A photo blog of random images of life in the Highlands - mostly taken with a 'point & shoot' compact camera.
(Oh, and the odd bit of music thrown in). I'm going to try and keep posting a photo a day for a decade.
This page mirrors my
timeline: @HighlandRampage. YOUTUBE channel for the videos here > 
~ Most recent at the top ~ Click on the link to see the photo... a new window will open. Close it to come back here. ~
e mail: Steve @ SteveCarter.com
2018 (latest at top) The beach on the loch: http://stevecarter.com/random/thebeach18.jpg Shieldaig looking rather like a model village: http://stevecarter.com/random/smodelvillage.jpg Upper Loch Torridon yesterday - complete with mussel farm: http://stevecarter.com/random/ltoct18.jpg We probably see 100+ rainbows a year here, but I have never before seen one this bright: http://stevecarter.com/random/mostbow.jpg The Coire na Ba: http://stevecarter.com/random/beadown18.jpg The forest floor is now golden brown: http://stevecarter.com/random/suncomesoutforest.jpg A local fisherman's boat broke it's mooring in the gales and ended up on it's side on some rocks. Now recovered but in need of TLC!http://stevecarter.com/random/rodboat.jpg The burn known as Allt 'a Chumhaing (flowing down the Bealach na Ba) this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/bea14-10-18.jpg Bertie is 19 months old today, and is officially a scruffy bugger: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/19m.jpg Early morning dog walk by Loch Dughaill: http://stevecarter.com/random/octearlymorn.jpg 15 minutes before yesterday's Shieldaig sunrise: http://stevecarter.com/random/oct18pastel.jpg Shieldaig Island as you probably haven't seen it before: http://stevecarter.com/random/SI-10-18.jpg Wind and rain are much more bearable when you've got your mates around you: http://stevecarter.com/random/rainavoidance.jpg We had two red squirrels (simultaneously) on our bird feeder yesterday. One scarpered, here's the other (taken through glass) http://stevecarter.com/random/2reds.jpg A neighbour in his new (54 year old) yacht: http://stevecarter.com/random/inyacht18.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/inyacht181.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/inyacht182.jpg Looking from above Loch Torridon towards Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/6-10-18-1.jpg Nice place to park (Loch Torridon -14:10 today) http://stevecarter.com/random/niceplacetopark.jpg Shiledaig (Loch, Ben and Village) yesterday evening: http://stevecarer.comrandom/pan5-10-18.jpg The forest and the loch earlier: http://stevecarter.com/random/forestloch18.jpg We are due two sunny days - it'll be a very colourful time in the NW Highlands: http://stevecarter.com/random/octc18.jpg Low sun highlighting the geology of Port Laire and Lagaidh Dhubh: http://www.stevecarter.com/random/PL18.jpg I've added this (and some more) shots to my 'random' page: http://www.stevecarter.com/random/random.htm And all of a sudden, October does its thing: http://stevecarter.com/random/Oct18colour.jpg If you're coming up here this week, you might consider WD40 rather than Ambre Solaire: http://stevecarter.com/random/oct18rain.jpg Shieldaig Island as seen from the south: http://stevecarter.com/random/contrastisland.jpg Low cloud at Achintraid: http://stevecarter.com/random/kishorn18.jpg Beinn Alligin from below Beinn Bheag: http://stevecarter.com/random/BAsept18.jpg Are you sure this is the best place to have this conversation? http://stevecarter.com/random/conver.jpg Here's the West face of Ben Shieldaig. Then the North face. Then there's the east face. Who stole all the trees? We don't 'arf get some wacky light in September: http://stevecarter.com/random/wackyweather18.jpg ...and the sun came out and we went into Technicolor © : http://stevecarter.com/random/busybeach.jpg The whole forest was leaking yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/leaking.jpg After the rain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgDU8a7nwV4 (youtube vid) It's trying really hard to be a beautiful day here: http://stevecarter.com/random/keeptrying.jpg 10 weeks ago we were on emergency water rations due a prolonged drought. Here's our water supply this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/nodrought.jpg And still they come. (This one during a hailstorm) : http://stevecarter.com/random/brightbow.jpg Shepherds' warning: http://stevecarter.com/random/shepherds.jpg I just realised the BBC's 'Brexitcast' is using my music as the theme tune. The title? Reality Bites (!) http://stevecarter.com/random/RealityBites.mp3 Pleased to say that the telescope we put up in 2012 has now earned over £1000 for the RSPB (and quite a few bottle tops). http://stevecarter.com/random/telescopecash.jpg The cliff known as Creag a' Chumhaing disappearing into the clouds: http://stevecarter.com/random/bnbclouds.jpg Taking off is hard to do: http://stevecarter.com/random/ctakeoff.jpg Even rubbish weather has its moments: http://stevecarter.com/random/stickyclouds.jpg As the tourist season ends, the storm season starts: http://stevecarter.com/random/packingup181.jpg For those that missed: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0bk9g9m/grand-tours-of-scotlands-lochs-series-2-2-take-my-breath-away This morning's weather: http://stevecarter.com/random/18-9-18.jpg A panoramic of Loch Clair (taken before the winds came) http://stevecarter.com/random/clairpan189.jpg Harris/Lewis - the biggest Island in Scotland. This, one of the smaller ones: http://stevecarter.com/random/smallisland.jpg Wester Ross skyline: http://stevecarter.com/random/moody189.jpg Bertie is 18 months old today. 