TALE AS OLD AS TIME

Come hail, rain or sunshine, Eilidh Cameron tells the story of Argyll and the West Coast’s spectacular landscapes from behind her lens

Argyll-based photographer Eilidh Cameron tells a story with her spectacular shots from the West Coast

There simply aren’t enough superlatives to describe the beauty of Argyll and the West Coast, writes Rosie Morton. It’s mesmerising watching a misty sunrise creep across the water of Loch Fyne, or the hypnotic movement of wind through cottongrass on Moine Mhor. For Eilidh Cameron – a 28-year-old landscape photographer who is based between Lochgilphead and Mull – there is much more to these mountainscapes than mere beauty; these are living, breathing spaces with a story to tell.

‘It’s a creative process,’ begins Eilidh. ‘I want to capture the beautiful sunset, or beautiful rays, or nature, but I also like to tell the story of the landscape through my photos. Especially around here, there is so much history, culture and heritage, as well as myths and legends, so I try and capture that in the photograph as well. I like to combine the magical element and spirit that the West Coast possesses.’

Heading out as a youngster with her grandfather, who also had a keen interest in photography, her passion for the creative sphere started early. Initially pursuing art then making the switch to camerawork, Eilidh is now an accomplished, self-taught photographer, and experiments by heading out at all hours, both morning and night.

‘Growing up around here you’re surrounded by wildlife and nature, so it’s all come fairly naturally,’ says Eilidh. ‘From the mainland, I look out to Jura, Scarba and Mull. There’s a lovely golden light. Watching the sun setting behind the islands and seeing how the light hits them is really special. ‘You’ve got your white sandy beaches, mountains, forests and rivers. You’ve got everything in such a small area.’

Eilidh has long enjoyed the 360-degree views of the islands that lie just five minutes from her home, as well as looking on to Kilmartin Glen and the Crinan Canal. Even being chased home from Duntrune Castle by thunder and lightning hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for capturing unique moments in this remarkable corner of the world.

‘A lot of the time, I’m the only one who sees it. Last summer I went out and there was this beautiful sunset that looked almost like a face in the cloud with the rain coming through. There was nobody else around for miles.’

“I like to combine the magical element and spirit of the West Coast

“These are living, breathing spaces with a story to tell

“There simply aren’t enough superlatives to describe the beauty of Argyll and the West Coast

Loch Fyne reflections: Taken from Inveraray during a lunch break while working in the VisitScotland iCentre.

Far left: Mishnish Lochs, Isle of Mull, taken during a cold spell when the lochs had frozen over. Left: Rainbow over the Sound of Mull, taken from Aros Park, Tobermory. Below: Springtime in Pollock Park, Glasgow.

Clockwise, from top left: The Secret Beach, near Crinan Ferry at the mouth of the River Add; Autumnal Light, taken from the mouth of Loch Na Keal, Mull; Snow flurries on the Paps of Jura; Crinan Ferry sunset with sinuous patterns between sand and freshwater; Winter rays, Eilidh’s favourite photo, which she took on a walk with her father.

Clockwise from top left: Morning light at Tobermory; dinner time with the local otters; Neighbourhood Watch, one of Eilidh’s closest encounters with otters; Just Chilling, seals along the West Coast are a common sight; a beautiful bog with fluffy white cotton grass; the bonnie purple heather.