Whales and Seabirds of the Minch, Sula Sgier and North Rona with photographer Rachel Bigsby

The waters around Scotland – particularly the North Minch and the seas around Lewis, the Shiant Isles and Skye, offer outstanding opportunities to observe marine life, including cetaceans and Basking Sharks, often against a backdrop of long summer days and breathtaking sunsets.  We will also venture to one of our regular destination,  North Rona and Sula Sgeir, about 40 miles north of Lewis.  These two islands feel so remote, we often never see anyone else other than the odd fishing boat.  Sula Sgeir is a fantastic Gannet colony, although we will not be landing, we get very close to the nesting gannets from Hjalmar without disturbing.

We have enormous experience in the North Minch, having observed these waters from both shore and sea over many years. Working alongside our highly experienced skipper and marine guides, we know where to search and how best to approach the marine wildlife we encounter. We are also supported by dedicated spotters, particularly at Tiumpan Head, where much of our effort is focused.

Species recorded in these waters include Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke and Northern Bottlenose Whales, along with Risso’s, Bottlenose, White-beaked and Common Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, Orca and, of course, Basking Shark.

On this cruise we will donate £100 per guest to the Scottish Seabird  Centre.

Rachel Bigsby – Seabird Photographer, Conservationist & Expedition Leader
Rachel Bigsby is an award-winning seabird photographer whose eye for natural artistry, dedication to seabird conservation, and deep understanding of her subjects define a distinctive and evocative body of work. Entirely self-taught, she has forged her own path in the wildlife photography field, refining her craft through hands-on experience and an unwavering passion for the seabirds she documents.

Her work has earned international recognition, including the prestigious ‘Natural Artistry’ award in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Portfolio Award in Bird Photographer of the Year. Rachel is also a Nikon Creator, RSPB Ambassador, and she has exhibited her work at leading institutions including the Natural History Museum, the Royal Geographical Society, 10 Downing Street, and the National Museum of Scotland. Her work has been widely published in respected outlets including National Geographic, WWF, and New Scientist.

Rachel has extensive experience leading wildlife photography expeditions across the Arctic, Antarctic, the remote Sub-Antarctic islands, and the wild coastlines of the British Isles, where she specialises in documenting the lives of seabirds in some of the world’s most unforgiving environments.

Throughout the voyage, Rachel will work closely with guests in a small-group setting, offering personalised guidance and one-to-one tuition. Whether you are looking to learn new photographic techniques or refine your existing skills, Rachel will help you develop your creative vision.

Guests can expect practical field tuition, opportunities for image review and editing sessions, and support both before and after the expedition. By the end of the journey, you will return home not only with a collection of beautiful photographs, but with a deeper understanding of seabirds and a visual story that captures the spirit of this remarkable voyage.

You can view some of Rachel’s work in the gallery below, the first 5 images showcase some of Rachel’s incredible work.