'You can take my photo, but you're going to have to fight for the stick!' http://stevecarter.com/bertie/18mmm.jpg Waterfall (short video) https://youtu.be/BdRBKpx9tw8 I wonder if rainbows exist if there's nobody there to see them. http://stevecarter.com/random/bowdeception.jpg A break in the clouds giving a few seconds of late evening sunshine: http://stevecarter.com/random/eveninglight189.jpg The sky reflected on the surface of Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/differentview.jpg Today's weather: http://stevecarter.com/random/9-9-18.jpg More often than not, Kinloch B&B looks like a jigsaw: http://stevecarter.com/tandom/kinloch918.jpg First light on the hills: http://stevecarter.com/random/firstlight18.jpg Glen Torridon - 07:15 this morning http://stevecarter.com/random/8-9-18.jpg Funny stuff, mist: http://stevecarter.com/random/funnystuff.jpg We've had most of the seasons here today. This was one of them: http://stevecarter.com/random/somewhere.jpg Loch Shieldaig yesterday evening: http://stevecarter.com/random/LS189.jpg Shieldaig's female skiff crew practicing their rowing technique on the loch this evening: http://stevecarter.com/random/skiff6-9-18.jpg Beinn Eighe: http://stevecarter.com/random/BE189.jpg Looking from Couldoran towards Tornapress and Loch Kishorn: http://stevecarter.com/random/couldoran189.jpg The RAF are testing their new fighter jets up here at the moment, one came over yesterday, very low, very loud and very fast - so I thought I'd get a photo... http://stevecarter.com/random/jet.jpg You can tell that autumn has arrived: http://stevecarter.com/random/autumn189.jpg Loch Clair and Sgurr Dubh: http://stevecarter.com/random/sgurrdubh181.jpg Early morning, Loch a' Chroisg: http://stevecarter.com/random/chroisg189.jpg The hill known as Sail Gharbh doesn't exactly creep up on you: http://stevecarter.com/random/SailGharbhA894.jpg Drones from Sutherland. The hills Canisp and Suilven: http://stevecarter.com/random/CanispSuilven182.jpg and Loch Druim Suardalain http://stevecarter.com/random/DruimSuardalain18.jpg Loch Glascarnoch early this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/glascarnoch181.jpg A few from Glencanisp yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/cansp185.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/cansp182.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/cansp187.jpg The Bridge over the River Culag (earlier today): http://stevecarter.com/random/cansp189a.jpg Standing tall: http://stevecarter.com/random/standingtall.jpg A pastel start: http://stevecarter.com/random/pastelaug.jpg Considering August, and an English bank holiday, it was surprisingly quiet in the village yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/quiet188.jpg Straight on wasn't an option: http://stevecarter.com/random/road1881.jpg What? http://stevecarter.com/random/whatwhatwhat.jpg The moment and the place that a loch becomes a river: http://stevecarter.com/random/balgystart.jpg You can clearly see in this photo the footprint of the old crofting township of Fuaran. A victim of the clearances: http://stevecarter.com/random/fasaig181.jpg Nobody owns a lawnmower around here. You just open your gate. http://stevecarter.com/random/lawnmower.jpg August roads are a bit of a nightmare after 09.30... Best drive in the rush hour: http://stevecarter.com/random/19-8-182.jpg The Deer Park at the eastern end of Upper Loch Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/ULT20-8-18.jpg Loch an Loin: http://stevecarter.com/random/19-8-181.jpg It was busy at Applecross this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/deerapplex.jpg This morning's sunrise over Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/19-8-18.jpg Lochcarron (short video) : https://youtu.be/-PyI6x9tD_Y The hills by Couldoran often look a bit 'Mordor' in August: http://stevecarter.com/random/darkover18.jpg We're getting some seriously moody weather here at the moment. That'll be August then: http://stevecarter.com/random/darkover18.jpg Dark skies over the Bealach: http://stevecarter.com/random/darkbea18.jpg That's some road trip Peter and Paula are taking: http://stevecarter.com/random/roadtripmg.jpg Come and see the Highlands. They're in there somewhere: http://stevecarter.com/random/comesee.jpg Bertie is 17 months old: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/17m0.jpg There's loud, and there's Gull loud: http://stevecarter.com/random/veryloud2.jpg I've always wondered why, when they built this bridge (relatively recently), they chose this convoluted route: http://stevecarter.com/random/strangeloc.jpg Photos (and video) from the fete & regatta. I was only able to be there for an hour and a bit, so not so many pics this year! http://stevecarter.com/fete18/fete18.htm Liathach & Upper Loch Torridon yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/10-8-18.jpg The released Red Squirrels have dispersed over quite a large area, but one, 'white tail' has remained in the forest here: http://stevecarter.com/random/reds18.jpg The jaggedy bit at the top of the hill: http://www.stevecarter.com/random/topofthehill.jpg Weather forecast said 'mostly cloudy'. Sounds dull, doesn't it. On the other hand: http://stevecarter.com/random/partlycloudy.jpg Beinn Alligin is in there somewhere: http://stevecarter.com/random/summer-8-18.jpg The River Torridon is back to full strength: http://stevecarter.com/random/RTstrong.jpg Shieldaig Island (pic taken in July) : http://stevecarter.com/random/islandsun18.jpg The gallery at the Bealach Cafe : http://stevecarter.com/random/gallery1881.jpg Low tide on Upper Loch Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/LT3-8-18.jpg Loch Shieldaig. 06:30 this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/3-8-18.jpg This morning's cloud-base.... about 40ft: http://stevecarter.com/random/40ft.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/40ft2.jpg Just a reminder that the Shieldaig Fete and Regatta is on 11th August: Some pics from previous years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il1HUCBeuXM You can tell it's August: http://stevecarter.com/random/summerjustarrived.