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Behind the Lens: A Summer Recap, Stac Pollaidh Hike, & Gallery Updates

As another summer has come to a close, I find myself reflecting on an incredible season. This summer has been full of connections, some new, some old, and the gallery has been busier than ever. With COVID restrictions lifted, we’ve been able to enjoy so many things we’d missed over the last couple of years, including plenty of Highland Games!


Our Pop-Up Gallery


For the first time in three years, the gallery has been able to head further afield and set up shop at various Highland Games. The events this year saw incredible turnouts; seemingly everyone was excited to enjoy this Scottish tradition once more, and it was great to see so many new faces alongside familiar ones.

Over the summer, we took our pop-up gallery to Gairloch, Lochcarron, and Shieldaig.

A picture of the Pop-up Gallery at teh Shiedlaig Fete.
Amidst a great turnout at the Shieldaig Fete.

We’re looking forward to taking our pop-up gallery to more games, fetes, and events next year, so be sure to be on the lookout for announcements! And you never know...we might even enjoy an Applecross Games once more in ‘23 or ‘24!


Stac Pollaidh

As mentioned in my previous blog entry, having an incredibly dedicated and capable team allowed me to head out and take new images over the summer, and I’ve got plenty of stories to tell you from my trips (make sure you check your inbox for these!). Back in June, I headed up Stac Pollaidh, about half an hour north of Ullapool.


A labrador walking up the rocky mountain face of Stac Pollaidh
Toivo clambering up the rocky ascent, with Cùl Beag in the background.

I’d been waiting for my lab, Toivo, to be old enough to join me for this hike, and I’m so glad I did. Faced with blue skies, warm temperatures, and a complimentary breeze, it was honestly a joy hiking up to the top of the ridge, with its rocky crest of Torridonian sandstone. Interestingly, the sandstone pinnacles all carry different names such as “The Sphinx”, “Madonna and Child”, and “Tam o’ Shanter.” However, due to the harsh Highland climate, some of these pinnacles have eroded as time passes, making it more important than ever to capture them.



An aerial panoramic view of Stac Pollaidh on a summer's day, with views over to the Summer Isles & Alchiltibuie.