The Glenfinnan Viaduct has been a major Scottish landmark since its construction in 1898, but only since the coming of the Harry Potter films has it become a multi-generational attraction. One of my most fond memories is sitting on the hillside with my beloved Welsh Springer Spaniel, Willow, waiting for the Jacobite steam train to majestically glide over the viaduct bringing joy to the gathered crowds.

Since moving to the Black Isle, Chanonry Point has been a major focal point for me as a place to share time with family and friends. I have painted this scene many times to capture the varied colours and moods of the changing light and seasons. I love bright blue skies, wispy clouds, quiet dawns, red sunsets, stormy seas, and everything in between. I will never tire of painting Chanonry Point!

Inverness is a city with a friendly town vibe that warmly welcomes everyone into its heart, and Inverness Castle is one of the icons synonymous with the Scottish Highlands most mentioned alongside the whisky industry. I chose to paint the castle in springtime, as walking along the banks of the river with the scent of daffodils filling the air together with their bright and happy flowers is always a feast for my senses.

Cromarty is a village with historic charm, quaint lanes, and characterful buildings. I love to walk ‘The Ladies Walk’ from the village to the top of South Sutors and back along the shore finishing at the harbour and usually at one of the lovely coffee places! I have painted Cromarty many times and have been commissioned to paint it many more! The variety of views from the village, and from every compass point provides endless inspiration and painting challenges and ones I embrace and continue to rise to.

Loch Morlich is the focal point for our ‘outings’ to the Cairngorms. We have walked, cycled, kayaked, cross-country skied and watched the annual dog sledge racing here. I have even run the Aviemore half marathon here (just the once though!). I have so many fond memories of my visits to the area. One which I feel the most sentiment for is when my mum came to visit, and we walked around the whole loch together. We chatted the whole way round enjoying the serenity and the craic, it was a beautiful day in every way. In this painting I wanted to convey its majestic beauty along with the way it facilitates people’s love of the outdoors with a scattering of sailing boats.

The vastness of Loch Ness is a powerful draw to locals and visitors to the Highlands. I can appreciate the size of this great loch as I have cycled around its circumference, but it is not until you are actually on the water that you can truly realise its huge scale. I chose the outlook towards Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle for my painting as this was one of the first places we visited as a family after moving here. We didn’t see Nessie, but we will never stop looking for the legendary monster!