Windswept and interesting: Pictures that capture the majesty of an island

THE pink flush of fresh air and robust health tinges the cheeks of a man shovelling peat, giggling café workers and busy retirees alike on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

And it is the colour and energy of their daily lives that is captured in this stunning collection of pictures commissioned by the island’s new distillery.

The images reveal the rich diversity of island life, from a flock of sheep tinted like Irn-Bru by dipping, to men going about their business, whether it be building a boat or mending creels.

The dynamic portraits were taken by 46-year-old Edinburgh photographer Laurence Winram for the Harris Distillery, which is due to open this summer.

Mr Winram, who was helped by Kenny Maclean, a local crofter and the production manager at the distillery, said: ‘It really does seem like a magical environment because it’s so remote. There is a greater sense of connection with people because there is more reliance on each other. There is a sense of trust and mutual respect.’

The Harris Distillery will be the first legal Scotch whisky distillery on the island. The single malt produced there will be called The Hearach, the Gaelic term for someone from the island.

Wild at heart: Joanna Mackay rides an Eriskay pony at Luskentyre beach

Gone fishing: A youngster delights at the fruits of his labour

Plain sailing: John A Macaulay crafts sections of his own boat

Baked to perfection: Homemade treats in an islander’s kitchen

Rural: Kenny Maclean, a local crofter, at work