Photograph of Ben Lui and Kilchurn Castle

The end of a cold but beautifully lit February day in Argyll threw up this lovely shot over Loch Awe to Ben Lui, still resplendent in its snow covering from consistent falls in January.

It is the legendary - and much photographed - ruin of Kilchurn Castle which is normally the principal focus of attention from the banks of Loch Awe - whatever the season. (It is, arguably, Scotland's most photographed ancient stronghold.)

One of the factors which makes it so attractive, however, is the scenery all around it - particularly when viewing it from the village of Lochawe, above the steep western bank of the loch itself. Now heavily overgrown with trees, it is seldom easy to isolate the emotive ruin through the foliage all around, particularly in spring and summer.

The presence of crisp winter sunshine, however, with superb visibility, permitted a classic winter view over the castle to Ben Lui, some eight miles away to the east and - with its liberal covering of snow still prominent - the second focal point of the composition. The whole image really cries out "winter in Scotland".

Product Code: WS784