Day 1 – Glasgow, Kennacraig, Islay
Colin will meet you at 0900 within Glasgow Central Station in front of Burger King. After the group has assembled we will drive to Kennacraig to catch the ferry to Islay which departs at 1300, arriving at 1505. We will continue our journey to the Port Charlotte Hotel where we will check in and head out to our first location.
Day 2 – Saligo Bay, and The Oa
An early morning rise to capture the sunrise at Saligo Bay where marram grass dunes overlook the Atlantic. Return for breakfast at the hotel, after which we will drive to the Oa peninsula, situated in the south of the island. The cliffs afford great views in all direction – north to Eileanan Mora and Loch Indaal and east to Beinn Mhor and Port an Eas.
Day 3 – Loch Gruinart and Sanaigmore Bay
Today we drive north, towards Loch Gruinart where expansive white sand beaches are rivalled only by those on Harris. When the tide is low, myriad shades of turquoise and blue can be seen in the water. At the end of the peninsula, Ardnave Point, lies beyond marram grass dunes and overlooks Nave Island. The area is an RSPB Reserve and is rich in all kinds of bird life, particularly wildfowl and waders. After an early dinner, we will reposition for sunset at Sanaigmore Bay.
Day 4 – Machir Bay and Jura
An early rise to shoot over the white sands of Machir Bay, followed by breakfast. We will then drive north to Port Askaig and cross the Sound of Islay by ferry to Jura. During the day we will explore Jura’s coastline, shooting at several locations, including Craighouse’s coastline and Lowlandman’s Bay, before returning to Islay for dinner.
Day 5 – Lower Killeyan and Beinn Mhor
Dominated by cliffs and sea stacks, the bay at Lower Killeyan forms an amphitheatre overlooking Loch Indaal and Port Charlotte on the far side of the loch. The south-west coast of The Oa is home to a wide variety of birds, which includes golden eagle, peregrine falcon and hen harrier. We explore Beinn Mhor’s quartzite summit which stands 202m above Port nan Gallan.
Day 6 – Port Askaig, Kennacraig and Glasgow
After checking out, we will drive to Port Askaig and board the ferry which departs for Kennacraig at 0945 and arrives at 1150, which should put us comfortably back in Glasgow for 1500 where the workshop will conclude.