Between 30 October and 6 November, BBC News received a collection of photographs from across Scotland showcasing the country's diverse natural beauty during a period marked by severe weather. The submissions captured everything from dramatic storm impacts to serene wildlife moments and atmospheric phenomena, offering a visual record of Scottish landscapes during an eventful week.
One striking image documented the aftermath of Storm Boelo, which battered the region with considerable force. Stephen Kerr photographed a vessel that had been driven aground and was visible near the abandoned Big Idea museum at Irvine Harbour. According to Scottish News, a fishing boat became stranded at Irvine Harbour after breaking loose from its moorings during the storm. The Met Office recorded gusts of 85mph at Machrihanish during the same weather system, underscoring the intensity of conditions across the region.
Despite the challenging weather, many photographers ventured outdoors to capture Scotland's wildlife and landscapes. Malcolm Gillies documented a Mandarin duck sheltering on the River Leven as the storm passed through the area.
Golden-hour photography proved popular among contributors. Aileen Craig captured a stag at Bainloch Deer Park in Sandy Hills during the soft evening light, while Peter Xu photographed light filtering through the ancient Macbeth's Oak as sunset approached.
Bird enthusiasts submitted several compelling images. John Sartain spotted a nuthatch perched on a branch in Loch Lomond, and Allison Wines photographed a white-tailed sea eagle sheltering from the rain on Mull.
Mountain and landscape photographers showcased Scotland's terrain. Ross Tetlow captured the vista from atop Spidean Coire nan Clach, while Alastair Nunn recorded a sunny but misty Rannoch Moor. Robbie Tulloch documented a calm Inverness marina, and Hazel Mackenzie photographed a clear blue-sky day at the Nairn Viaduct in Inverness.
Atmospheric phenomena drew considerable attention from photographers. Lorraine Sharkey witnessed and captured the glowing Northern Lights in Collieston, Aberdeenshire, while Martin photographed a rainbow arching over a bothy during his two-week Scottish trip. Alice Snow recorded a fiery sunrise above Alness on her way to an early morning gym class.
Coastal scenes featured prominently in the submissions. Allison Thorburn captured a spectacular sunset with Ailsa Craig's silhouette from Turnberry Beach, and Stephenie McCann
took a wee trip to Plockton where the sun was shiningafter several days of rain.
Urban and infrastructure photography also appeared in the collection. Craig McCulloch snapped the Forth Road Bridge while cycling to work, capturing the structure in striking detail.
Wildlife moments extended beyond birds and large mammals. Duncan Murdoch spotted a squirrel at Morton Lochs in Tentsmuir, which he believed also noticed him, while the animal enjoyed a nut. Christl Holt photographed a pine marten collecting its daily egg in Plockton, and Heather Tait captured a flock of Hebridean sheep in North Uist pausing to inspect the photographer.
Autumn imagery dominated many submissions. Heidi Coltart photographed an autumnal view while cycling in Fort William, and Peter Johnson recorded an autumn glow over Loch Doine at Halloween. Lorna Donaldson captured a still day at Stirling golf course.
Notable landmarks attracted photographers' attention. Niall Hammond stopped to admire Meikleour Beech Hedge on his drive to Perth, which holds recognition from Guinness World Records as the world's tallest and longest hedge. Sheila Tough submitted one of her favourite views, Uath Lochans from Farleitter Crag.
Additional wildlife submissions included a seagull captured by Ken Mortimer swooping in for dinner.
How to submit your photographs
Readers wishing to contribute photographs should send them to scotlandpictures@bbc.co.uk. All submissions must adhere to BBC photography guidelines, and photographers are required to ensure images are taken safely and responsibly without AI editing or enhancement. Submissions must be original work, and if photographs include children, written permission from a parent or guardian of every child is mandatory. By contributing to BBC News, photographers grant a royalty-free, non-exclusive licence for publication and use in any media worldwide, while retaining copyright to their work. All photographs remain subject to copyright protection, and contributors must not endanger themselves or others or infringe the law.
Weather context
The period covered by this collection followed significant storm activity. According to the BBC Weather service, Storms Austen and Boelo contributed to the UK's wettest week in two years, with high pressure subsequently expected to bring a largely dry and calm spell into early November. This transition from severe weather to more settled conditions is reflected in the variety of atmospheric conditions captured across the submissions, from storm-affected scenes to clear skies and dramatic lighting.
