Tours / Wild Outer Hebrides

After several years of running successful photography trips to the Outer Hebrides , I’m delighted to be bringing this tour back. It’s a destination that has always held a special place for me, and I’m looking forward to sharing these remarkable islands with a new group of photographers.

Our base for this trip will be at the northern end of South Uist, perfectly positioned for visiting nearby Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray, and the southern reaches of South Uist itself. Having spent many years photographing these islands , I know just how special they are and how much they have to offer wildlife photographers.

These islands offer exceptional opportunities to photograph the abundant birdlife that inhabits this remarkable landscape. Thanks largely to the low-intensity farming practices that still exist here, much of the scenery feels untouched by time, with vast expanses of unspoilt grass meadows, moorland, lochs, and, of course, spectacular beaches. Together they provide the ideal habitat for a multitude of waders including common snipe, redshank, curlew, dunlin, and ringed plover, to name just a few.

Focus species

Our main photographic focus will be on two of the Hebrides most iconic birds: the Short-eared Owl and the Hen Harrier, both of which, alongside the waders, will be our primary photographic focus. However wildlife photography is often about embracing the unexpected, and we’ll make the most of any opportunities that present themselves. This year for example, a pair of red-necked phalaropes appeared on one of the lochs, providing fantastic photographic opportunities.

With the trip taking place in midsummer, we can take full advantage of the long daylight hours. Our main photography sessions will take place before breakfast and again after dinner, when the light is often at it’s best, wildlife is most active, and the islands are at their most quiet.

The middle of the day provides time to relax and recharge, but we will also take time to explore other highlights of these wonderful islands. We’ll visit several of the many stunning beaches and spend time on Eriskay, where the rare Eriskay Ponies roam freely during the summer months. With only around 300 remaining worldwide, they provide a wonderful photographic subject against the stunning island scenery.

We’ll also enjoy lunch at the excellent Wee Cottage Kitchen in North Uist, where the seafood rolls have become a favourite for visitors and locals, if seafood isn’t for you, there are plenty of alternative choices available.

Weather permitting, we’ll round off one our evenings  with a visit to Bearneray, one of my favourite location in the Outer Hebrides, where, if we are fortunate, we’ll photograph the setting sun over the beach and towards the distant hills on North Uist

Throughout the trip, my aim is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of ability. Whether you’re looking to improve your fieldcraft, gain confidence with your camera setting, or simply enjoy photographing wildlife in a spectacular location, I’ll  be on hand throughout the week to offer as much guidance and support as you need. Group size is kept small (max2), ensuring everyone has plenty of individual attention while allowing us to photograph wildlife with the least possible disturbance.

For your six-night stay, you’ll be accommodated in a comfortable house, with your own private double bedroom and bathroom, providing the perfect place to relax after each days photography.

Breakfast and packed lunches will be provided on each of the five photography days, along with breakfast on your departure day. Evening meals are not included and will be taken at two nearby restaurants.

Getting to South Uist

The best travel options are:

· Ferry: Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist)

· Ferry: Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Uig (Isle of Skye) to Lochmaddy (North Uist)

· Flight: Services from Glasgow or Inverness to Benbecula Airport (collection from the airport is included)