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/summerjustarrived2.jpg A secret lochan surround on all sides by firs: http://stevecarter.com/random/secretlochan2.jpg The top of Meall Dubh at the south eastern end of Glen Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/mealldubh.jpg The wooden house in the wood: http://stevecarter.com/random/peopleask.jpg Sarah. Not exactly a looker, but she doesn't half go: http://stevecarter.com/random/sarah.jpg A very blustery Sunday: http://stevecarter.com/random/bluster187.jpg The estuary at Tornapress on Thursday: http://stevecarter.com/random/tornapress187.jpg People come here to see sights like this, http://stevecarter.com/random/ShJuly18.jpg ...and leave sights like this: http://stevecarter.com/random/flung.jpg Achintraid: http://stevecarter.com/random/achintraid187.jpg The (almost) regenerated Kishorn Yard which will act as a renewable energy construction hub, with the (now fully drained) dry dock. http://stevecarter.com/random/kishornyard187.jpg The pass of the cattle, earlier this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/bea187.jpg The much needed rain has turned Torridon very green: http://stevecarter.com/random/greenhills18.jpg Nice to see nature winning this particular battle: http://stevecarter.com/random/giveashit.jpg A fishing boat leaving Shieldaig early this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/fishboat187.jpg A cool walk by Liathach: http://stevecarter.com/random/coolwalk.jpg The Ocean Youth Trust yacht, the end of Shieldaig Island and two miles distant, through the drizzle, 'red roof': http://stevecarter.com/random/oyts.jpg Glen Shieldaig yesterday afternoon: http://stevecarter.com/random/gsld187.jpg This fallen pine tree just refuses to lie down: http://stevecarter.com/random/fallentree18.jpg Looks like hard work! (photo of a photo) http://stevecarter.com/random/oldvan.jpg Coming in to land in the amphibious vehicle: http://stevecarter.com/random/comingintoland.jpg Right. It's about time we had some comedy music. Recorded in March in Angel Studios: Pic> http://stevecarter.com/random/recording18.jpg - Music > http://stevecarter.com/random/time2018.mp3 Another look (or two) at Archimedes... this time from above: http://stevecarter.com/random/1100t2.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/ach187.jpg 'Archimedes' is in the loch - all 1100 tonnes of buoyancy proving the dude was right all along: http://stevecarter.com/random/1100t.jpg Ben Shieldaig disappearing into the clouds: http://stevecarter.com/random/cloudhills18.jpg Rhuba Lodge holiday let: http://stevecarter.com/random/rhuba181.jpg Bertie was genuinely surprised that I wasn't impressed by the hole: http://stevecarter.com/random/washface2.jpg Caught short in the middle of nowhere? No problem: http://stevecarter.com/random/loneloo.jpg Free Crow and Coo with every derelict crofters cottage: http://stevecarter.com/random/freecrow.jpg Local retail outlet: http://stevecarter.com/random/eggsforsale.jpg The new track heading into the hills from Kinloch Damh is the start of a new hydro scheme: http://stevecarter.com/random/kld187.jpg Only a couple of years to go, so I've started work on the book... well the cover, anyway: http://stevecarter.com/random/deccover.jpg Applecross Bay: http://stevecarter.com/random/ab186.jpg The A896: http://stevecarter.com/random/LCroad187.jpg Just the one here: http://stevecarter.com/random/1fox.jpg If you ARE going to crop off the bottom of a house.. http://stevecarter.com/random/crapcards.jpg (Postcard). At least do it like this: http://stevecarter.com/random/redroofblue.jpg 16 months today and twice the size that he looks in this photo (over 6 stone). Small horse meets teddy bear... : http://stevecarter.com/bertie/16m.jpg Ground effect: http://stevecarter.com/random/gullreflet18.jpg - Cute effect: http://stevecarter.com/random/weeecooo.jpg The fishing hut in Glen Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/fishhut2.jpg A yacht enters Loch Shieldaig from a very misty North Atlantic: http://stevecarter.com/random/outofthemist18.jpg Harr approaching Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/moreharr.jpg Shieldaig School and playing fields: http://stevecarter.com/random/sschool.jpg Looking towards 'Moine Mhor' (Large Moss). Loch Kishorn in the distance: http://stevecarter.com/random/moinemhor.jpg Keep an eye out for Stuart who today will (hopefully) complete 3 back to back extreme triathlons - Wales, England &Scotland (in 60 hours!) http://stevecarter.com/celt14/celt42.jpg Dashcam. Blind corner, narrow bridge, passing place and a dozen bikers decide this is the best place to stop and have a natter. Tut. http://stevecarter.com/random/meetingplace.jpg This one might be a little hard to work out: http://stevecarter.com/random/diff187.jpg Gneiss to see you: http://stevecarter.com/random/noname181.jpg Five women and a buoy: http://stevecarter.com/random/skiff1872.jpg The Torridon Hills this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/5-7-18.jpg The Balgy Gap: http://stevecarter.com/random/balgygap187.jpg Panoramic of Loch Shieldaig: 07:30 this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/4-7-18.jpg Where the River Balgy meets Upper Loch Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/rbult187.jpg Walk, food, nap. It's tough out there. http://stevecarter.com/bertie/nap.jpg Loch Damh and Beinn Damh: http://stevecarter.com/random/LD1872.jpg The mornings are so still at the moment. The lochs are like glass: http://stevecarter.com/random/dug187.jpg (Very) early morning light over Ben Shiedaig and Inverbain Island: http://stevecarter.com/random/bs187.jpg No Parking.... Okay, maybe just this once (terrible plate mind). http://stevecarter.com/random/redmclaren2.jpg This morning's roadblock wasn't for moving: http://stevecarter.com/random/roadblock18.jpg Nice hat. Not sure about the earring. http://stevecarter.com/random/nicehat.jpg The ling hut in Glen Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/ling181.jpg