You really don’t need to look hard to find postcard-worthy scenery in Scotland. From the awe-inspiring cityscapes of Edinburgh to the wild beauty of the highlands, we are privileged to be able to enjoy a country with a photo opportunity at every turn. Even the unpredictable weather plays its part, constantly changing the colour palette and altering the mood from one moment to the next.

Make Quartermile your home and some of the most beautiful views are right on your doorstep, as you will soon discover. But venture that little bit further and there’s plenty more to see, too. Here are just a few of the picture-perfect landscapes in Scotland that are guaranteed to be picture-perfect no matter what the weather.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is without doubt the default attraction in Edinburgh. No visit to the city would be complete without it and no Edinburgher worth their salt has not picked up a fact or two about this incredible work of architecture over the years.

But there are two ways of looking at Edinburgh Castle: 1. As the centerpiece of your landscape photography, and 2. As the vantage point for a shot of the city itself.

Want a great angle of the castle from the bottom of the valley? We recommend shooting from Princes Street Gardens. Late autumn and winter offer a particularly good opportunity to capture the castle, as the low sun bounces rays off the walls and rock faces to great effect.

Looking to gain a little extra height for a shot of the city? Haul yourself up to the ramparts and join the cannons for a breathtaking view of all the city has to offer. With such a vantage point there is plenty of room to play with angles across Edinburgh’s seven hills, or a close up of the beautiful architecture inside the castle walls. If you want a bit of extra time and space to pick the right shot, you’ll want to take your camera on a weekday to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Calton Hill

Another iconic spot for shooting images fit for a postcard is Calton Hill. Located high up beyond the eastern end of Princes Street, it isn’t an exhausting walk and the rewards for an eager photographer can be fantastic. From here you can capture some of the capital’s most prized gems, including the Palace of Holyrood, Scottish Parliament Building and on a clear day the Forth Estuary.

Hold on until after nightfall and the twinkling lights of the city make the view all the more magical. 

Further afield

Ben Nevis, Lochaber area of the Highlands

As you can imagine, there are some stunning panoramic views to see once atop Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the British Isles. Located in the Lochaber area of Scotland at the western end of the Grampian Mountains, the South side is the best bet for casual photographers carrying their equipment. 

Attracting an estimated 125,00 ascents every year, this rocky region of Scotland covered in ruins is the perfect place to take some breathtaking snaps.

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is famed for its fine sand and stunning views. Not the easiest to reach on a day trip, those who have made the journey to Skye will tell you that it is worth every ounce of effort to explore this charming island. A visit to Skye is not complete without a visit to the isle’s enchanting Fairy Pools. Located near Carbost on the West of Skye, the pools attract visitors from all over the world. Of medium difficulty, with a car park near by, this trail is much more suited to less experienced walkers. With an array of crystal clear aqua blue pools and water falls to see set against the Cuillin moutains, the perfect shot is only a few snaps away.

Cairngorms National Park

The National Park of Cairngorms set in Scotland’s highlands – voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the World by National Geographic Traveller Magazine – is the perfect environment to capture Scottish wildlife in action. Due to a mixed terrain of rocky mountains, deep lochs, ancient forests and moorlands, the park is buzzing with life. Home to 25 per cent of Britain's threatened species, there is ample opportunity to carry out a spot of wildlife photography, too. Watch out for wildcats, deer, capercaillie, golden eagles and more. 

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