In August of this year, I travelled with my son, Andrew and his girlfriend, Alex to Scotland. We started off at Loch Ness where we stayed a couple of nights and then spent a week on the Outer Hebrides. Around Loch Ness in the early morning there are some excellent scenes. This shot was taken at Fort Augustus on the southern tip of the loch.
We toured around the loch and visited Aviemore. This shot was taken near to Aviemore beside Loch an Eilein which offers pleasant walks and scenery.
The scenery on the road between Loch Ness and Kyle of Lochalsh is stunning. We stopped off at Eilean Castle prior to crossing the bridge over to Skye. It was wise to make an early start from Loch Ness so that we could travel to Uig on the Isle of Skye in good time for the afternoon ferry. The roads were quiet and we watched the sun rising as we travelled. The view over the lochs was stunning.
We were taken by surprise by the castle at Eilean. Even in the early morning, many tourists joined us to gaze upon the scene. 
It takes just under two hours to cross the waters and on a calm day, the journey is most relaxing.
As this was our first time on the Outer Hebrides, we had no idea what to expect. We started off on Harris but soon found ourselves travelling right to the north of Lewis (the Butt of Lewis). Here you see gannets scouring the coastline for food. The wind is very strong and care needs to be taken when walking near the steep cliffs.
The scenes here are tremendous but there is absolutely no commerce to be seen. The little harbour is tranquil and is home to a number of small fishing boats. The Butt of Lewis is the northern-most tip of the island and is well worth a visit.
Everyone visits the famous standing stones at Callanish on the west coast. These stones date back over 5,000 years and no one is really sure what they represent. They seem to be an ancient burial chamber but the moon also plays a part in their construction. The next port of call was just down the coast to Uig Sands.
The bay of Uig is vast and covered in light coloured sands and surrounded by sand dunes. It is well worth a visit but don't forget your beach equipment.
As we continued along the road to the west coast, we continued to take in the scenery as the sun started to set. At the end of the road is a village called Hushinish which has a beautiful deserted beach and a path which leads to the west-facing headland. We took this path armed with cameras and tripod and waited for that magical moment when the sun would set upon the sea.
However, it was quite bland so we decided to make our way back and take sunset shots over the hills instead. The long drive back to Kershader was taken at speed as we tried to reach the local restaurant before they stopped serving food - all to no avail as they closed early.
The isle of Scalpay on the east coast of Harris is a beautiful spot on a sunny day. The views as we approached the new road bridge to the island were excellent with rolling hills with sheep grazing in the tranquil summer sun. The owners of this bungalow took enormous care with their garden, the equal of which I have never seen.
The mass of little islands provided excellent photographic opportunities as we slowly meandered towards the island proper. We couldn't resist stopping at each headland to admire the wonderful views. Again we were taken by surprise at the sheer beauty of the Outer Hebrides and plotted our next holiday as we breathed in the atmosphere.
The idyllic harbour with its old wreck made a pleasant picnic stop. We could have stayed much longer had time permitted.
No trip to Scotland would be complete without a listen to the famous piper at Loch Claunie on the A87. Apparently this piper plays every day to commemorate a famous battle which took place on this spot. We were not impressed with his playing but the scenery was tremendous.
As a practitioner in Fresh Expressions of Church, I have had the privilege of leading worship in a number of places which you wouldn't normally associate with church. However, it was a particular pleasure to lead worship in Ruddington and the Framework Knitters' Museum in Chapel Street. The theme of the service was 'Living by Faith' and focused upon the call of Abraham. The hymns included 'Praise my soul the King of heaven' and 'I the Lord of sea and sky'.
The congregation of the Ruddington Methodist Church are meeting here while their church is being refurbished. Here are two long-standing members (John and Pam) leaving at the end of the service.
Water is always a good media through which to take photos with a difference. This is a photo of the Danube Tower, Vienna with my wife's reflection alongside. 
Vienna's Prater Park at night is a photographer's heaven. Armed with tripod, slow exposure shots of the Riesenrad can give some stunning effects. This photo was taken on a 30" exposure using a special zoom effect.
What better way to relax and watch the world go by than to sit outside the Segfredo cafe on the Ringstraße. The trams are frequently ferrying their passengers to destinations unknown. We sat and drank our cafe latte reflecting upon the memories of the last few days and occasionally allowing our minds to race ahead to work the following day.
Vienna is a magnet for people of all kinds - Muslims, Jews, Catholics and a whole host of people whose inner thoughts remain as private as the day is long.
Our final walk took us past the Opera and the world famous Sacher Hotel, renowned for its Sacher Torte - chocolate cake made to a unique recipe. 
Today was a day of mixed weather. When we arrived at the Donauturm (Danube Tower), we were met by bright sunshine and went up to the cafe area for our mid-morning coffee in the revolving section. It takes around half an hour to do a complete revolution.
After coffee we went to the viewing gallerie and I took photos right across Vienna. The tower provides the best views of Vienna and stands to the east of the Danube river. In the north you can see Kahlenberg sitting proudly on the hillside. Below the tower is the beautiful Donaupark.
After a lazy trip on the trams, we went back to the famous Hundertwasser Haus where you can see the revolutionary and artistic exploits of Friedensreich Hundertwasser along with his artwork and memorabelia.
Being a work day we were left to our own devices so we went to Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg for the views over the Danube. Then we went back to Grinzing for a meal and finally back to the centre of Vienna for a photo of Strauss in the Stadtpark.
In the evening we went to the Prater Park. This is home to the famous Riesenrad which, until the London Eye was built, was the tallest wheel in Europe. Sadly the rain came down so we went for a pizza instead of riding on the wheel.
In the eveing we celebrated Margaret's birthday with a meal at one of her favourite restaurants - Sieben Stern - a place which brews its own beer on site.
My photos will follow shortly. Judging takes place over the next 4 weeks and if I'm in the top 100 (some hopes) I will be invited back for the award ceremony. Here's one of my shots entitled 'Plays of Light' which I took near to Stephansdom.
Friday September 7th 2007
The shopping malls are full of cafes and bars. Unlike Britain, somking has not been banned in public places so we chose our seats carefully.
Tomorrow is the big day - the Vienna FotoMarathon. Andrew entered last year for the first time and came third out of over 800 entrants. He was the top analogue entrant and his photos can be viewed here. This year it's Dad and Son competing. I don't stand a chance really but it will be a day to remember.
Thursday 6th September 2007
St. Peter's Church is one of the most ornate churches in Vienna. We sat for a while while an organ recital raised money for the upkeep of the organ. The church is situated near to Stephansplatz and Graben. From the outside it looks like any old church but inside, the scenes are breathtaking. The church attractas an enormous number of visitors each day.
The Graben is steeped with interesting scenes and eating places. 