Registration is essential

Meet at 10.00am for coffee at 'The Craftsman Company' on the corner of Market Street and Guild Street in Aberdeen.

Saturday 7 March 2026

Photo Walk to the north of Aberdeen Harbour

10:00–13:00

Join RPS members for a photographic exploration of the northern edge of Aberdeen’s historic harbour.

Aberdeen’s maritime heritage stretches back centuries. The harbour has long supported the core industries of fishing, cargo transport and ferry services to the Northern Isles. Over time, each has expanded or declined in response to changing economic conditions. Shipbuilding has also played a significant role in the city’s history; over the past two centuries, approximately 3,000 ships were constructed in Aberdeen. In more recent decades, the harbour has become a major hub for offshore supply vessels serving the oil and gas industry.

We will meet at a coffee shop in the city centre before heading into the industrial area north of the harbour for some photography. Along the route, we’ll pass historic granite buildings as well as modern facilities that support offshore operations. After walking just over one mile, we will arrive at the old fishing village of Footdee (or “Fittie”). We can finish up at one of the street food trucks on the nearby Esplanade.

One of the most valuable aspects of a photographic outing comes from reviewing one another’s work. Even when we are at the same locations at the same time, the images we produce will inevitably differ. Examining those differences can provide meaningful learning opportunities. Everyone will be invited to submit a selection of their photographs for inclusion in a digital e-zine which will showcase the day’s work.

Lens & Lunch — RPS Scotland

RSPB Troup Head, Cullen → Bow Fiddle Rock

You’re warmly invited to our first Lens & Lunch — an informal, friendly day out with cameras, conversation, and coastal air. Led by Sam, this is all about getting out, enjoying photography together, and making the most of one of Scotland’s most dramatic wildlife locations.

We’ll meet at 10.00am in the car park at RSPB Troup Head.
Come for the whole day or just the morning — whatever suits you.

Why Troup Head?

Troup Head is the only mainland gannet colony in Scotland, and at this time of year the gannets should be present, wheeling past the cliffs and plunge-diving just offshore. It’s a thrilling place to photograph action, behaviour, and sheer scale. Alongside the gannets, the site is also known for kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and, if you’re lucky, sightings of seals and dolphins from the clifftops. The RSPB reserve has well-placed viewpoints and paths that make it accessible while still feeling wonderfully wild.

NEW - Confirmed David Leslie Owner of Aberdeenshire Bird Tours, will join us for the morning at Troup Head.  David has been leading tours around NE Scotland, and further afield, since 2016.  He has been birdwatching since his childhood, and has been lucky enough to guide well over 100 clients around the varied habitats of Scotland, and enjoys highlighting some of our wonderful species to visitors to the area. As well as running Aberdeenshire Bird Tours, David is currently the chairman of the Aberdeen and District RSPB member's group. David's website can be found at aberdeenshirebirdtours.com

Lunch plans 🍴

Around lunchtime we’ll head into Cullen for a relaxed lunch together. To help with booking and numbers, please register your interest even if you’re only joining us for part of the day.

Afternoon stop: Bow Fiddle Rock

After lunch, we’ll pop a short distance down the coast to Bow Fiddle Rock — one of the Moray coast’s most iconic sea stacks. Shaped like the tip of a fiddle bow, this natural rock arch is perfect for compositional photography, whether you’re drawn to wide coastal scenes, details in the rock, or waves surging through the arch. It’s a brilliant contrast to the morning’s wildlife action and a chance to slow things down and play with light, lines, and timing.

Good to know

• This is an informal, social get-together — all abilities welcome

• Bring whatever camera kit you enjoy using

• Dress for coastal weather and clifftop conditions

• Please take care near edges and follow any RSPB guidance on site

If you fancy fresh air, good company, and the chance to photograph gannets and dramatic coastline, we’d love to see you there.
👉 Please register so we can confirm lunch numbers.

Coming Soon!!

Join Omar in Aberfeldy on Saturday 9 May 2026 from 10am.

Omar Shamma is a retired business consultant who now lives in the highlands of Perthshire, overlooking the tranquil shores of Loch Tay. His fascination with photography began early, inspired by his father and nurtured through a Kodak Instamatic and long afternoons in his school’s photography club, where he learned to develop and print black-and-white images.

As his career progressed, photography became an occasional pursuit, mostly during holidays and travels. His connection with Scotland began in 2007 and gradually deepened; its landscapes, culture, and quiet grandeur drew him back repeatedly. In 2015 he chose to retire there, allowing himself the time and space to rediscover photography with purpose and intention. Much of his early work focused on capturing the majesty of the Scottish landscape.

Omar’s guiding belief is that “my best shot is the one I’m yet to take,” a reminder that photography is a lifelong practice of learning, curiosity, and refinement. Though he explores many genres—often describing himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none”—he has increasingly found his strongest connection in travel and documentary photography, telling human stories and exploring how people live, endure, and relate to their environments.

As a UK-born Palestinian exile, Omar is embarking on a long-term documentary project focusing on children whose lives have been irrevocably changed by the genocide in Gaza. This work reflects both his heritage and his commitment to using photography as a means of witnessing and storytelling.

A relatively new member of the Royal Photographic Society, Omar intends to pursue distinctions, with the aim of submitting an FRPS body of work based on his documentary project on Palestinian children. 

Nocturne Weekend – Night Sky Photography at Garvault House

Step away from the noise, slow the pace, and immerse yourself in darkness that truly glows.

Nocturne is an intimate weekend dedicated to night sky photography, hosted at the beautifully remote Garvault House Hotel in the Scottish Highlands. Led by Andrew Allan – Scotland’s Night Sky, this exclusive experience offers the rare opportunity to photograph under some of the darkest skies in the UK, with expert guidance throughout.

Across two carefully curated days and nights, you’ll have the chance to:

• Photograph the Milky Way beneath exceptionally dark Highland skies

• Experience the potential for Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during your stay

• Receive hands-on night sky photography guidance in a relaxed, supportive setting

• Explore daytime photographic opportunities, including local landscapes, flora, fauna, and wildlife

With exclusive use of Garvault House for workshop attendees, numbers are intentionally limited to maintain a calm, immersive atmosphere and plenty of personal support. Comfortable accommodation, excellent food, and time to connect with fellow photographers are all part of the experience.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your night-sky practice or simply want time and space to create in extraordinary surroundings, Nocturne promises inspiration, connection, and unforgettable skies.

📩 For any further information, please message Sam at
scotlandevents@rps.org

Spaces are limited — early booking is strongly recommended.