A somewhat different view of the area: http://stevecarter.com/random/29-6-18 Earlier: http://stevecarter.com/random/lt1869.jpg The Torridon Hotel yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/th186.jpg Liathach: http://stevecarter.com/random/liathach186.jpg It's such a pretty boat, I thought it deserved another photo: http://stevecarter.com/random/niceboat.jpg - or two: http://stevecarter.com/random/niceboat1.jpg The road to Shieldaig this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/shieldaigroad186.jpg Loch Coultrie (foreground) and Loch Damh: http://stevecarter.com/random/coultrie1862.jpg Parked up and off to the pub: http://stevevecarter.com/random/prettystuff181.jpg 6 a.m. this morning and the haar is rolling across Upper Loch Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/haarjune18.jpg The (almost never seen) plateau of the Applecross Peninsula is peppered with hundreds of lochans: http://www.stevecarter.com/random/lotslochs.jpg The coast road to Applecross as it approaches Kenmore this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/kenmorecoast.jpg Ben Shieldaig and Shieldaig village: http://stevecarter.com/random/24-6-182.jpg Well done to all those who researched and created: http://torridonplacenames.org.uk/index.html Kinloch this evening: http://stevecarter.com/random/kinloch618.jpg Bertie (aka Hover Dog) on Sand beach this morning: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/hoverdog18.jpg http://stevecarter.com/random/peek18.jpg Glen Mor: http://stevecarter.com/random/glenmor.jpg I said to John "I'm amazed you got planning for that". He replied. "So was I". http://stevecarter.com/randpm/planjohn.jpg The Summer solstice. Time lapse - 24 hours into 1 minute - Loch Shieldaig (cheap camera, so low res!) https://youtu.be/qjxWkeW5Jgk 'Eilean Dughaill' in Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/eileandughaill.jpg I think most people would benefit from a ukulele in their lives. I got mine a couple of weeks ago: http://www.stevecarter.com/random/ukulele.jpg .... clip here Kishorn and the Bealach from above Glen Mor: http://stevecarter.com/random/kish186.jpg The falls at Balgy as the river leaves Loch Damh: http://stevecarter.com/random/balgyfalls186.jpg That indeterminate place where a Strath becomes a Glen - or vice versa: http://stevecarter.com/random/strathcarron18.jpg I bought a beer with which to watch the match last night. It was so very nearly perfectly named: http://stevecarter.com/random/bittert.jpg I'm sure many of you know the Log House. Sadly, as of Saturday afternoon, I should now say 'knew': http://stevecarter.com/random/loghouse.jpg Video of the start of yesterday's Celtman: https://youtu.be/e_k5-k8FrhE Webpage of Celtman start and T1 here >>> http://stevecarter.com/celt18/celt18.htm More to come. This morning's Celtman extreme triathlon competitors 04:45: http://stevecarter.com/celt18/c18.jpg - 04:55 they start to enter the sea: http://stevecarter.com/celt18/c18c.jpg More bog cotton that I've ever seen this year. Fields of it: http://stevecarter.com/random/BCjune18.jpg Normal (weather) services now resumed, but 6 weeks of dry sunny weather have left the freshwater lochs low and abundant with water lilies: http://stevecarter.com/random/la618.jpg 1 and 1/4 tomorrow. Looks like butter wouldn't melt... but only as it wouldn't touch the sides of his mouth! http://stevecarter.com/bertie/15m.jpg The track from Loch Damh to Loch Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/tracktotor.jpg Nice place to call home for the Sea Eagle family: http://stevecarter.com/random/shis618.jpg Clouds bubbling up over the hills - yielding the first (badly needed) rain in weeks: http://stevecarter.com/random/hills6618.jpg Stepping stones: http://stevecarter.com/random/stepstone.jpg Postcard anyone? http://stevecarter.com/random/postcard181.jpg An Cos holiday let: http://stevecarter.com/random/NS181.jpg Shieldaig Summer: http://stevecarter.com/random/shsummer18.jpg Hopefully, in about 100 years, due to deer fencing, the left hand side of this scene will have as many trees as the right side: http://stevecarter.com/random/dug186.jpg Class of 2018 (about 1/3 the size of mum) http://stevecarter.com/random/classof18.jpg Early dog walking means completely empty roads! http://stevecarter.com/random/dogwalk185.jpg It was really misty first thing. You could hardly see the Norwegian cargo ship in front of your face: http://stevecarter.com/random/mistyfame.jpg Forestry at Strathcarron, with Loch Carron in the distance: http://stevecarter.com/random/strath18.jpg A view that is about as 'Torridon' as you can get: http://stevecarter.com/random/verytorridon.jpg It looks like Greece here at the moment, and funnily enough, we have about the same temperature as Athens: http://stevecarter.com/random/calmboat.jpg Beinn and Loch Damh yesterday afternoon: http://stevecarter.com/random/BDLD185.jpg The Bog Cotton is out: http://stevecarter.com/random/bcotton18.jpg Applecross Bay: http://stevecarter.com/random/applexbay18.jpg The hill known as An Ruadh Mheallan at 01:30 this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/fire18.jpg There are dozens of places to stop overnight, why do motorcaravans feel the need to herd? Odd. http://stevecarter.com/random/whymc.jpg 7.45 a.m. http://stevecarter.com/random/ULT26518.jpg They may well say that sunrise is at 04:39, but the bumpy bits around here delay that by at least 40 minutes: http://stevecarter.com/random/latesunrise.jpg Celtman is three weeks today... here's when the swim starts (at 5 a.m.) http://stevecarter.com/random/celtstart.jpg Pastel colours before the sunrise: http://stevecarter.com/random/lateearly.jpg This is the very tame Blackbird (Bernadette), who disappeared from our garden in October. She has returned today and tapped on our window for apple! http://stevecarter.com/random/bernadette18.jpg It's that time of year again: