Ewen Bell and Myself had organized this wildlife and landscape workshop last year, to be run just after our Highlands & Islands Scotland workshop, and had designed it for a smaller group than usual. It ran from early Sat 11th July through to Wednesday afternoon 15th July.

Our arrival from Edinburgh mid morning was smooth and pleasant.  We were picked up on our arrival by Hugh Harrup, the resident wildlife officer who is to be our tour leader and operator. Hugh runs Shetland Wildlife with many photographic trips here and to other countries throughout the year.   http://www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk/ info@shetlandwildlife.co.uk telephone 01950 460939

Our workshop included a Drive to Sumburgh Head for seabirds including the Puffins and time for landscapes/seascapes, The Island of Noss to photograph the seabird cliffs by boat,  South Mainland in the afternoon for more seals, seabirds, shorebirds and landscapes/seascapes.  Morning photography on Mousa Island with Ancient broch, skuas, Black Guillemots, seals and summer wild flowers. Mid-afternoon we Travelled up through the Shetlands to the Island of Unst, way up north and higher in latitude than the bottom of Greenland!.

In the Hermaness area all the next day –wonderful opportunities to photograph Gannets, Puffins, Skuas and other seabirds, with further landscapes and seascapes. Travelled over to the Keen of Hamar for Arctic Alpine wildflowers. Time for evening sunset photography, with the option of more Puffins, skuas and other seabirds.

Our final morning on Wednesday 15th July – was Morning photography of landscapes/seascapes and the Shetland way of life. This is our Flight departure day in the mid/late afternoon back to Edinburgh.  We had a wonderful group and High is to be commended for running such a fantastic outfit up here. the best on the Island by far and a man who truly not only loves wild-life but can capture it amazingly through the lens as well. Watch out for the most magnificent book on Britain’s birds, to be published very soon and a 10 year labour of love from this remarkable photographer!  Our sincere thanks to Hugh and his family for an unforgettable experience!  To see some of Ewen’s wonderful images from this journey through the Shetlands, go to:     http://ewenbell.com/editorial/Puffins+and+Ponys