Isle of Skye - Day 2

Turns out we will have a local photographer, Peter Cairns of NorthShots as our location guide so after loading our two vans with equipment and photogs we headed out for the 4 hour drive along the side of Loch Ness to the Sligachan Hotel on Skye.

Old hotel, built in the 1830's with a long history as the jumping-off point for climbers of the surrounding Cuillin mountains. It's a wonderful, isolated spot at the side of Loch Sligachan with the Black Cuillin towering at its back. We will be spending 3 nights here with each day beginning with a sunrise shoot somewhere in the surrounding country, necessitating a 6:30 departure. Back to the hotel for breakfast at 9 and then out again at 2 for late afternoon and sunset shots returning to the hotel at 7:30/8 for drinks and dinner.

Having to get used to Scottish hotel hospitality, radiators on only between 9 and 5 during the day and drafty windows around the clock. However a very nice snug bar with a roaring fireplace and a thick quilt on the bed so all will be bearable.

Days have been cold, strong gusty winds and intermittent rains. On the positive side, very atmospheric and moody skies which work very well with the barren nature of the landscapes. 

Today was my birthday, V called from Canada and to my surprise she and my daughter Diana had hidden a number of birthday cards  deep in the recesses of my suitcase so it was very nice to share the moment with home.