Stock Photography: Islands - Islay
I have amassed a large collection of Stock Photography images which previously could be accessed via a link to Photographers Direct.com. This was a well-established website with well over one million images on record, supplied by thousands of photographers worldwide. However, in early 2019 the site folded without warning or explanation, I suspect as the result of a downturn in the Stock Photography market.
As an alternative means of displaying my stock images, I am in the early stages of creating a series of thumbnail gallery pages featuring shots previously held by PD in addition to those included in the main posts. Due to the large number of JPEG files I have not attempted to re-keyword individual files as before but have grouped them under general headings so that they can be accessed via a general search. Larger categories will be sub-divided and some subjects may be duplicated on one or more pages.
As an alternative means of displaying my stock images, I am in the early stages of creating a series of thumbnail gallery pages featuring shots previously held by PD in addition to those included in the main posts. Due to the large number of JPEG files I have not attempted to re-keyword individual files as before but have grouped them under general headings so that they can be accessed via a general search. Larger categories will be sub-divided and some subjects may be duplicated on one or more pages.
Please note that all my images are subject to copyright. They are not free to use and have been embedded with a digital watermark. Also bear in mind that the thumbnails displayed are relatively low-quality, may be under or over exposed, and do not fully reflect the standard of images produced from the high-resolution files supplied to clients.
Ferries
The Islay to Jura ferry is pictured below:
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Port Askaig
Distilleries
Ardbeg
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Bruichladdich
Bunnahabhain
Kildalton Cross
Kildalton Cross, also known as the High Cross of Kildalton, dates from the second half of the 8th century and is one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland. Of Celtic design, it is very similar to three crosses from the same era that can be found on the island of Iona. The cross stands within the grounds of the Old Parish Church of Kildalton on Islay. The building is thought to date from the late 12th or early 13th century. The roof has long gone but within its walls and the adjacent graveyard are a number of interesting carved medieval grave slabs.
The cross is made from a single slab of local stone and stands 2.65 metres high, reaching 1.32 metres across at its widest point. The design features angels, serpents, David fighting a lion, birds feeding on grapes and Virgin and Child as well as scenes from the biblical story of Cain and Abel. By the mid-nineteenth century the cross was in danger of toppling over so it was temporarily removed. This revealed a much smaller cross under the foundations and below that lay the remains of a man and woman. Casts of both crosses were made for display purposes. A new plinth was constructed to improve stability before the main cross was replaced in its original socket stone.
Loch Gruinart
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Loch Gruinart is a sea loch on the northern coast of isle of Islay. Land at the head of the loch, Gruinart Flats, is a designated nature reserve owned by the RSPB. It is an important winter roosting site for barnacle geese and as the surrounding area is sparsely populated with terrific beaches, it`s is a haven for wildlife.
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Kilnave Chapel, also referred to locally as Cill Naoimh, (Church or burial ground of the Saints) dates from the late 14th or early 15th century and is reminiscent of St Oran`s Chapel on Iona. This location lies close to the western shore of Loch Gruinart and is thought to have been a burial site since the mid-8th century. Tradition states the building was torched by the MacDonalds after the Battle of Gruinart Beach in 1598 when defeated fugitives of Clan MacLean were trapped inside. The high cross is made of slate and stands 8ft 6ins with one face sculptured in relief. A further early cross, worn to an irregularly-shaped slab, thin and pierced is preserved inside the chapel.
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Portnahaven
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The picturesque village of Portnahaven can be found at the southern tip of the Rhinns of Islay. It`s rows of white houses are built around a sheltered bay with a narrow strip of sand at its head. Portnahaven was a planned village, built during the 1800s to support the local fishing and crofting community and no doubt in its heyday it would have been a hive of activity. Nowadays, it`s a fine place to linger and watch the small shellfish boats come and go, especially in the sunshine and when the tide is right for the seals to come into the bay. It`s a total contrast on a stormy day, however, when the south-westerly gales force huge waves against nearby rocks. The coast here can be especially good for sea-watching in autumn, when thousands of gannets, shearwaters, auks and petrels can pass each hour. The whitewashed church at Portnahaven was designed by Thomas Telford and also serves the neighbouring village of Port Wemyss. Somewhat unusually, it has separate doors for the congregation members from each community.
Just offshore is the island of Orsay which contains a small chapel and the Rhinns of Islay lighthouse, one of many constructed by the Stevensons. Its warning light can be seen from up to 40km away in clear conditions. Many ships have come to grief in the waters around Islay over the centuries. They include three French warships that were driven aground at the extreme south-western point of the island in 1760 during an engagement with three British Frigates, giving rise to the natural hazard being named `Frenchmen`s Rocks`.
Saligo Bay
