Scotland Travel Adventure Photographer
I always wanted to visit Scotland, but somehow I always ended up in some other location because I was running away from the rain and the cold. But the decision to finally visit Scotland was made in March of 2022 after 2 years of not traveling. I traveled with my sister and two other friends. The happy team is on its way 😊.
The goal was to travel across Scotland to absorb all of its beauty. The first thing on our check list after arriving at Edinburgh airport was to rent a car. Driving on the left side of the road in Scotland as opposed to the right side we drive on in Croatia. Oh no, what did I signed up for? Everything is inversely. I was hoping just to get the car back in one piece. I grabbed the steering wheel and told the girls, keep your eyes open because this is going to be a fun trip.
It was pretty hard to become accustomed to driving on the left side of the road but entering Glasgow itself was, I must admit, amongst the biggest stresses in my life. Even though I have over 20 years of driving experience and consider myself a really good driver, that left side made me feel like a beginner. Fortunately, the car was automatic, so there was one less thing to think about. Sometimes in life you have to make things easier. We’ve successfully arrived in Glasgow and the fun can begin.
They say that Glasgow is a musical city, and we’ve managed to experience that at every turn. Weather on the streets or in the pub, no matter what day of the week it is, there’s always music playing. Beautiful Victorian architecture which I really like, with Glasgow’s iconic red sandstone buildings and raw materials contribute to the city’s charm.
After a very busy day touring around Glasgow, our 4 wheels stopped us on the way to the coast in a wonderful village called Luss.
Did you know that Scotland has about 2000 castles? Yes, you read that right! There are castles everywhere. And that too, contributes to the mystic and majestic feeling. Castles and beautiful nature… as if someone took you back far in history.
The best way to fully experience all the Scotland’s beautiful nature is, in my opinion, by car. I highly recommend. You can stop and enjoy the view where ever you want. After 2 days, I become acquainted with driving on the left side and there were no more problems. If I could do it, so can you! In the evening we’ve arrived in the small coastal town of Oban. Beautiful landscape and rich history. We were very eager to visit the Whiskey distillery but, unfortunately, no tours were available.
I must admit, the weather in Scotland absolutely surprised us. It was sunny all week and surprisingly warm for March, even the Scots said it themselves. After Oban we were headed to the island of Skye. On our way there, we had to stop to see the wonderful Glenfinnen Viaduct. It is very well known to the Harry Potter fans as the railway that’s taking the students to school. The only thing missing was a Hogwarts Express steam locomotive for a total experience. The train runs from April till October so we’ve missed it, but you make sure to book a ride!
We’ve had an apartment waiting for us at the Sky island. The plan was to arrive by ferry, tour across island and leave from the other side via bridge. However, the ferry was not running so we had to improvise… The only way to get to the island was by a two-hour car drive. Well, more landscapes and enchanting nature? Count me in!
The Sky island is perfect for hiking. That way you really have the chance to absorb all the picture-perfect nature. Trust me when I say, (and I am a photographer!) some places are even difficult to convey through photos and this sure is one of them! I highly recommend and invite you to visit the Sky island! Enjoy some photos I took of the mesmerizing nature until you can see it and feel it for yourself.
I’m sure anyone who lives near the Atlantic ocean knows how the weather can be unpredictable and that the wind can bring almost anything upon them. Well, we sure didn’t! It started snowing. In a short week in Scotland I think we’ve experienced all four seasons!
The view when leaving the Sky island via bridge is amazing, you are greeted by a beautiful castle. It was time to say goodbye to Skye and head to Inverness.
Inverness, most known for Loch Ness lake. The road actually goes along the lake so it’s a beautiful sight while driving. We were driving for a whole hour until we realized it’s the Loch Ness lake we were looking at all along. That was a good laugh, after all this was a bit of a tiring trip. I think that even if you are living in Scotland all your life it still wouldn’t be enough to see every inch of this beautiful country.
Loch Ness offered the scenery for photography that I could have only wished for 😊. Rainy and gloomy day fits perfectly with the mysterious lake. Unfortunately, no Nessie (the Loch Ness monster) in sight.
We’ve arrived in Inverness. The city is located on the river Ness, which flows into the Loch Ness lake. Beautiful city with characteristic Scotland Victorian architecture mixed with contemporary buildings. Lots of greenery with monuments and castles. They cherish the Scottish poetry which fits perfectly into the impression of this city.
Unicorn is Scotland’s national animal. It symbolizes purity, innocence and also power and masculinity. It is a mythological animal but the Scotland is known for its love and long history of myths and legends so it is a perfect fit!
We’ve also learned a bit of history along the way 😊.
After enchanting nature, we’ve arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. It is a city with a lot of history, sights to visit and rich culture.
We’ve had the best tourist guide ever (the woman in the green coat). She told us so many wonderful stories about the city, and as you usually forget dry stories, she was so funny and interesting that I think I will remember her and this tour for the rest of my life.
Don’t repeat our mistake…when in Scotland (please respectfully!) ask what does a Scotsmen wear under his kilt? 🙂
To everyone who likes to travel I would definitely recommend visiting Scotland. Somehow people are more drawn to exotic countries with white sand beaches and blue turquoise ocean (hey, I went there before this, too) that they often forget about the rich history, myths and legends, mysterious castles, mountains, cliffs and raw nature that they can explore in Europe. Forget about the rain, wind and bad weather. There is a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” So stock up on quality, warm clothes and go visit Scotland. It will enchant you and left you feeling like you’ve gone back in time.
As a wedding photographer, in my traveling I saw so many beautiful places and wanted to photograph couples there. I hope that one day I will have the same opportunity with Scotland. That really is a place of my photographer dreams. So every one of you who are thinking of getting married in an untraditional way and wanting it to be more personal, more “you” – call me 😊. Let’s go to Scotland to celebrate your day. And believe me, it will be spectacular!
