One of Scotland’s most beautiful and accessible islands must be that of Arran, between Ayrshire and Kintyre. I have been snapping this island since as a child in Ayr, I spent many hours gazing across at it. It’s beautiful sunsets inspired me as a photographer.

Isle Of Arran and Goatfell

This island is often called ‘Scotland In Minature‘ and if you travel round it, you’ll see why. My visit today was a brief but exciting one, taking the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick.

My approach was welcomed by a striking rainbow, something I always find fun to photograph and very rewarding in the right setting.

Rainbow over Arran

The weather on Arran is constantly changing and on my visit it was angry skies, a few spots of sunshine and frequent snow showers, with enough snow on the ground to make it look picturesque.

Brodick Castle

I really liked this shot from my approach on the ferry, where I caught the sun putting Brodick Castle in a spotlight. Snow sweeps in from the right and tells the story of changing weather.

On arrival, I decided to take a bus trip round the northern half of the island. Trying to take photos through the dirty windows of a moving bus sounds rediculous, but just occasionally you can get something interesting. This dreamy postcard-style shot of Lochranza Castle (below) was particularly pleasing.

Lochranza Castle

Arran’s winding western coastal road.

Having taken a break and changed buses at Blackwaterfoot, I took the locally named ‘String Road‘ east back to Brodick.

Central Arran

A snowy landscape often needs a striking and contrasting sky. I waited and watched for either some stormy clouds, patch of blue sky or both.

Goatfell

The island’s highest and much climbed peak (including by me on several past occasions)  is Goatfell, which towers over Brodick harbour. I chose the bow and Scottish flag on my ferry  back to the mainland as good subject matter, with the summit disappearing (as often) into cloud. The ferry’s name is misleading though. It’s a very tight shot, primarily to avoid the unwanted quayside clutter of signs, fences and lighting supports, that can spoil an otherwise good photo.

Ailsa Craig and Arran’s southern tip.

Slowly clearing weather on my return sailing, gave me a superb view with three points of interest silhouetted; the volcanic island of Ailsa Craig, a passing ship and Arran’s southern tip. This rounded off a very enjoyable day out to an island well worth a visit in any weather.

Look out for more ‘Photographer’s Ramblings’ coming soon!