Scottish Sunday: International

Northern Exposure

FROM ITS icing-sugared mountains to its Highland Toffee cattle, Scotland is undeniably a photogenic country. Indeed, some parts - the Forth Bridge, Eilean Donan castle - have been snapped so excessively that when you visit they appear less as real scenes and rather more like postcards writ large. There is, however, an army of photographers whose collected works are building up a picture of a more complex Scotland. Their Scotland is often less straightforwardly picturesque, although it remains beautiful for the most part.

Flickr: A Platform for Amateur Photographers

Many of these photographers are amateurs who use digital cameras to capture the beauty of Scotland daily. These individuals often share their best photos on Flickr.com, a popular photo-sharing website. Launched in 2004 by Stewart Butterfield and Caterina Fake, Flickr now boasts four million users who have posted over 320 million photos. While many use Flickr as a personal album, some photographers utilize the platform to showcase their skills.

The Scotland Group and Specialized Photography

The Scotland group on Flickr has gained more than 2000 members and 34,000 pictures. Additionally, there are numerous smaller groups that focus on specific areas or aspects of the country. For example, Glasgow Bloc specializes in architectural photography of tower blocks and shopping centers, while Edinburgh At Night captures the cityscape after dark. Regardless of the location, Flickr users can browse through a vast collection of Scotland-related photographs by simply searching for a specific town or village.

Flickr Scotland Blog: A Diary of Contemporary Scotland

Impressed by the high-quality photography being uploaded, Calum Davidson, an administrator of the Scotland group, created the Flickr Scotland blog. This platform serves as a showcase for the best pictures of Scotland captured by Flickr users. According to Davidson, the blog provides a year's worth of photographs encompassing various aspects of life, landscape, light, and activity, creating a diary of contemporary Scotland.

Selecting the Best Photographs

In compiling a showcase of the best photographs of Scotland from Flickr, magazine picture editor Lian Thomson and I chose from the images on Davidson's blog. The selection aimed to display a geographical spread and avoid an overemphasis on beautiful landscapes. The photographs chosen represent the diversity of Scotland and the talent of the photographers within it.

Hotels in Scotland

Discover the Best Accommodations

While exploring the picturesque landscapes and historic sites of Scotland, finding the perfect place to stay can greatly enhance your travel experience. Whether you're seeking luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Scotland offers a range of hotels to suit every traveler's preferences.

Luxury Hotels

For those looking for a lavish experience, Scotland boasts a plethora of luxury hotels. From historic castles converted into luxurious retreats to contemporary five-star hotels with stunning views, there is no shortage of opulent accommodations. Some notable luxury hotels in Scotland include:

The Balmoral in Edinburgh
Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire
The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews
Cromlix House in Perthshire

Budget-Friendly Options

If you're traveling on a budget, Scotland also offers a range of affordable hotels and guesthouses. These accommodations provide comfortable rooms and convenient amenities without breaking the bank. Some budget-friendly hotel options in Scotland include:

Travelodge
Premier Inn
Ibis
EasyHotel

Unique Accommodations

For those seeking a truly unique experience, Scotland offers a variety of unconventional accommodations. From staying in a lighthouse to spending the night in a converted railway carriage, these alternatives provide a memorable stay. Some unique accommodation options in Scotland include: