Hebridean Seabirds: In collaboration with Wild Discovery

Join award-winning seabird photographer Rachel Bigsby for an intimate, small-group workshop exploring the wild and atmospheric seabird landscapes of the Hebrides. Blending time at sea with carefully chosen land-based comfort, this workshop is designed to offer both access and immersion from remote island colonies to quieter, more contemplative moments shaped by light, weather and courtship behaviour. Working from the MV Lucy Mary, a small and capable vessel, allows us to reach otherwise inaccessible locations, while the limited group size ensures space, flexibility and a more considered photographic approach.

The Hebrides are home to some of the UK’s most iconic seabirds. We will spend time amongst the bustling colonies of the Treshnish Isles, where Atlantic Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags crowd the cliffs and grassy slopes. Alongside these classic encounters, the workshop also offers a rare and atmospheric evening with the world’s largest Manx Shearwater colony, where thousands gather and raft on calm waters as dusk settles, creating one of the most evocative seabird spectacles in the world...

Throughout the workshop, Rachel will guide you in refining both your technical approach and creative vision, encouraging an observant, creative style of wildlife photography that prioritises behaviour, light and storytelling. In Rachel’s words:

“This workshop is designed to offer unrivalled access to Scotland’s seabirds, combining some of the most iconic species with moments that feel far more intimate and rarely witnessed. While puffins are always a much-loved highlight, there is something so special about photographing Manx shearwaters rafting quietly on glass-still water at dusk, as the light softens and the day slips into evening. Working from a small vessel allows us to reach remote islands and seabird colonies, while the small group size ensures space, flexibility, and time to truly observe behaviour rather than rush images. It’s an experience shaped as much by atmosphere and anticipation as by photography itself — as well as the sense of being immersed in one of Europe’s most important seabird landscapes.” Sign up at Wild Discovery: https://wild-discovery.com/tours/fully-inclusive-tours/hebridean-seabird-photography-workshop-bigsby

Highlights

• Accompany award-winning photographer Rachel Bigsby on this exclusive, small-group workshop in search of seabirds

• This unique seabird photography workshop combines land and water-based accommodation to enjoy this magnificent part of Scotland

• Be one of just 8 guests searching out Scotland’s best seabird experiences

• Head out to the world’s largest Manx Shearwater colony to witness thousands of them rafting at dusk

• Spend four nights aboard the very comfortable MV Lucy Mary and two nights at the wildlife-themed Lochaline Hotel

• Enjoy the Treshnish islands home to Atlantic Puffin, Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags

• Explore islets and archipelagos rarely visited in the Inner Hebrides

• Additional services from a naturalist guide on board MV Lucy Mary
  

Itinerary

Day 1

Workshop commences in Oban where we board the MV Lucy Mary, our private vessel for four days. We will sail up the Sound of Mull and head towards the Island of Rum. Night aboard Lucy Mary.

Day 2

During the day we will explore around the Small Isles of Muck, Canna and Eigg seeking out seabirds in the best conditions. Here we can expect to encounter Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Shag, Cormorant and Kittiwakes. As the day draws to a close we will head to the open waters of Rum where thousands of Manx Shearwaters gather at dusk. Night Lucy Mary.

Days 3-4

We will continue with our exploration of the Small Isles or Treshnish Isles to take advantage of brilliant seabird photography opportunities. Nights Lucy Mary.

Day 5

Our time onboard Lucy Mary will come to an end today as we disembark in Lochaline. During the afternoon we will take some time to enjoy wildlife locally to the village as well as review some of our images from the past three days. Night Lochaline Hotel.

Day 6

Today we will have a full day RIB charter to explore up the Sound of Mull and out to the Treshnish Islands where we hope to have some fabulous encounters with species such as Atlantic Puffin, European Shag and Common Guillemot. Night Lochaline Hotel.

Day 7

Tour concludes with a transfer back to Oban where you can embark on your onward travel. Sign up at Wild Discovery: https://wild-discovery.com/tours/fully-inclusive-tours/hebridean-seabird-photography-workshop-bigsby