http://stevecarter.com/random/thattime.jpg Loch Coultrie earlier this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/lochcoultrie1851.jpg Reflected sunrise: http://stevecarter.com/random/reflectedsunrise.jpg Today's weather: http://stevecarter.com/random/23-5-18.jpg The Navy's in. Don't know which Navy, and I'm not sending a drone out to find out as it'll probably get shot down.: http://stevecarter.com/random/navy18.jpg (If anyone is interested. I got the binos out. It's HMS Grimsby, a Sandown-class minehunter. So it's one of ours. Still not sending the drone out mind. Don't like the look of that gun!) Shame about the view: http://stevecarter.com/random/shameview.jpg Could be summer: http://stevecarter.com/random/couldbesummer.jpg The sea is looking rather lovely this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/22-5-18.jpg One of the beaches at Gairloch: http://stevecarter.com/random/gairbeach.jpg The road to the Summer Isles: http://stevecarter.com/random/summerisles18.jpg Lick 'a paint, it'll be fine: http://stevecarter.com/random/lickapaint.jpg Pines by Loch Assynt: http://stevecarter.com/random/assynt18.jpg Preparations are complete for the Shieldaig Royal Wedding Street party. Crowds already gathering: http://stevecarter.com/random/preparations.jpg Loch Druim Suardalain with the hills Canisp and Suilven behind: http://stevecarter.com/random/suilven18.jpg Ardvreck Castle early this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/ardvreckmay18.jpg Kylesku yesterday morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/ky16-5-18.jpg The Beech Trees at Applecross: http://stevecarter.com/random/appletrees.jpg Well who doesn't like a custard cream? http://stevecarter.com/random/cuscre.jpg It's suddenly got very colourful here: http://stevecarter.com/random/turngreen.jpg Bertie is 14 months old today, and will ALWAYS choose the most annoying stick to chew: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/14m.jpg Ben Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/bsmay18.jpg The Shieldaig Skiff crew out on the loch yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/skiff1852.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/skiff1851.jpg The River Applecross meets the sea: http://stevecarter.com/random/applecrossriver185.jpg Lots of new mobile chicanes on the roads. Be careful out there folks! http://stevecarter.com/random/mumandlambs.jpg Sunrise over the River Balgy: http://stevecarter.com/random/bsunrise.jpg Shieldaig Village: https://youtu.be/fzoPhbeAVTA The forest from above (not a cauliflower) http://stevecarter.com/random/forestfromabove.jpg 7 pm yesterday evening: http://stevecarter.com/random/8-5-18.jpg ...and in case you ever wondered how it was done: https://youtu.be/cQ6bMKIzYRA (youtube vid) Weeeeeeeeeeee: http://stevecarter.com/random/flysea.jpg Out fishing on Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/otterwatch.jpg Cloudbase <200ft this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/cb200.jpg Well if you're going to be a sheep... it might as well be here: http://stevecarter.com/random/niceplacesheep.jpg The top of Loch Clair in Glen Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/GTMay18.jpg Pleased to see the Sea Eagle fly over the house today. Less pleased with the greetings card: http://stevecarter.com/random/greetings.jpg The top of Beinn Eighe (earlier this week) http://stevecarter.com/random/BE30-4-18.jpg Ben Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/bs184.jpg Having swum 3k, cycled 200k and run about 30k, this is where the Celtman competitors start their run up Beinn Eighe: http://stevecarter.com/random/hillstart.jpg I think we can safely assume that a glacier had something to do with the shape of Glen Docherty: http://stevecarter.com/random/GD1841.jpg A view of part of Beinn Eighe that many don't see. This looks rubbish in LOW RES , so if you're interested, here it is in HIGHER RES (12mb) A' Ghairbhe flowing west: http://stevecarter.com/random/a-Ghairbhe18.jpg Sgurr Dubh in Glen Torridon this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/SD184.jpg A couple of horny locals: http://stevecarter.com/random/thelads.jpg A different view of Shieldaig Village, taken just now: http://stevecarter.com/random/28-4-18.jpg A slight dusting on the tops again: http://stevecarter.com/random/endapril18.jpg Gordonstoun School has a yacht to teach its pupils how to sail (like you do). It's currently parked at the bottom of my garden: http://stevecarter.com/random/osm.jpg The River Balgy meets the Atlantic: http://stevecarter.com/random/balgy1842.jpg It's like the Battle of Britain out there today: http://stevecarter.com/random/bofb.jpg This is my naughty face: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/mrglovepuppet.jpg A view of Loch Shieldaig looking North: http://stevecarter.com/random/differentview18.jpg Even though we leave an egg out from time to time, Pine Martens still make off like they've stolen it: http://stevecarter.com/random/swiftegg.jpg Sometimes Shieldaig looks like some sort of model village. I half expect a Hornby Dublo to make an appearance. And those hills are obviously fake: http://stevecarter.com/random/nannys181.jpg Nose. http://stevecarter.com/random/nose181.jpg The Hebridean Princess leaving Loch Shieldaig yesterday afternoon: http://stevecarter.com/random/pexit.jpg We have a very tame otter in the loch. If you're in the area, bring fish! : http://stevecarter.com/random/otter0418.jpg Another one for the geologists: http://stevecarter.com/random/geo181.jpg The burns are all go after the first proper rain in ages : http://stevecarter.com/random/gm181.jpg Sam Doyle and his dog are walking round the coast of Britain to raise money for PTSD. Look out for him and buy him (them) a meal! http://stevecarter.com/random/samdog.jpg 'Gimpy' a Scottish wild cat that lived around here until aged 23: http://stevecarter.com/random/gimpy.jpg Don't