Scotland

Arbirlot Walks – Fields, Waterfalls and Woodland

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Seagulls take flight across a football pitch in Arbroath.
Woman exploring Arbirlot waterfall near Arbroath.
Dog standing in the river below Arbirlot waterfall.
Green barley field beneath a clear blue summer sky.
Dog running on a woodland path near Arbirlot, Scotland.

A short walk through Arbirlot, just outside Arbroath, takes you from open fields into shaded woodland and down to the small waterfall under the old stone bridge. It’s a quiet spot, ideal for a wander with the dog or simply enjoying the scenery. The mix of farmland, riverside paths and that hidden cascade makes it a favourite place for locals to explore.

The waterfall itself, tucked beneath the bridge, is the highlight. Whether standing above it or cooling off below, it’s a reminder of how much variety you can find within a short distance of town.

Exploring places like Arbirlot shows just how much variety is on offer in this part of Scotland. From open coastlines to tucked-away woodland, I’m always drawn to the mix of landscapes nearby. You can see more of my work across Places and People.

Black and White Gym Photography – Weightlifting Event in Arbroath

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Black and white photograph of a weightlifting competition in Arbroath, Scotland, showing athletes training and competing.

At Warehouse Gym in Arbroath, a weightlifting event provided a chance to capture strength and focus in a stripped-back style. Without colour, the story shifts to contrast, shape, and movement.

The black and white approach highlights athletes in training and competition. Sharp contrasts draw out detail in posture and expression, showing the raw intensity of the sport.

This shoot extends my portfolio of event photography in Scotland, using a simple approach that keeps attention on people and performance.

Dunnottar Castle Sunrise – Drone Photography in Stonehaven, Scotland

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Drone photograph of Dunnottar Castle at sunrise in Stonehaven, Scotland, showing the ruins on cliffs above the North Sea.

Few locations on Scotland’s east coast carry as much atmosphere as Dunnottar Castle. Perched high above the North Sea, the ruins dominate the headland and remain one of the country’s most iconic coastal landmarks.

Captured by drone at sunrise, the first light revealed texture in the stonework and depth across the cliffs. The dramatic shadows emphasise both the scale of the castle and the rugged coastline that surrounds it.

The surviving buildings are largely from the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages.

Dunnottar is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century.

This work adds to my wider series on Scotland’s coastal landmarks, using drone photography to document places where history and landscape meet.

Rattray Head Lighthouse at Sunrise – Coastal Photography in Aberdeenshire

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photograph of Rattray Head Lighthouse at sunrise, captured from the Aberdeenshire coast of Scotland.

Scotland’s lighthouses have long been designed to face harsh seas, but few look as striking in first light as Rattray Head Lighthouse. Built in 1895, it still stands strong off the Aberdeenshire coast.

Photographed at sunrise, the tower rises above calm water with warm light catching its surface. The scene captures the balance of engineering and isolation that defines Scotland’s coastal navigation points.

Rattray head lighthouse was constructed in 1895 and stand 120 feet (37m) tall.

This lighthouse is part of my continuing focus on maritime Scotland, documenting structures that combine function, history, and striking design.

St Mary’s Chapel, Rattray – Historic Church Photography in Aberdeenshire

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photograph of St Mary’s Chapel in Rattray, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, believed to date back to the early 13th century.

Tucked away in Aberdeenshire, St Mary’s Chapel at Rattray is thought to date back to around 1214. Its weathered stone walls stand as a reminder of centuries of local history.

This shoot continues my project of documenting Scotland’s historic churches, using simple photography to record places that hold centuries of community history.

Scurdie Ness Lighthouse – Coastal Photography in Montrose, Scotland

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Drone photograph of Scurdie Ness Lighthouse on the Montrose coast, built in 1870 to prevent shipwrecks near the River South Esk.

Built in 1870 after numerous shipwrecks, Scurdie Ness Lighthouse stands at the mouth of the River South Esk, guiding vessels safely along the east coast of Scotland.

Photographed in freezing conditions, these images show the tower against clear skies, highlighting the engineering that still defines the Montrose shoreline today.

Scotland’s lighthouses remain some of the most practical yet visually striking coastal landmarks. This shoot adds to my ongoing series on maritime structures.