Here is the final installment of three photography articles from the Scottish Highlands.  While the other posts covered the Isle of Skye and Scotland's lochs, light, and land, this last post highlights the coastal landscape of Morayshire (or the speyside region for you whisky fans) as well as some images of Scotland that are more than just landscapes, they are character captures - like the contrasty photo above of the very popular Eilean Donan Castle or the long exposure of Bow Fiddle Rock below.







What would a trip to Scotland be without seeing some of its wildlife, including these stags.




How about these twisted scots pine trees with their papery orange-red bark.  They look like they belong in another country!



Here I was having a little fun with a 10-stop neutral density filter at the Little Garve bridge.


This photo is a new desktop option for Microsoft Windows wallpaper...Scotland style! (Duffus Castle ruins)


Speaking of castles, what do you think of this moody photo of Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt?


And here are Ardvrek's ruins in a softer setting at sunset (taken with midges flying around my head!).


A random abandoned smoke house on the side of the road with its bright orange roof.


Scenes from the fishing town of Cromarty, where massive North Sea oil rigs are towed for repairs in the deep water of the Cromarty Firth.




One of many waterfalls - the Fairy Glen and the nearby wishing tree.



And, finally, a very fitting Scottish highlands ending...a couple of hairy coos (highland cattle) and a wee bunch of thistle.



Bonus Photos:  Sometimes a mistaken push of a shutter release can present surprising beauty in what should be viewed as an error.