be fooled - 'twas size of a dog... we hear there is another around. TBC. The first real rain for about 8 weeks yesterday, so took the opportunity to try out the new Sony 10-18mm. (Neighbours garden) : http://stevecarter.com/random/GM181.jpg Ardvreck Castle: http://stevecarter.com/random/ardvreck181.jpg It was a Sunny Sunday Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/15-4-182.jpg Today's weather: http://stevecarter.com/random/15-4-18.jpg Bertie is 13 months old. He may look wise in this photo, but he's just staring at a bit of bread, right of camera: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/13m.jpg One of Scotland's smaller islands: http://stevecarter.com/random/hugeisland.jpg Hammond, May and Clarkson's rides on their 'Grand Tour' of the Highlands http://stevecarter.com/random/grandtour.jpg The sea wall on Loch Inver: http://stevecarter.com/random/jettwalk1.jpg Ullapool this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/ull181.jpg The view from the forest at Allt an Dubh: http://stevecarter.com/random/wviewfromforest.jpg The footpath to Loch Damph: http://stevecarter.com/random/footpathd.jpg The river meets the loch meets the sea: http://stevecarter.com/random/dug1841.jpg This seriously confuses most foreign visitors: http://stevecarter.com/random/tablet.jpg After 241 flights (a recorded 133.7 miles) my p3p drone died (not in the air thankfully). Only one thing for it. p4p. http://stevecarter.com/random/p4p3.jpg Beinn Alligin yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/ba184.jpg Upper Loch Torridon 06:45: http://stevecarter.com/random/9-4-18.jpg Several weeks of decent sunshine, followed by two days of rain has bought the gorse out big time: http://stevecarter.com/random/gorse181.jpg A misty start: http://stevecarter.com/random/missed181.jpg Snowdrops: http://stevecarter.com/random/dropdrops.jpg Torridon : the first three months of 2018 https://youtu.be/n_apjcSe1Dc Big skies and snow showers: http://stevecarter.com/random/bigsky181.jpg Keeping us safe: http://stevecarter.com/random/keepingwatch.jpg (Now we know what 'being on stag' looks like). Today's weather: http://stevecarter.com/random/4-4-18.jpg First visit of a Pine Marten to the window this year makes me realise they all need a clean: http://stevecarter.com/random/PM181.jpg (and yes, Bertie dog went ballistic - Piney not impressed). I have about 50 favourite views around here. This is one of them: http://stevecarter.com/random/easter183.jpg Time and tide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhcL-earaqo 7 a.m. Easter day - Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/easterday18.jpg The 2018 Shieldaig booklet is now for sale locally - if you're in the area, look out for this cover image: http://www.stevecarter.com/latest/equinox17.jpeg Easter bow: http://stevecarter.com/random/easterbows1.jpg A message from Ruairidh: Shieldaig campsite is undergoing a significant redevelopment with a view to opening in 2019. Due to this it is with regret that the campsite will remain closed this season. Private arrangements have been made for Celtman competitors. http://stevecarter.com/random/camp18.jpg The old road and the new road that run west/east by Upper Loch Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/oldnew.jpg In sheltered spots, the sea has frozen today: http://stevecarter.com/random/iceonsea.jpg Today's weather: http://stevecarter.com/random/29-3-18.jpg Cloudscape: Testing the cheap(ish) time lapse camera (Brinno TLC200 pro). https://youtu.be/PBOshkX_CNY No apologies for stopping and taking a photo every time I pass Clyde. How could you resist that face? : http://stevecarter.com/random/clyde18.jpg As the evenings get longer, the colours get more vibrant: http://stevecarter.com/random/BST181.jpg Nanny's cafe reopens today: http://stevecarter.com/random/open4biz.jpg Shieldaig Village, 7 pm, First day of British Summer Time: http://stevecarter.com/random/BST18.jpg Bertie spends at least an hour each morning trying to find where the Pine Martens have gone. He knows damn well they are down there somewhere: http://stevecarter.com/random/findpine.jpg Any chance of a snack? http://stevecarter.com/random/whatwhat.jpg Two seals taking a break on some rocks in the middle of Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/2seals.jpg Nice highlights: http://stevecarter.com/random/nicehighlights.jpg Another of the short piano pieces written for WCPM and recorded earlier this month at Angel Studios. Sight read by Al Gavin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATgDPD1TwUs I was tempted to post this upside down, but it messes with your head too much: http://stevecarter.com/random/BAMarch181.jpg I tried (and failed) to buy this house when it was derelict/unloved. What a spot! http://stevecarter.com/random/triedhard.jpg (FYI... back then: http://www.stevecarter.com/latest/dec7.jpg ) It really does feel like the first day of spring here today: http://stevecarter.com/random/spring20182.jpg An unusual view of the track to the Torridon deer park: http://stevecarter.com/random/tracktodeerpark.jpg Frozen waterfalls by Meall Gorm this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/19-3-18.jpg Upper Loch Torridon about 10 minutes ago (Sun 16:00) http://stevecarter.com/random/ULT181.jpg Looking across the Inner Sound to Raasay, with the Cuillins behind: http://stevecarter.com/random/cuillins181.jpg http://www.stevecarter.com/random/passing18.jpg Looking across to Skye this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/Skye17-3-18.jpg Shieldaig Island: http://stevecarter.com/random/theisland181.jpg There is now a Sea Eagle 'information plinth' (with photos!) at the north end of Shieldaig - the best position from which to see them: http://stevecarter.com/random/seplinth.jpg It's still too early for any green in the Highlands, but it's a very golden March: http://stevecarter.com/random/qcm.jpg Happy Bert-day. One year old