Islay again

[wanderer]

I asked Garrie what he thought was an iconic photo of Islay.
I think he is having as much trouble thinking about it as me.
I've been visiting Islay for more than 35 years and I'm still not sure.

In the meantime here are a couple of photos from a New year trip 2007-08.

Please feel free to pass (polite) comment and add your own Islay photos.
And who knows we might find that iconic picture.



Last light of the year over Loch Gorm, the distillery is just of photo to the left middle distance.



3 hours later, the fire is lit and a steak pie dinner on the table.
All that's missing is a Bunnahabhainn.
Note the camera bag open on the floor.

Duncan

[PeterD]

Re: Islay again

Hi Duncan, #1 is stunning!
Dinner looks apertising too

[yorky]

Re: Islay again

I love the colour in the sky, Islay is a magical place apart from the distilleries and Loch Indall when the geese are there.

[Zuiko]

Re: Islay again

Duncan, why should we be polite with our comments when you are posting pictures as good as No1? Whether it's iconic of Isay I can't say, but it's certainly an excellent picture.

Then you post that cosy cottage scene with a hint that you'll be seeing the New Year in with a bottle of Bunnahabhainn just to make me really jealous. And I suppose you'll be doing something similar this year?

Polite? Pah! You must be joking!



PS I've never tried Bunnahabhainn but I've had a few bottles of Lagavulin, Bowmore and a Caol Ila.

[Garrie]

Re: Islay again

That first shot is stunning, I love it :-)

Looking forward to this thread and seeing mire pictures of islay. I'll try and add some but they will nit be the standard if the first superb shot you've posted, sublime!

[JackBenedict]

Re: Islay again

I am not sure whether I like no. 1 or not. The more I look at it the more I am drawn in by the whole scene - it's just the sky I am not comfortable with.

It's one of those pictures where you just have had to be there to experience the colours for yourself. Having lived in northern Scotland for most of my younger years I can ascribe to some of the wonderful sunsets that abound that part of the country.

[wanderer]

Re: Islay again

I am not sure whether I like no. 1 or not. The more I look at it the more I am drawn in by the whole scene - it's just the sky I am not comfortable with.

What caught me was coming over the crest of the hill from Gruinart and the light was electrifying. It was like that. I'm out on a studio shoot tonight but if I get a chance I'll post a photo taken about 3 hours earlier up at Ardnave about 4 miles north. The light for most of the week was 'soft' with some lovely diffuse tones. I've seen two New Years in on Islay. Yes the weather is variable but the opportunities are fantastic.

And I suppose you'll be doing something similar this year?

Last Year was the first time in 37 years I wasn't away for New Year but this year we have four days up near Affric and my other half has never been in the glen. Hopefully Caledonia stern, wild, cold and white.

I like to think Bunnahabhainn is the most mellow of the Islay whiskies but I've not tried Kilchoman yet.

Duncan

[Greytop]

Re: Islay again

That is a wonderful image Duncan (number 1).

[wanderer]

Re: Islay again

A few more from that New Year.



Loch Gorm and the Sanaigmore phonebox. Part of a phonebox series.



More of that wonderful light. The untrodden beach at Ardnave.

But we were being watched.......



Duncan

[pepper]

Re: Islay again

Bunnahabhainn

Mmmm, my favourite all time whisky!!

[Garrie]

Re: Islay again

Here is one of my favorite distilleries.


A Storm is Brewing at Ardbeg

[Guest]

Re: Islay again

These are stunning, Duncan. I visited Scotland once and was awestruck by its beauty.

[CaptainD]

Re: Islay again

Dear Duncan,

Really top notch images that are a joy to look at.

Cheers

Chris

[wanderer]

Re: Islay again

Thank you Mark and Chris. Much appreciated.
I always feel relaxed on Islay and it seems to bring out some of the best in my photography. And its not just to do with certain single malts.

I may even stick a few more photos up and not only in winter.

Duncan

[DavidJ1609]

Re: Islay again

I may even stick a few more photos up and not only in winter.
Duncan

Please do. These are wonderful.

David.