Events

Isle of Mull workshop, June 2015

Bookings being taken.

The island of Mull is part of the Inner Hebrides, close to the Scottish mainland of Argyll and Bute. Despite its proximity to the mainland (the crossing from Oban to Craignure takes about 40 minutes and Lochaline to Fishnish is even shorter) Mull has relatively few visitors and those that do find their way there are soon absorbed among the narrow, twisting roads that characterise Scotland. Our tour/workshop is based in the north of the island, about 10 miles from its ‘capital’, Tobermory, in two very comfortable self-catering cottages on an isolated country estate. There is wildlife right on the doorstep and all modern conveniences are available.

This tour, which is now in its eleventh year, takes place at the ideal time for plants and birds. During our week on Mull we will visit the seabird colonies on the island of Lunga, using an exclusive boat charter to ensure that we have the island to ourselves for part of the day. Weather permitting, this trip includes an hour stop-over on the spectacular island of Staffa, where we have time to visit Fingal’s Cave or to explore the strange basaltic rock formations from the top of the island. We also hope to arrange a session photographing the iconic white-tailed sea eagle feeding from the water.

White-tailed sea eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, Mull

Other days are spent visiting various locations around the island in search of photographic subjects including up to four species of wild orchids, an ancient oak woodland and coastal habitats rich in lichens, seaside plants and rock pools.

You will get help in basic camera craft, macro work, bird photography and composition. If time permits, we will also cover some basic digital processing. There will be indoor sessions, including slide presentations, if the weather prevents us from venturing out at any time.

The tour starts in Oban and the price is £1125, including all transport, accommodation, boat trips, entrance fees, etc. Breakfast and a packed lunch are included but evening meals, which are taken at various inexpensive pubs and restaurants throughout the island, are not included for practical reasons. A willingness to share a room is helpful but not essential and we reserve the right to charge a single supplement depending on the eventual mix of the group. We have room for ten participants on this tour and there will be at least two tutors.

Please contact me by email or telephone 0114 2364433 if you would like more information. Alternatively, contact Nick Garbutt on 01398 332 727, or nick@nickgarbutt.com, as soon as possible if you are interested or if you need more information.

Photo workshops at Manchester Museum

Two of these events have now been held.  There is a report on the latest one, and some of the participants’ photos, on the museum’s blog here.

A further event took place on January 11th, 2014.  This was a full day during which we were able to photograph some of the museum’s rare and beautiful frogs.  Feedback from this event was encouraging and we hope to repeat it sometime soon.