Chasing Light and Legacy in Edinburgh: A Travel Photographer’s Scottish Escape

Scotland has always called to something deep within me—a feeling, a knowing, buried in the roots of my family tree. In just three days, my sister and I set out to explore Edinburgh and the surrounding Highlands, camera in hand and curiosity wide open. What followed was a journey of texture, history, and jaw-dropping landscapes that left me completely spellbound.

Edinburgh Castle & the One O’Clock Gun Tradition

Our trip began at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock with panoramic views of the city below. Just before we entered, we timed our visit to witness the One O’Clock Gun—a tradition dating back to 1861. Once used to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their maritime clocks, the firing of the gun is a powerful reminder of the city’s maritime past. The thunderous boom made for a thrilling moment to capture on camera, echoing off the ancient stone.

St. Giles’ Cathedral & Walking the Royal Mile

We wandered down the Royal Mile, the heartbeat of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where every cobblestone seems to whisper history. At its heart sits St Giles’ Cathedral, one of Scotland’s most important medieval parish churches. I was captivated by the intricate crown spire and the way the afternoon light filtered through the stained glass, casting color across the historic pews. It’s a must-see for any photographer drawn to architecture and atmosphere.

Into the Highlands with The Hairy Coo Tour

Without question, the highlight of our trip was the full-day Hairy Coo Highland Bus Tour. It was a visual feast from the start. We crossed the Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a triumph of 19th-century engineering, before heading into the Scottish Highlands.

We paused at Loch Katrine, a peaceful freshwater loch made famous by Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake. Surrounded by forests and misty hills, I photographed the still waters and soft reflections, each frame capturing the gentle poetry of the landscape.

Wallace Monument & Stirling’s Royal Legacy

We climbed the spiraling staircase of the Wallace Monument, each step more breathtaking than the last—literally and figuratively. At the top, the sweeping views of the Scottish countryside were absolutely worth the effort. My sister and I stood there in awe, marveling that these were the same lands our distant relative, Robert the Bruce, once knew.

We stopped at Stirling Castle for a quick photo op—and it did not disappoint. As one of Scotland’s most important castles, it played a pivotal role as both a military stronghold and royal residence during the Wars of Scottish Independence. After his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce reclaimed the castle, securing its legendary status—and a personal connection to our family history. From a photographer’s perspective, the castle’s perch atop a volcanic outcrop, with Hairy Coos grazing in the meadows below, created a scene that was both majestic and unmistakably Scottish.

Meeting the Hairy Coos

The final stop on the tour brought us face-to-face with Scotland’s beloved Highland cows, known affectionately as Hairy Coos. With their shaggy coats, long horns, and impossibly cute fringe, they were irresistible. We took full advantage of the photo ops—feeding them, laughing, and capturing their quirky charm against the rolling green hills.

Portobello Beach & The Royal Yacht Britannia

The next day, we headed to Portobello Beach for a quiet moment to dip our toes in the North Sea. The seaside town had a charm all its own—colorful homes, locals walking dogs, and that crisp Scottish breeze.

Later, we made our way to The Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating residence of the British royal family. Docked in Leith, it now offers visitors a glimpse into royal life at sea. I loved photographing the contrast between the yacht’s polished exterior and the working port surroundings.

A Pint, a Sunset, and a Promise to Return

We wrapped up our last night with a crisp pint in hand, reflecting on the whirlwind of places we’d seen, stories we’d learned, and moments we’d captured. For a three-day trip, it felt like we lived a lifetime’s worth of beauty.

But even still, I feel like I barely scratched the surface of what Scotland has to offer. This land holds something ancient and familiar—something I’m not finished uncovering. There’s more to explore, more to photograph, and more history to chase.

I’ll be back. That much I know.