
Buchan Ness Lighthouse in Boddam, Aberdeenshire, shining its light out into the sunrise.
We’ve reached the point in the year, here in Northern Scotland, where light is scarce. It arrives late in the day and leaves early, by about 4pm. But that wintry low sun does some special things, especially at the beach…

And the wintry temperatures play with ice and colours…

Above is the large sand dune on Fraserburgh beach known as Tiger Hill. Below, a puddle.

Rivers and lochs reflect back more light than you can see in the sky. Morning reflections at Pitfour:

The sun sets in the woods… What sparks of light have you spotted in winter?

Newsletter
Keep up to date with all my news by signing up to the mailing list. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always contains some exclusive photos.
My Books
Set in 1st century Scotland, my latest novel, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland

FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
Review from the Historical Novel Society
Great shots – thanks for sharing!
Beautiful!
So beautiful.
Gorgeous, gorgeous photographs! As I scrolled through them, each one became my favourite. Beautiful post.
Beautiful! Know the feeling about little light; here’s it’s worse. We’ve had so much rain as well (October it rained 28 days out of 31 in Vancouver) that I’m almost forgetting what it feels like to feel the sun on my face.
Just breathtakingly beautiful. Seems so peaceful.
wonderful captures, especially the ice and leaves
Oh so beautiful. These photos set me to dreaming.
I love your posts! I’m planning on going to Scotland in 2017, so these photographs are incredibly helpful as I consider where to go. Thank you for such a well thought out display!
Beautiful words and pictures Ailish. Was in Scotland in November but this blog already has me wanting to come back for more. Thank you and have a happy Christmas.
So glad you all liked 😀
It certainly does. So many benefits to visiting the far Northern Hemisphere in winter.
Used to live in Boddam, fantastic pic of the lighthouse.
It’s a picturesque lighthouse, that one!
Loveliness at its best.
🙂