today: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/12months.jpg - Don't be daft, of course he has his own web page: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/Bertie.htm Some shamelessly saccharin 'Christmas' music written for Warner Bros. - with some footage from Angel studio 3. https://youtu.be/ffdXrpOvop8 The Shieldaig peninsula yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/12-03-18.jpg Whilst going over to say hello to some seals, one of them looks into the lens and waves. Yes, it's probably sod off with your drone, not hello, but still... https://youtu.be/AG3EMofFORg Never known as the River Shieldaig - marked on maps as Abhainn Ceann Locha (River at the head of the Loch) it's mostly hidden from view by forest: http://stevecarter.com/random/rivertosea.jpg The road west: http://stevecarter.com/random/longroad.jpgAmazing to look at, but astonishing when you read how old these rocks are: http://stevecarter.com/random/therock.jpg If you have 94 seconds to spare, have a listen to some (unmastered) snippets from this weeks recording session: http://stevecarter.com/random/TimeSampler.mp3 Happy to be back in the Highlands. It's not just home, but the quiet, the air, the colours and the SPACE! http://stevecarter.com/random/space.jpg Recorded in Angel Studio 3 on Monday. Al Gavin performs, Paul Golding engineers. https://youtu.be/DVm-sECpppU Just about done, and back home to some peace and quiet! http://stevecarter.com/random/a3-181.jpg - http://www.stevecarter.com/random/a3-186.jpg I'm offline for a couple >>> http://www.stevecarter.com/random/testcard2.jpg Frozen waterfall, by Upper Loch Torridon: http://stevecarter.com/random/Froz18.jpg Glen Torridon is fab at the moment, not just because it's pretty, but because it's empty: http://stevecarter.com/random/GTMar18.jpg Siberian weather hasn't caused chaos on the north west coast, but it ain't half parky: http://stevecarter.com/random/stalag.jpg Frozen Loch Droma at sunrise: http://stevecarter.com/random/pastelsunrise18.jpg Daybreak reflected by the croft at Loch an Loin this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/LaLCroft.jpg It's all go in Ullapool: http://stevecarter.com/random/25-2-189a.jpg The dam on Loch Glascarnoch. (I know what you're whistling!) http://stevecarter.com/random/res181.jpg 'The Beast from the East' does at least bring some very clear air: http://stevecarter.com/random/26-2-18moon.jpg The A894 by Kylestrome, Sutherland yesterday afternoon: http://stevecarter.com/random/ky181.jpg Balgy Lodge (holiday let): http://stevecarter.com/random/balgylodge18.jpg - and if I turn round, this is their not too shabby view: http://stevecarter.com/random/24-2-18.jpg A panoramic photo of Upper Loch Torridon. Beinn Alligin, Beinn Dearg and Liathach shown in the centre: http://stevecarter.com/random/qazaq.jpg When you are trying to watch the Olympics on TV, and the dog comes and sits directly in front of you on your footstool and stares into your eyes..... you know it's time for his food. There are two ways to get to my house. This is one of them. (Photo - screen grab from tonight's weather).... FYI - I'm using the other route. http://www.stevecarter.com/random/bnb18.jpg Shieldaig Village, Loch and Island from the top of Ben Shieldaig yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/viewfromthetop.jpg It's still here (in both senses) http://www.stevecarter.com/random/20-2-18.jpg It's looking very 'Scottish Highlands' here at the moment: http://stevecarter.com/random/VeryHighland18.jpg Some of the action from Loch Chroisg yesterday morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/4sheep18.jpg Glen Docherty about an hour ago: http://stevecarter.com/random/19-2-18.jpg The snow has retreated to about 1500 feet. Another cold snap due next week though. http://stevecarter.com/random/1500ft1.jpg Bertie making the most of the last of the snow: https://youtu.be/IniQyHxDjOI Bonnie and Clyde - (no, really) http://stevecarter.com/random/bandc1.jpg The river A' ghairbhe as it approaches Loch Clair: http://stevecarter.com/random/ghairbhe.jpg The road by Loch an Loin: http://stevecarter.com/random/coultrieroad.jpg It's no wonder I moved up here. I just got my DNA analysis: 55.2% Scottish/Irish - 30.7% Scandinavian - 11.1% English - 1.8% Greek - 1.2% Nigerian Took this the other day and thought of 'Kind of Blue' : http://stevecarter.com/random/seasea.jpg There's thousands of midges somewhere in this photo. Every time it snows I wonder if they'll die, but they always survive: http://stevecarter.com/random/heathersnow.jpg Glen Shieldaig and the A896 from above: http://stevecarter.com/random/GSabovefeb18.jpg Bertie is 11 months old today: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/11months.jpg A couple of panoramics: http://www.stevecarter.com/random/snowpan18.jpg - http://www.stevecarter.com/random/snowpan181.jpg Main Street, Shieldaig: http://www.stevecarter.com/random/feb-18.jpg It looks like Norway here today: http://stevecarter.com/random/loosliken.jpg Coming in to land yesterday. Final approach a bit tricky! http://stevecarter.com/random/housefeb18.jpg Shieldaig village 09:03 this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/11-2-2018.jpg Shieldaig Village 07:11 this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/711.jpg Ice circles: http://stevecarter.com/random/icecircles.jpg Lots of ABS action on the way to Inverness yesterday. Still, it was very pretty: http://stevecarter.com/random/9-2-18.jpg http://stevecarter.com/random/dtree.jpg Liathach reflected: http://stevecarter.com/random/4-2-182.jpg Torridon House: http://stevecarter.com/random/ThouseFeb181.jpg The view from Lochside Cottage (Holiday Let) at low tide: http://stevecarter.com/random/TEFeb181.jpg They call this 'The viewing point'. I can't imagine why: http://stevecarter.com/random/4-2-183.jpg Our house is named Sgeir Dhubh (black skerry) after the rock nearby. From most