This scene typifies the amazing scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Giant mountains disappear into the clouds, bulging granite and Gneiss outcrops act like sheets of roofing iron as they divert gushing torrents of water down into the valleys, and rugged coastlines are lashed by furious seas. The landscape oozes with water, which inspires a diversity of vegetation to decorate its surface with greens, greys and browns. It is the sort of environment that swallows you up, and the diverse animal life evokes a smile and a glimmer in your eye, no matter where you look.
I've been lucky enough to spend just over a week in this fabulous part of the world, exploring the landscape and being shown some splendid yet secretive wildlife by my friend Stuart. It's nearly time to head south again, but before I do, I thought it a good opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights with a small selection of my many photos. Enjoy!
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| Looking over the west cost of Scotland. |
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The coastal terrain near Drumbeg is truly magic, especially when you see such beautifully coloured plants and lichen. |
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| A Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) shares a basking rock with a Herring Gull. |
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| A pair of Oystercatchers in their slippery seaweed habitat. |
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| A misty day in the high country. |
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| Birch trees have such lush green foliage, especially when dampened by a light shower. |
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| A Common Frog (Rana temporaria) is well camouflaged among the grasses in this highland puddle. |
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| Towering rock walls are like the battlements of an ancient castle. |
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| The symbol of freedom, a Scottish Golden Eagle soars above its highland habitat. |
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| A wee 'burn' (Scottish term for stream) cuts through the granite in Sutherland. |
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| The hidden nest of a Meadow Pipit can just be seen below this clump of grass. |
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| Meadow Pipit eggs. |
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