torrin and a snow covered Blaven.

Torrin barns. During 2010 the left hand barn was demolished to allow the right hand one to undergo a tasteful conversion in to a home.

The pair of barns in the previous picture is now one.

Lurking in the trees behind the two barns in the previous photograph.

Cottage, trees, snow and mountain.

Torrin buildings painted by torchlight (flashlight) and passing car headlights.

Visually the current marble quarry at Torrin has minimal visual impact on the area from most angles. However the plant and workings are exposed on the Kilbride to Camas Malag road as shown here.

Arrays of floating sea cages and walkways like these ones on Loch Slapin can be found in many Scottish sea lochs and especially around the crinkle-cut coastline of Skye.

Looking north-west from a hill behind Torrin across to Blaven.

Looking west from a hill behind Torrin across to Blaven.

Looking west from a hill behind Torrin across to Blaven.

Looking south-west from a hill behind Torrin across Faoilean, Kilmarie and the road to Elgol.

Looking south-west towards Faoilean.

'Guy' sits impatiently waiting for the start of the annual Torrin bonfire and fireworks display.

Seven Miles

This section contains a selection of photographs taken on the seven miles of road between Broadford and Blaven. You can read more about the sights, the landmarks and the history here.

The 'Girl Beth' catches the winter sun at Broadford Pier.

Winter sunrise over Broadford Bay.

Ducks enjoying a mid-morning stroll around Broadford Bay. Just above the head of the rightmost duck is the abutment of the bridge that used to carry 'The Marble Line' narrow gauge railway down to Broadford Pier.

Passengers await the arrival of the Paddle Steamer 'Waverley' for a cruise to Loch Nevis.

The new Marble Line footbridge under construction at Broadford in the summer of 2010. The footbridge joins the two halves of the Marble Line footpath and closely follows the alignment of the original railway bridge.

"Troll wanted, apply below bridge." An employment opportunity created by the construction of the new Marble Line footbridge under construction at Broadford in the summer of 2010. Has the position been filled?.

Beinn na Caillich with the remains of the chambered cairn in the foreground.

The low winter sun sets on Strath Suardal. The B8083 road to Torrin, Blaven and Elgol disappears in to the background.

An overcast summer evening in a lush Strath Suardal. The B8083 road to Torrin, Blaven and Elgol disappears in to the background.

A tree sprouts from brickwork near Suardal and the abandoned marble cutting and polishing works.

The ruined church at Cill Chriosd on the road from Broadford to Torrin.

The ruined church is photogenic and worth exploring at any hour. For this shot on a bitingly cold, dark December night I triggered the camera remotely as I drove past in the car with headlights on, parked up and walked back along the road towards the camera in total darkness using a torch (flashlight) to paint in the building and features.

Cill Chriosd Church in infra-red. Note the two ghostly figures and the summit of Blaven that is just visible. It is well known that anyone who shoots infra-red photographs has to have at least one church and graveyard scene in their portfolio. This is mine.

The autumn sun settles over Loch Cill Chriosd. Blaven is visible in the middle distance. Compare this image with the next image taken in the summer.

Loch Cill Chriosd in the summer. Contrast this with the previous image taken in the winter.

Some maps still show a boathouse at the north-east end of Loch Cill Chriosd. This is how it looked in July 2010.

The old manse in the abandoned settlement of Kilchrist. Blaven is to the left and Beinn na Caillich to the right.

Blaven through the square window of the old manse at Kilchrist.

Blaven shrouded in cloud, viewed from Strath Suardal.

Loch Cill Chriosd with Blaven in the distance.

A snow-dusted Strath Suradal.

The turnoff to Kilbride with Blaven directly ahead.

Blaven from the Kilbride road junction.

The Kilbride road continues onwards to Camas Malag.

Allt an t-Stratha Bhig flows down from Strath Beag, past the old Torrin marble quarry and in to Loch Slapin.

Isle of Skye

This section contains photographs from around the Isle of Skye excluding those areas covered in the sections above. You can read more about Skye here.

The 21 metre (70 feet) tall Eilean Bàn lighthouse was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson and built in 1857. It was decommissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1993 with ownership finally passing to The Eilean Bàn Trust in 2011.

M/S 'Explorer' catches the light under a threatening sky off Armadale. Six months later she struck a submerged iceberg off the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica and sank, fortunately with no loss of life.

Beinn na Crò, Beinn Dearg Mhòr and Beinn Dearg Bheag from the west bank of Loch Slapin.

Elgol beach with the Cuillin ridge in the background.

Elgol beach with the Cuillin ridge in the background.

The end of the road at Elgol pier on a hot summer's day. Okay, being pedantic the end of the B8083 road from Broadford to Elgol is further up the hill to the right at the Glasnakillie road junction. Blaven is the rightmost peak.

Elgol Primary School surely has one of the best playground views of any school in the UK.

Elgol beach is a magnet for geologists and photographers alike. It is not hard to understand why.

A small group watch some abseilers honing their technique of the famous honeycomb rock.

Caledonian MacBrayne ferry 'Hebridean Isles' catches the evening light at Uig pier.

Paddle Steamer 'Waverley' approaching the pier at Portree.

The Skye Bridge.

The MV 'Coruisk' leaves Armadale for the 30 minute crossing to Mallaig.

The majestic 48 metre (157 feet) high Old Man of Storr.

Portree, the capital of Skye.

'The Glenachulish' rests at Kylerhea. The single screw ferry was built at the Ailsa Shipyard in Troon during 1969 and is believed to be the last ferry in the world to operate with a full deck turntable. The Glenelg lighthouse and slipway are visible on the opposite bank at the extreme left whilst the village of Glenelg nestles in the bay off to the right.