angles it does look black, but from above... http://stevecarter.com/random/sgeirdhubh.jpg Loch Clair and Sgurr Dubh this morning: http://Stevecarter.com/random/4-2-184.jpg - and Loch Clair, Liathach and Beinn Eighe: http://Stevecarter.com/random/4-2-181.jpg One of the 31,460 lochs in Scotland. This one (like many) with no name: http://stevecarter.com/random/LochanFeb181.jpg Seriously low tide yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/lowfeb18.jpg This cat gets into the owners car when she goes shopping, wanders around for a bit outside the shop, then gets back into the car to return home. Odd. http://stevecarter.com/random/cat.jpg Looking east over Upper Loch Torridon yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/LiaFeb182.jpg Torridon looking rather lovely today: http://stevecarter.com/random/liafeb181.jpg The road to the Applecross Inn: http://stevecarter.com/random/highlandroad.jpg I saw the snow heading in yesterday from about 15 miles off - this was just before it arrived: http://stevecarter.com/random/31-1-18.jpg He's getting to be a scruffy bugger (like his owner) : http://stevecarter.com/bertie/scruffy.jpg I like a silhouette, me. http://stevecarter.com/random/5trees18.jpg http://stevecarter.com/random/deerdeer18.jpg Just before sunrise, Loch Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/atree181.jpg At the top of the Bealach yesterday (completely empty and particularly lovely): Here, Here & Here Why pick up a frizbee when you can pounce and kill it first? http://stevecarter.com/bertie/pounce.jpg This is where the Celtman Extreme Triathlon competitors begin the home stretch... just the small matter of that pesky 3000 ft hill to run up - and down: http://stevecarter.com/random/celtman181.jpg The Kyle of Lochalsh line passing Lochluichart. Photo taken on Tuesday: http://stevecarter.com/random/kyleline18.jpg All you need to know about this morning's weather: http://stevecarter.com/random/windgusts.jpg I've taken several photos of this place near Gorstan over the past 20 years. - this, yesterday. 'In need of modernisation' springs to mind: http://stevecarter.com/random/stillneedswork.jpg Automatic lawn mower: http://stevecarter.com/random/redroof181.jpg The thaw begins: http://stevecarter.com/random/thethaw18.jpg Roots amongst the rocks: http://stevecarter.com/random/rootsrocks.jpg Liathach yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/20-1-18.jpg This is where I live: http://stevecarter.com/random/thisiswhereilive.jpg Snow shower over Shieldaig earlier: http://stevecarter.com/random/snowfallingos.jpg Frozen Loch Dughaill: http://stevecarter.com/random/Froz118.jpg A couple from yesterday flying over Shieldaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/18-1-18.jpg - http://stevecarter.com/random/18-1-2018.jpg The view from the Torridon Hotel yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/LTHsnow18.jpg Glen Shieldaig this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/17-1-18.jpg Shieldaig Island between snow showers: http://stevecarter.com/random/SIslandsnow.jpg Funny how sheep look white until it snows: http://stevecarter.com/random/NotWhite1.jpg I finally got round to putting this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/idSuotx4HsY Some wacky cloud over Loch Kishorn: http://stevecarter.com/random/somewackycloud.jpg Looking across to the Torridon Estate with Beinn Alligin behind: http://stevecarter.com/random/TE182.jpg Bertie is 10 months old today: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/10months.jpg It's behind you: http://stevecarter.com/random/itsbehindyou.jpg Looking towards the hills of Killilan, Kintail and Glen Affric: http://stevecarter.com/random/KKGA.jpg http://stevecarter.com/latest/aaJan18.jpg The River Balgy, 08:30 this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/BD0830.jpg The frosty landscape at Tornapress yestrday: http://stevecarter.com/random/11-1-2018.jpg Yet more miserable Scottish weather today: http://stevecarter.com/random/11-1-18.jpg Morning sky over Maol Chean-Dearg: http://stevecarter.com/random/bitofsky.jpg Some lovely January light here today: http://stevecarter.com/random/JanLight.jpg The cliff known as Meall Gorm: http://stevecarter.com/random/meallgorm.jpg An unusual view of both Loch Damph and Beinn Damh : http://www.stevecarter.com/random/LochDamph181.jpg Remember Bertie's rope? (Since destroyed). He's managed to bring back the ghost of Charlie!... Spooky! here and here (not doctored!) The river, the road and some of the the sheep of Glen Shieldaig yesterday: http://stevecarter.com/random/GSR7-1-18.jpg Bertie found a rope washed up on the beach. Predictable results. https://youtu.be/NktBOBy1XbM For the millions of you out there with an interest in Danish cargo ships built in 1984 - fill ya' boots: http://stevecarter.com/random/vestland2.jpg One for the Geologists: http://stevecarter.com/random/rocks181.jpg The cargo ship VESTLAND just turned up in the loch. It must be delivering a shed load of vests! http://stevecarter.com/random/vestland.jpg January in the NW Highlands has been very peaceful so far this year (for a change) http://stevecarter.com/random/2trees18.jpg Two derelict crofts with the hills of Trotternish (North Skye) in the background: http://stevecarter.com/random/shame18.jpg The croft at Ardheslaig: http://stevecarter.com/random/croft18.jpg Do you think they know something we don't? http://stevecarter.com/random/sheepsign.jpg New Years day swim for Bertie: http://stevecarter.com/bertie/bertie20182.jpg Inverbain Island, Loch Torridon and the Torridon Hills this morning: http://stevecarter.com/random/1-1-18.jpg For those remotely interested: Temps from 2017 at Allt an Dubh. 11 metres from the sea. Coldest -1.8C on 11th Feb. Warmest 27.8C on 26th May. http://stevecarter.com/random/temps17.jpg Happy New Year. My fave Highland photos from 2017 here: http://www.stevecarter.com/latest/latesttorridon17.htm |
