For the past 6 years, I have been passionately organising and leading landscape photography workshops in the Scottish Highlands & Islands, always choosing hotels as the base. Hotels…..as a base, made sense at the time – convenient accommodations allowing me to focus on what I love: photography.
But as I evolved and gained confidence in my craft, I realised that I could and should elevate my clients’ experience. I had to stay ahead of the competition. No…hang on a second, I wanted to stay ahead of the competition!
Stack Lodge – my primary base for Assynt Workshops
While my photography skills were advancing, my teaching skills improving, my communication becoming clearer and the client’s experience becoming better, there was still something missing. I put it on the back burner for a while – believing the missing piece would come to me in a blinding flash of light. What was it? I left it – I didn’t want to force it, but there was definitely something missing. But for the life of me I didn’t know what it was. But, then I realised – It was the hotel!!! The hotel experience was weak, and I knew it had to change. BUT HOW? The challenges brought on by COVID and BREXIT had an impact, no doubt, but they also sparked a new found determination in me. Though some hotels continued to excel, many fell short in service and quality, which motivated me to seek out better options for my participants. Acknowledging the rising costs and declining standards around me, I felt invigorated to enhance the overall experience for everyone involved. The increase in prices were starting to irritate me….NO, they were really bloody annoying the hell out of me! I was having to put my prices up just to stand still.
One of bases for my Hebridean Island Hopping Workshops
The overall hotel experience has been, at best, acceptable and, at worst, disappointing. It raises concerns about the rationale behind high pricing when the service is declining and unacceptable. Is it time for a change? The challenges posed by COVID and BREXIT have had significant effects, yet they have also ignited a renewed determination within me. While some hotels continue to excel, many fall short in service and quality, prompting me to seek better options for my participants. It is important to manage expectations in the North of Scotland regarding high-end city hotels; this is the Highlands, and a few imperfections can indeed contribute to the charm. However, with rising room prices, inflated menu costs, limited food choices (one must wonder where it states that vegetables are to be excluded and why pasta is absent?), and a general lack of concern reflected in indifferent attitudes, the overall charm is increasingly at risk of diminishing.
One of the houses I use for my Harris & Lewis Workshops
Acknowledging the rising costs and declining standards around me, I felt invigorated to enhance the overall experience for everyone involved. I won’t mention the names of the hotels I no longer use, suffice to say I won’t be using the hotels which so often featured on my Torridon, Uist, Skye and Assynt trips. I’ve said goodbye to all of them. Good riddance! Let somebody else have them. And they do!! And will continue to do so!!! At this point, I would like to say there are still some great Highlands hotels who offer fantastic value, quality and service – a special mention to the Harris Hotel on the Isle of Harris and the Royal Oak in Cullen to name but two. Both these hotels are exceptional and the exception, and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to anyone. They are a credit to themselves, the industry, the area they serve and the people who stay there. However, the Isle of Skye’s is such a difficult island to do business with, but thankfully I’ve now found a fantastic high end accommodation on the island which exceeds my expectations. The Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree is a pleasure to stay in and adds great value to my workshops on Skye.
I will remain – for the time being, with the Kingshouse Hotel for my Glencoe Workshops. It’s location is perfect, the ambience of the place is good and it has a gallery of my photographs on the wall – which is a good reason to stay.
My New Torridon Base
However, generally speaking the standard was below average and therefore, I started to look at ways in which I could offer greater quality to my client’s experience. I was already doing this with the photography, but I wanted – no!!! I needed to improve my client’s overall experience of being with me, which meant addressing the hotel conundrum. Now, I must admit straightaway, I had some good fortune. Good fortune to be a good friend of Gary Beaumont. Gary is an incredibly talented photographer which in addition to his enthusiasm, he was a great guy to be around. Still is!! Gary’s love and passion for the Scottish Highlands is unfiltered , it’s inspiring, not only to me but to anyone who comes into contact with him. Gary’s partner is Lucy. Lucy is a fantastic cook, a wonderful host and someone who shares Gary’s love and passion for the Scottish Highlands. Both are retired….very early retirement may I add. VERY EARLY!!!!
