Scotland - Islands and Borders

Rugged, remote and sparsely populated, the mountainous 'island' of Harris (it's actually connected to Lewis) is spectacular. The beauty of its coastline and its desolate interior are truly memorable, and like nowhere else I've ever seen. From a series of sketches and photographs taken during a visit in 2007, I find that it continues to be a rich source of inspiration.

Far closer to home, I have recently discovered the Borders fishing villages of Eyemouth and Burnmouth - a wonderfully industrious corner of the UK with a great heritage and lots of interesting subject matter to paint.

Burnmouth, in particular, seems to have more in common with some of the fishing villages of Harris than some of its neighbouring communities.