Highland Light & Coastal Calm: A Landscape Photography Workshop in Argyll and Bute

Scotland’s West Coast – March 2025 Workshop Recap

If you're a landscape photographer looking for wild beauty, dramatic skies, and moments of calm that stop you in your tracks—Scotland’s west coast delivers.

Last month, we ran a photography workshop based in Inveraray, right on the shores of Loch Fyne, with a small group of brilliant photographers: David, Carol, Debbie, Margaret, Chris, and my right-hand man Joe assisting. This trip was about more than just ticking off locations—it was about slowing down, being present, and capturing the raw, timeless atmosphere of Argyll and Bute. I'd stayed in this area a year previously and knew that this would be a great base for photographic exploration. 

We stayed at The Inveraray Inn, a historic hotel with a perfect location—rooms overlooking the loch, excellent service, and hearty food that hit the spot after long days in the elements. It felt like a home from home, and it’s a key part of what makes this trip special. It's easily one of the best hotels we've used in Scotland and I'm so pleased to have finally found such a great place to stay up here. 

Day One – The Long Drive North & A Welcome of Rainbows

The drive up into the Highlands gave us the first taste of what was to come—Loch Fyne lit up by multiple rainbows, arching over the water like the place knew we were coming. We wasted no time in getting cameras out and capturing these scenes. Later, we settled into the hotel, and enjoyed a relaxed evening meal. The food was excellent and just what we needed after a long drive north. 

Day Two – Rain, Boats & Samphire Seafood

Scotland threw everything at us—persistent rain, thick and relentless—but even in the worst weather, there’s beauty to be found. We managed some early morning long exposures of the "Vital Spark" boat, catching moody reflections and movement in the grey light.

Later, we ventured to Loch Long, dodging showers to capture the glistening mountains and turbulent skies. I also scouted Lochgilphead—a move that paid off later.

Lunch was a treat—Samphire in Inveraray, known for its fresh seafood. Oysters, scallops, chowder. The kind of food that warms you up from the inside out. If you are in the area you must try this place. 

Back at the hotel, with the wind and rain howling outside, we shared a drink in the cosy bar and finalised our plan for the big day ahead—because Wednesday’s forecast was golden.

Day Three – Golden Light & Big Miles

This was the kind of day landscape photographers dream of.

We set off before dawn, reaching Kilchurn Castle for sunrise. From there we headed to Oban for breakfast, stopping briefly at the Falls of Lora beneath Connel Bridge—a roadside gem.

Next stop: Isle of Seil, crossing the Clachan Bridge, also known as the Bridge Over the Atlantic. We spent a couple of hours exploring, shooting rock formations and wide seascapes, with just the sound of the wind and waves for company. It's a wonderful island, charming and remote. 

Lunch at the Loch Melfort Hotel was another highlight—panoramic views, excellent food, and a quiet elegance that felt well-earned after the miles we’d covered.

Then on to Crinan. And honestly it was breathtaking. Still water, perfect reflections, views to Jura, and a silence you could feel. We even spotted deer on the single-track road out—ghosting into woodland before vanishing into the distance...it felt like a near miss photographically but a joy to witness.

For sunset, we looped back to Loch Fyne—the colours didn’t quite hit, but the mood was there. While most of the group secured our dinner spot at the legendary George Hotel, Margaret, Chirs and I made one last detour to Inveraray Castle to chase the fading light. We couldn’t resist one final shoot on the loch before heading in.

The guys certainly put the effort and the miles in but it was absolutley worth it. I would retrace this circular route in a heratbeat, it felt like we only scratched the surface. 

Day Four – Farewell via the Falls

On the way home, we stopped on the road to Loch Lomond, photographing a dramatic sky over a tumbling waterfall—a moody farewell from the Highlands. Then it was back south, tired but full of stories (and memory cards).

Looking Ahead – Join Us Next Year

Trips to Scotland are always something special and I'm sure that we have finally found the perfect base. From the warm welcome at the Inveraray Inn, to the seafood, the laughs, the wild roads, and the ever-changing light—it’s the kind of workshop that recharges you. It’s about more than just taking photos; it’s about being out there, properly present, with good people and unforgettable places.

I’ll be running this workshop again next year—and if you’ve been thinking about joining a landscape photography trip in Scotland, this one’s a gem. Small group, great atmosphere, and locations that truly inspire.

You can find out more about next years trip by clicking here, if you are thinking of coming I wouldnt hang around, spaces will likely fill quickly. 

Can’t wait to be back.