The effect of the fast flowing tide through the Kylerhea Narrows is visible in this composite photograph of 'The Glenachulish' as she approaches Kylerhea. This is the closest that Skye gets to mainland Scotland and was the favoured crossing point until the railway reached Kyle of Lochalsh. The village of Glenelg is visible far right.

The distinctive shape of An Sgurr on Eigg as seen from Elgol.

Isle Ornsay pier.

Kyle Akin with the village of Kyleakin to the left and Kyle of Lochalsh and the Lochalsh Hotel to the right.

A highland cow at Drinan stares back.

A rare photograph of a sheep on Skye that is not standing on or near a road! Cheviot sheep at Camas Malag with Blaven in the background.

Infra-red photograph of an abandoned cottage near Elgol.

An immaculate Kilmarie House.

Calmac's 'Loch Striven' on a run between Sconser on Skye and the Isle of Raasay.

Scotland

This section contains an eclectic collection of photographs reflecting the heritage and diversity of Scotland.

The national flag of Scotland. A battered and tattered Saint Andrew's Cross or Saltire, flutters proudly from the stern of the CalMac ferry MV 'Loch Nevis'.

Paddle Steamer 'Waverley' steaming south through the Sound of Kerrera.

Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and venerated Christian sites and the burial place of early Scottish kings.

8th century St Martin's cross at Iona Abbey.

The distinctive red, green and cream livery of MacBraynes buses was once a common sight on the islands and mainland of west coast Scotland. This restored example is owned by Martin Walker of the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust. It was built for MacBraynes in May 1960 by Duple Coachbuilders on a Bedford chasis.

Paddle Steamer 'Waverley' anchored in the Sound of Iona.

Thankfully not suitable for the lid of a shortbread tin. Eilean Donan Castle at dusk looking towards Loch Alsh.

Triple Formula 1 world champion Jackie Stewart reunited with his 1971 Tyrrell 003 at Knockhill in Fife.

Mary, Queen of Scots visited Hermitage Castle in the Scottish Borders in 1566.

Scotland take on Wales at Scone for the TMI Festival Cup. Wales won.

The 50 million year old Sgurr of Eigg.

Flit Boat 'Laig Bay' transferred up to 28 passengers at a time plus cargo from the 'big ferry' to the Isle of Eigg. She retired from the route in 2004 with the opening of a new slipway. She is now used for pleasure cruises from Kyle of Lochalsh.

Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rùm viewed across Loch Scresort. The castle was built by a wealthy Lancashire industrialist in the late 1890s using red sandstone from Annan in southern Scotland. It was the first private residence in Scotland to have electricity. Today the castle is maintained by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Lismore Lighthouse is 8km (5 miles) north-west of Oban on the island of Eilean Musdile. First lit in 1833 Lismore is the last lighthouse to be designed by Robert Stevenson, father to the 'Lighthouse Stevensons'.

The picturesque village of Plockton with the village of Ardaneaskan at the end of the rainbow.

Luxurious cruise ship and former Calmac ferry 'Hebridean Princess' off Mull from the preserved paddle steamer 'Waverley.' Note the passengers and crew out on deck watching and taking photographs of 'Waverley.' Meanwhile, those on 'Waverley' were taking photographs of the pampered passengers on 'Hebridean Princess'.

Point of Ardnamurchan, often incorrectly described as the most westerly part of mainland UK. Rum is to the left, nearer and slightly left of centre is Muck whilst Eigg is visible behind the lighthouse. Skye is between Rum and Eigg.

Preserved LNER steam locomotive 'Morayshire' pulls away from B'oness Station on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway.

Orchardton Tower near Dalbeattie dates from the late 1450s and is unique in that it is the only circular tower house in Scotland.

Her Majesty's Yacht 'Britannia' at Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh. She served as the Royal Yacht for Queen Elizabeth II for 43 years before being decommissioned in December 1997.

Staffa with Fingal's cave centre.

Oban, harbour, fishing boats and McCaig's Folly.

Tobermory, Isle of Mull.

Glamis Castle, Angus.

Clyde built Cunard liner 'Queen Elizabeth 2' departs the River Clyde after celebrating her 40th birthday.

Red deer at the Scottish Deer Centre, Cupar.

Camas Aird nam Fiasgan, Morrar with the Isle of Rùm in the distance.

The 'Loch Striven' tied up at Kyle of Lochalsh pier. The ferry normally runs between Sconser on Skye and the Isle of Raasay.

'Loch Dunvegan' and her sister 'Loch Fyne' were built on the Clyde to serve the Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin route. Between them they provided a 24-hour ferry service to Skye from 1991 until the opening of the Skye Bridge in 1995. After a two year layup and a couple of years serving as a relief ferry, she found a new home in 1999 on the five-minute Colintraive to Rhubodach crossing. She is pictured here at Colintraive in 2011.

An instantly recognisable Scottish engineering icon, the cantilevered Forth Rail Bridge. The bridge opened in 1890 and carries two railway tracks for 2.5km (1.6 miles) across the Firth of Forth. The first of six sections for the new 'Queen Elizabeth' aircraft carrier can be seen on a barge passing below the far span of the bridge.

Header Image Gallery

A randomly selected page header image. You can see all of the others by clicking on the image.

A randomly selected page header image. You can see all of the others by clicking on the image.

An image of Blaven is randomly chosen from a gallery of 40images and displayed at the top of each page. Manually refreshing a page, typically by pressing the F5 key, will display another randomly selected image however it is unlikely that you will be lucky enough to see all 40images with only 40refreshes! So as an alternative, see them all together and at the same time on the header image gallery page.