If you are looking for a “get away from it all” experience, then the islands that make up Uist are the place you want to be. With miles and miles of empty beaches to the west, quiet roads and an eastern wilderness of hills and moorland, combined with a lively warm community, the feeling of space from the wide open skies and being welcomed by friendly islanders will relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul.
Nestled between Lewis and Harris to the north and Barra and Varersay to the south, Uist is easily accessed by ferries from the mainland and from the other islands. Uist is the collective name commonly used for the islands that make up Uist (or The Uists). These are Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist & Eriskay and despite all being linked by causeway each has their own story and character. Also included in this trip & sitting at the southern end of the island chain of the Outer Hebrides, is Barra and Vatersay. These 2 islands offer an exciting mix of contrasting island experiences with something on offer for everyone.
The workshop is designed to provide a balance of visiting a variety of locations which will include seeing the vast empty white sandy beaches of Berneray in the north to the most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides of Vatersay with it’s breathtaking island beauty. Included in this tour is the ferry ride across to Barra & Vatersay. Perched on the western edge of Europe, these beautiful & remote islands offer a remarkably diverse landscape that belies their tiny size. Barra’s western coastline is renowned for it’s white-sand beaches, turquoise waters which have earned the island the tongue in cheek moniker “Barrabados”
The Outer Hebrides is a magical place and a place which offers the photographer so much creative opportunities. And once visited, these Western Isles will stay with you for the rest of your life. They are dominated by the force of the weather and resemble very little to be found on the mainland. As a part of the “British” experience they are quite unique, and are much further from London and the centres of political power than can be measured in miles.
I am only running with a small number of places on this particular occasion which will allow everyone space to photograph and provide me much more time with each participant.
We will visit Eriskay, home to about 150 people, many of whom still work their crofts and fish the seas around the coast. Eriskay is famous for the unique Eriskay pony, the original horsepower of the Hebrides, of which there are only about 400 in the world. The stunning scenery of Eriskay was where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745 to begin his ill-fated military campaign to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. We will stand on the beach named after him – a lonely stretch of white shell-sand offers a beautiful photograph. For such a small island, measuring only 5km long and 2km wide, it’s taste for lost causes is further enhanced by inspiring Compton MacKenzie to write his novel “Whisky Galore”. With over a quarter of a million cases of whisky, the ship SS Politician in 1941 ran aground nearby, invoking the ancient rights of salvage, the islanders of Eriskay “liberated” around 24,000 bottles. The island of Eriskay was awash with whisky and the subject of a 1948 film – “Whisky Galore”
For pure sensory pleasure, we will visit Berneray’s amazing beaches – which offer seascapes so stunning they were once mistaken for exotic Thai resorts by the country’s own tourism bosses! Choose between the exciting Beasdaire on the east coast and the three mile stretch of machair bordered wonderful white sand that is the West Beach which was voted in 2021 as no. 3 in Lonely Planet’s Top 20 Best Beaches in Europe! A photographer’s paradise.
Complimentary travel around the island to such locations as:
- Berneray
- North Uist
- South Uist
- Eriskay
- Barra
- Vatersay
These locations are subject to change by Dean Allan Photography Ltd in accordance with my Terms & Conditions.
My Terms & Conditions are freely available to read on this website.
7 nights at the Clachan Lodge on North Uist
A modern luxury 6 bedroom house overlooking the stunning coastline of North Uist.
Set against a rugged backdrop of moody Hebridean landscapes, this stunning contemporary holiday home offers a perfect location for those who want to feel the sand beneath their toes and the fresh countryside air.
With off-road parking, sleeping up to 12, Clachan Lodge is ideal for families and groups of friends.
Upon arrival, you will be able to unpack with ease from the handy off-road spot and admire the beautiful mixture of a contemporary wooden extension with fabulous windows and the white painted traditional cottage.
Pull yourself away from this beautiful property and captivating views and find yourself in an open-plan living area that is simply stunning, with wooden ceiling and flooring, huge windows drawing in natural light and giving this property an airy feel, and the addition of sculptures, artwork and photographs to add a homely feel to this magnificent house.
Lounge in the stunning sitting area before huge windows giving spectacular views, a variety of tasteful sofas and a woodburning stove warming your feet as you plan the day ahead of you.
Leading on from the sitting area is a stylish kitchen fitted with all of the home comforts you would need, so why not cook up a storm from local produce and present it on the dining table with a view?
There is also the addition of a handy utility to take care of all your sandy clothing as well as a games room for the children supplying books, toys and a TV.
Four of the six bedrooms are situated on the ground-floor, including a ground-floor king-size with zip link (can be set up as twin on request) with en-suite bathroom, a ground-floor king-size with zip-link with en-suite shower room, a ground-floor king-size with en-suite bathroom, and a ground-floor double with en-suite shower room, all with the addition of beautiful wooden furniture, paintings and ample storage to make you feel right at home, and there is an additional wet room on the ground-floor perfect for the children’s rooms which are situated upstairs and include a twin, and a bunk.
The sitting area outside of this property is magnificent, accessible through the huge sliding windows and offering a decking area to lounge on with a glass of your favourite beverage as you admire the sun set, and a lawn where the children and your four-legged family member can play.
North Uist has a variety of stunning sandy beaches to choose from, all of which are ideal for a family picnic with your four-legged companion, watersports such as kayaking, or a pleasant coastal walk with the salty breeze in your hair.
The nearby town of Lochmaddy will be ideal for a hot meal in one of the local pubs and restaurants, brought to you as you relax after an afternoon of hiking through the stunning scenery, as well as a visit to the magnificent harbour, which can provide a ferry to the mainland.
You may also take a day excursion to South Uist via Benbecula, where you’ll find a range of beautiful sandy beaches and incredible wildlife just waiting to be discovered.
In the spring and summer, you may also be able to see the machair flowers, which are the cottage’s namesake and a stunning sight for any visitor.
Lose yourself in the wonders of North Uist with a stay at the magnificent Clachan Lodge.
Free transport around the Islands in my 8 seater Ford Tourneo with ample room in the rear cab for all the photographic equipment.
Maximum of 4 Participants
6 days / 7 nights.
Depending on when people arrive, we will be available to start the photography on the day of arrival.
Clachan Lodge on North Uist on Saturday the 20th September 2025.
I am happy to collect any participant from their hotel or airport in Inverness for onward travel to the Uist Islands at no extra cost. However, they would be responsible for their ferry costs.
Ferry Crossing, Travel Insurance, Alcoholic Drinks
You will learn…
How to choose the right settings for each shot.
How to Shoot in Manual
How to meter and expose correctly
How to use your Histogram
How to focus properly
How to compose your shot
How to use fast and slow shutter speeds to be creative
How to use Filters
Dean Allan is an Award Winning Landscape Photographer based in the Northern Highlands of Scotland.
Currently the Scottish Seascape Photographer of the Year 2024.
My workshops fill up quickly but sometimes spots open up due to cancellations.
If the workshop you are interested in is currently full and you would like to be added to the waiting list then please fill out this form
