Skye Before The Bridge

I have made four photographic jaunts to the Isle of Skye: a beautiful and serene island in the Hebrides, off the northwest coast of Scotland. In the past it was necessary to travel from the Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland to Kyleakin on Skye by way of a small ferry, thus maintaining the island's romantic atmosphere and lure. However; in October of 1995 a large bridge opened that connected mainland Scotland to the Isle of Skye and forever changed the lifestyle and enchantment of a destination that was always so very special and drew me back so many times. I had close friends who lived their entire lives on Skye but had their hearts broken when the bridge was erected as it transformed the idyllic isle forever. My first trip to Skye was in August, September of 1985 and was followed by trips in 1987, 1989 and 1992. I attempted to capture what moved me and when I look at the prints of well known photographers from the past, I realize that nothing stays the same. My hero in photography was Paul Strand and he photographed the Isle of Skye in the 1950s. His images were the catalyst that took me to Scotland but I soon realized that they could not be reproduced in my time. The thought then occurred that my images may not be able to be duplicated in the future, either. I guess that is what makes photography great. Moments in time captured forever. I have put some of my prints of Scotland and the Isle of Skye on this month's post. Most of the images shown were taken over thirty years ago on Kodachrome and Ektachrome film. The Isle of Skye is a fantastic locale for a photographer in any season. I welcome hearing from other photographers and anyone just interested in the subject matter. Thanks for looking in.

Eilean Donan Castle at high tide.

Eilean Donan Castle early on an August morning.

The rugged coast at Elgol on the Isle of Skye.

The ferry from Armadale on Skye to Mallaig on the mainland.

Some of the many sheep on Skye, seeking shelter from an approaching storm.

A country road and the solitude of Skye

Kenny is a fine local gentleman that we met in a pub in Portree, Isle of Skye

The Kilt Rock rises above Staffin Bay on the northeast coast of Skye.

A sailing vessel returns to the harbour before a squall. ( Isle of Skye )

The remains of Duntulm Castle; the MacDonald stronghold from 1540 to 1715. (  Isle of Skye )

Wool everywhere on the Isle of Skye

The Old Man of Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish Peninsula. ( Isle of Skye )

The wild horses of Skye. I only saw them this one time in August 1985.

White Island and the lighthouse. The main arch of the new bridge rests here.

Bleak but beautiful shoreline on Skye.

Hikers waiting at the Kyle of Lochalsh for the ferry to Kyleakin on Skye.

Caisteal Maol: the ruins of a twelth century castle built by a Norwegian princess on Skye.

Heather is abundant on the Isle of Skye.