Hebridean Seabird Photography Workshop with Rachel 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 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
Get close up to seabirds and practice your photographic techniques © Rachel Bigsby
Overview
Join world-renowned and award-winning seabird photographer Rachel Bigsby as she embarks on a seabird photography voyage into the Hebrides. In Rachel’s own 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.”
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.
The itinerary outlined is indicative and Wild Discovery reserves the right to alter the itinerary if conditions require.
Who we Support on this Tour
Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Trees for Life
Dates and Prices
| Set Departure Dates | Cost | Availability |
| Weds 2nd June - Tues 8th June 2027 | £5495* | Availability |
* Solo occupancy premium applies, enquire for details
Custom Tour
Why not recreate this experience with friends on dates that suit you? Build on our existing itinerary to customise your experience.
What’s included?
Expert photo coaching and photo editing services of your leader, Rachel Bigsby
Services of a naturalist guide on board MV Lucy Mary
All Accommodation including four nights on board Lucy Mary and 2 nights at a hotel
All meals (B, L, D) from dinner D1 to breakfast on D6
Soft drinks, tea, coffee
All transport from start to end location
All activities and excursions
Gratuities to external service providers
A native tree planted on your behalf in our woodland grove
What’s not included?
Travel before or after tour start/end
Trip cancellation Insurance or any other travel insurance
Visas
Alcoholic beverages
Other items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, souvenirs, etc.
For full details of our Booking Conditions click here and complete the online booking form.
Gallery
We should encounter numerous Atlantic Puffins on the Treshnish Islands © Rachel Bigsby
They make for some great photographic opportunities and the chance to play with your artistic side © Rachel Bigsby
It's also a great opportunity to think about composition © Rachel Bigsby
Arctic Terns will also be in evidence and once again a great chance to trial different shooting techniques. © Rachel Bigsby
Razorbills are common place on the seabird ledges © Rachel Bigsby
and they also make for brilliant subjects © Rachel Bigsby
The European Shag is a subtly stunning bird © Rachel Bigsby
which offers close approach and numerous photo opportunities © Rachel Bigsby
With luck we should also experience some stunning light. Here a Fulmar catches the golden rays © Rachel Bigsby
We will enjoy watching Black-legged Kittiwakes on their breeding ledges © Rachel Bigsby
Common Guillemots will also be widespread, even abundant © Rachel Bigsby
Tour Location
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