A remarkable collection of photographs capturing Scotland's diverse beauty has been submitted by readers between October 31 and November 7, showcasing everything from wildlife encounters to seasonal celebrations. The images reveal the country's stunning landscapes, vibrant autumn colors, and memorable moments that define Scottish life during this transitional period between fall and winter.
Among the most captivating wildlife submissions was Jacki Gordon's encounter with a deer in the woods near Castlemilk. "I was enjoying the autumn colors popping in the warm glow of some sun when I realized I was not alone," Gordon explained, describing how she found herself in the sights of the curious woodland creature. Similarly, Robert McCrory captured an intense moment of eye contact with a red squirrel as it climbed up a tree in Perth, demonstrating the intimate connections possible between photographers and Scotland's native wildlife.
The autumn season featured prominently in many submissions, with photographers celebrating the brilliant colors of Scotland's changing landscape. Brian McKenna from Giffnock was particularly impressed by the autumn foliage on the trees at Professors' Square at Glasgow University, while Susheel Vani expressed astonishment at "such a glorious autumn display in the heart of Glasgow in Queen's Park." Neil Lea captured a lively autumn sky that provided a fitting backdrop for the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, showing how the season enhances Scotland's historic monuments.
Remembrance Day celebrations and commemorative displays added a poignant element to the collection. Norma Garthwaite contributed a striking image of Musselburgh Garden of Remembrance, noting her appreciation for the contrast created by the bright red poppies. Alex Orr documented Edinburgh's St Giles Cathedral illuminated in red for remembrance as part of a city-wide initiative to honor servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts around the world.
Natural phenomena provided some of the most spectacular submissions, including rare astronomical and meteorological events. Gerry Doherty captured what he described as "nature's fireworks" as the Aurora made a rare appearance over Loch Lomond, while John Cuthbert documented a stunning solar halo at dawn in Staxigoe, creating what he called "an ethereal circle of light around the rising sun" that felt "almost otherworldly." Robert Westerman contributed not one but two remarkable images, including a double rainbow over Machrihanish golf course, which he claimed showed "two pots of gold, six miles apart."
The arrival of winter was evident in several submissions, particularly Greg Crawford's photograph of the first snowfalls dusting the mountaintops at Loch Ba in Glencoe. Meanwhile, moonlit scenes provided dramatic nighttime photography opportunities, as demonstrated by Fi Armstrong's image of Moffat Old Cemetery under broad moonlight that her partner Paul Henricksen described as being "so bright it lit up his evening walk."
Fireworks displays celebrating Guy Fawkes Night on November 5 added festive elements to the collection. Duncan Loraine from Lesmahagow captured the excitement of his local fireworks display, while Sam Bilner ensured that the Plockton fireworks display would be remembered with his photographic contribution. The seasonal celebrations highlighted the community spirit that characterizes Scottish autumn traditions.
Architectural and engineering marvels were also well-represented in the submissions. Duncan Walker showcased the newly-refurbished Inverness Castle looking stunning when illuminated at night, while Kevin Hamill demonstrated how colored lighting transformed the Falkirk Wheel into "something completely different." Paul Bradley from Mid Wales contributed a vision of the famous steam train emerging from clouds at Glenfinnan Station, evoking images of the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films.
The collection also featured unique human interest stories and creative photography. Emma Williamson demonstrated impressive multitasking skills by taking an action shot while wild swimming at Maywick Beach in Shetland. Jane Sayliss created an innovative bird feeding station by placing an old deer antler on her bird table, much to the delight of the local goldfinch population. Victor Tregubov near Lairg found artistry in nature itself, describing a spider's web as "a masterpiece from mother nature."
Serene landscape photography rounded out the diverse collection, with Phil Dawson capturing the utter calm of Loch Tay featuring a floating sauna, and Alan Nairn being rewarded with a fiery sunrise during his early morning walk in Broughty Ferry. Frank McCafferty documented a calm and still scene as the sun rose over Rannoch Moor, with early sunlight hitting the Black Mount, creating a peaceful conclusion to this remarkable photographic journey through Scotland.
These reader submissions continue to demonstrate the rich photographic opportunities available throughout Scotland, from urban settings to remote wilderness areas, capturing both the dramatic and intimate moments that define the Scottish experience during the autumn season.
