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I am really excited about this inaugural equine tour of Scotland! We will visit the Outer Hebrides, Shetland Isles, Scottish Highlands and much more to photograph race horses, Clydesdales, Highland Ponies, stone circles, castles, puffins…. Please check the above link for full itinerary.
Photography Tour of Scotland with Debra Garside & Paul Tomkins
Arrivals: Our journey begins in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland situated on the shoreline of the Firth of Forth. Here we can find a plethora of photographic opportunities including the medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Edinburgh Castle, and walk up to Author’s Seat in Hollyrood Park, giving us sweeping views of this hilly city steeped in history.
We will spend the morning photographing thoroughbred horses at a racing stable near Edinburgh. Following lunch, we will enjoy a day at the races at Perth Racecourse. Overnight at The Lodge Perth Racecourse.
Morning visit to a Clydesdale farm to photograph the amazing Scottish heavy horses. Visit a distillery or brewery. Travel north to Deeside for overnight accommodation.
Morning visit to Invercauld Estate to view and photograph Highland Ponies which work on the Estate during the shooting season. Lunch and travel to Aberdeen Airport. Fly to Shetland Isles.
Accommodation at the Kveldsro House Hotel on the Shetland Isles for 2 nights.
Shetland is a UNESCO World Heritage International Geopark because of its fascinating features. Our guide for this portion is a photographer from the islands and very knowledgeable of the area. This sub-Arctic archipelago is teeming with birdlife and home to the iconic Shetland Pony.
Small horses have been kept on the islands since the Bronze Age. People who lived on the island probably crossed native stock with ponies imported by Norse settlers. The Shetland breed was also influenced by the Celtic pony and has developed into a hardy breed due to harsh climate & scarce food.
The Atlantic Puffin is widely considered to be the clown of the avian realm, not only for its appearance but for its funny and awkward behavior on land. Don’t let their land legs fool you though, at sea these wonderful little birds are voracious fisherman and speedy in the air. May is just the beginning of nesting season and we hope to see these colourful creatures along the dramatic shore cliffs.
Fly from Shetland to Aberdeen and drive to Inverness for overnight. Sites along the way. Easy day.
This morning we will have an optional 2-hour ride through the beautiful countryside and trek through parts of the Scottish Highlands not usually seen. Pony trekking from Cougie is a wonderful experience for all levels of riders.
In the afternoon we will take the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway and overnight near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides Islands.
Early morning visit to the Callanish Stones, one of the most famous stone circles in the UK. Often seen in the TV series Outlander, this stone circle dates back to Neolithic times.
In the afternoon we will meet with the owner of some Highland ponies and set up a shoot at Luskentyre. Few people expect to find a beach like Luskentyre on the remote western side of the Isle of Lewis. With its turquoise waters it looks like something from the tropics.
Overnight Hotel Tarbert, boutique-style hotel. Mote Lounge Bar has an extensive selection of whiskies and traditional Scottish Music!
Early morning photoshoot at Luskentyre. Afternoon ferry from Tarbert to Uig (Island of Skye) for dinner and overnight.
Travel through Skye stopping for photos at leisure. Take ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Evening ride or photoshoot on the beach. Overnight at The Morar Hotel with scenic views of the Silver Sands of Morar and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum & Eigg.
Travel back to Edinburgh via Glencoe and the Trossachs enjoying the amazing Scottish Highlands scenery.
We will visit the world- famous Kelpies monuments and overnight near Edinburgh. The Kelpies, located in Falkirk, Scotland tower 30 meters above the Forth and Clyde Canal and form a dramatic entrance to the east side of Scotland. Created by Scotland’s leading sculptor Andy Scott, The Kelpies are a tribute to Scotland’s horse empowered history. Farewell dinner.
Departures from Edinburgh.
Our local guide, Paul Tomkins, is a world class photographer and one of the most sought-after guides in Scotland. Paul and I have worked together very carefully with Spirit Journeys, our logistics team with great horse contacts, to offer you this wonderful equi-tour.
$12,500 cad
or 9,200 usd
Price isbased on double occupancy and includes everything except tips, alcohol and flight to/from Edinburgh.
Please note that this itinerary was developed for the postponed 2021 trip.
$2,500 cad
Pricing is based on current monetary values as of March 15, 2020 and subject to change.
Deposits are preferred by eTransfer to debragarsidephotography@gmail.com
Payment by credit card also accepted (please add 3%)
4-5 guests
Changes to the itinerary may be made to allow for weather and travel conditions.
Prices are based on current October 2023 exchange rates. If extreme fluctuations occure some charges may apply.
Regarded by Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in Europe 2019, Shetland is a sure addition to your travel bucket list.