My new Shetland Base
Was this the change of direction I was looking for, starting to evolve the move away from using hotels as a base. Gary could help with the photography and transport whilst Lucy could do the catering. I just had to hope they would want to get involved in helping me change the way I offered my product. And so the process started of changing my bases from hotels to self catering workshops. Bizarrely enough I was talking to someone else about this change of direction, I can’t remember who it was (maybe Bruce from Australia, Lothar from Denmark or Geordie John from Newcastle) but they came up with the tag line “all inclusive” and it stuck. After all, I was offering an all inclusive package, the photography, the transport, the food – “All Inclusive” was the answer!!! After 4 years of searching, I had finally found the solution, the right mix. The right mix to provide, what I believe was the best photographic experience available in the market.
My Moray Coast & Cairngorms New Base
Recognising the need for change, I started exploring luxurious or historical houses and lodges as an alternative base for our workshops. The captivating atmosphere and unique character of these properties create an inspiring backdrop for photographers. Each venue brings its own charm, providing a setting that not only complements the artistry of photography but also leaves a lasting impression.
Furthermore, the opportunity to offer a personalised experience stands out as a significant advantage. With the wonderful collaboration of Gary, a talented photographer himself, and his partner Lucy, an exceptional cook, we embarked on a new venture. Transitioning to a self-catering model allowed me to provide tailored services, from specialised meals to curated photography excursions. Our “all-inclusive” approach not only differentiates us in the market but also envelops participants in a holistic experience.
Who knows how long and if Gary & Lucy want to carry on with this responsibility, but if they decide to choose a different path for their retirement, I will carry on with this business model. My wife has joined the business and is more than capable to step up and continue the foundations set down by Gary & Lucy.
My New Ardnamurchan Base
During my recent and first stay at Stack Lodge in Assynt, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich history of this 175-year-old property while relaxing in front of a welcoming fireplace. The settee I occupied was not merely an ordinary piece of furniture; it was a historic seat, likely situated before the same fire where renowned figures like Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, and the Duke of Westminster once gathered to engage in games of cards. A glance at the Fishing Log displayed on a nearby desk revealed an impressive roster of prominent British aristocrats. Notably, HRH Prince of Wales had visited just five years prior, accompanied by numerous esteemed Lords and Ladies. This remarkable experience greatly enhanced my guests’ appreciation of the area, significantly surpassing that of our previous accommodation in Ullapool
The beautiful houses I now use on North & South Uist for my Hebridean Island Hopping Tours offer an experience that the nearby hotel could only dream of. The properties I use on Ardnamurhcan, Torridon, Shetland only add further this sense of elevation in everybody’s experience of my workshops.
My Other Base for my Hebridean Island Hopping Workshops
Of course, changing our base comes with its own set of challenges. The logistics of managing transportation, catering, and accommodations require more hands-on effort than working with established hotels. We had to ensure that every detail aligned with our commitment to quality.
Moreover, the lack of certain hotel amenities posed a challenge; while we can create an intimate and cozy atmosphere, we would have to compensate for the absence of more extensive facilities. Building a new brand perception also requires time and investment to reassure clients accustomed to traditional hotel settings.
My New Shetland Base
As I reflect on this evolution from hotels to historical houses and lodges, it’s clear that constantly reevaluating our workshop’s base is essential for enhancing client experiences. It encourages participants to immerse themselves not just in photography but in the entire adventure. The unique backgrounds and personal touches we now offer allow for greater engagement and creativity.
I invite aspiring photographers to reflect on what kind of experience they desire in their photography journeys. As we embrace this new path, my ultimate goal is to create an ‘all-inclusive’ photography experience that fosters creativity, camaraderie, and culinary delight.
If you’re interested in joining us on this transformative journey, feel free to reach out! I’d love to hear about the types of experiences that resonate with you in photography workshops.