Drama at Castle Stalker, a photo from Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Photographer's Note

Castles and Scotland; two words which often appear together in a sentence. This one was close to where we stayed in Port Appin but despite three days in the area it proved difficult to photograph. Rain and wind seemed to descend each time I ventured near. This shot was hastily taken in a small dry weather window.

Just north of Port Appin, Castle Stalker, a four-storey tower house or keep, is set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe.
The castle has a long and turbulent history. Originally built by the MacDougalls in the early 14th century when they were Lords of Lorn.
In 1388 the Stewarts became the Lords of Lorn and were granted the land which included the castle. Around about 1446 Sir John Stewart built the castle much as it is in its present form.
For the next 200 years, amid much drama, murders revenge murders, illegitimate children and mysteries the castle remained a Stewart stronghold.
For more on the history of the castle see http://www.castlestalker.com/wp/about

In recent times the castle was brought to fame by the Monty Python team, appearing in their film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It also appeared in the film Highlander: Endgame.

tyro, williewhistler, annjackman, csabagaba, delpeoples, Angshu trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

lousat (138703) 2011-10-12 2:00

Hi Rosemary,what a moment and what a impressive game of lights and shadows,clouds and reflections.....a beautiful capture,fantastic light balance,sharpness and colors,i like it!Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

tyro (30513) 2011-10-12 2:13

Good morning Rosemary,

This is a moody shot if ever I saw one.

We look along a rather old and decaying dark jetty and it directs our view straight to the stark outline of this dramatic sihouette of Castle Stalker against the colourless evening light. Very dramatic indeed!

The cold reflections on the water and the lone boat add to the drama but what I like most are the subtle beams of light, just very slightly warmer, being cast down from the sky at top right.

I had a look at the website to which your note directs us - I see that this place is privately owned so the proprietors/owners must have made a pretty packet from leasing the place out to film crews. I presume that you didn't visit the place as I see that it appears, on that website, that you have to have an official tour - I guess you can't just go and poke around at your leisure as you can in so many old castles.

Incidentally (and I have no vested interest in the site!) there's a bit of information about this place and Port Appin on the Undiscovered Scotland website here.

Kind Regards,

John.

yquem46 (38752) 2011-10-12 2:13

Hi rosemary
Quite representative of the mood in the Highlands, cloudy, dark, mysterious, ghosty.... etc
Nice silver blue color throughout
all the best
Patrick

sevy (58) 2011-10-12 4:59

Hello Rosemary,

Interesting atmosphere in blue mood and strong contrast with this point of view against the sun. In this way, you overcome the difficulties of this point of view to draw a drama view.

Yves.

bema (26591) 2011-10-12 6:10

Hello Rosemary,

really dramtic colors you got at this dry weather- window, oan it offers a lot of mood and spectacular view across the lake towards that castle on the island..

really a stunning shot, tfs, see you around, warmest regards Bernd

wolf38 (30) 2011-10-12 7:06

Hi Rosemary. Title, photo and text fit together perfectly. I like the high technical quality of the photos. The light and mystical moods are superbly presented. Overall, a strong photo. Absolutely worth seeing. Rgds, Wolfgang.

williewhistler (16606) 2011-10-12 12:30

Hello Rosemary,the spooky appearance of the castle on the skyline under the threatening sky brings lots of atmosphere to this well conceived and presented shot.
As well as the jetty that leads nicely into the frame I enjoy the little boat in the distance.
I also like the mono effect, a really nice piece of photography.
Best wishes Les.

annjackman (23019) 2011-10-12 22:21

Hello Rosemary,
This almost monochrome picture is wonderful. I love the silvery tones on the water. The jetty leading to the castle adds strength and drama especially with such a turbulent sky - excellent!
Best wishes, Ann

dkmurphys (79209) 2011-10-13 2:12

Hi Rosemary,
Lovely misterious catch. So cold but so beautiful. I like the perfect management of light.
Enjoy a fine day.

csabagaba (7018) 2011-10-13 6:00

Hi Rosemary!

Very nice, uniform colored photo. The lights are beautifully played, and additionally, mysterious atmosphere of the picture ... Only a ghost ship should be the real Scotland, the legendary story :-)
Have a nice day.
Csaba

mvdisco (17798) 2011-10-13 11:19

Hi RoseMary,
Beautiful perpective and composition,
nice tone of colors and light,
beautiful light reflection and dramatic clouds,
A very well done presentation.
compliments
Michel

delpeoples (60342) 2011-10-14 21:06

Hi Rosemary

I always get so excited when I open your Gallery as I know I'm in for something beautiful and different. Those blue tones are simply magnificent and the photo would be magnificent even without the castle. But of course, the castle is the icing on the cake. It seems all the more romantic amid all that water, moody skies and hundreds of years of love, bloodshed and intrigue. And the lone fishing boat is yet another added bonus. Thanks so much for sharing this exquisite shot.

Warmest regards
Lisa

Angshu (56760) 2011-10-16 22:33

Hello Rosemary!
The turbulent history of the castle is certainly metaphored by the dramatic setting in this picture...dark clouds looming, an errie light which filters through the clouds, the castle in ghostly silhouette! Like a lit the pier in the Fg which leads us into the picture & the silhouette of the small boat. Overall a very successful & moody picture!
Best Regards
Angshu