JIM RICHARDSON

Scotland has been a major focus of my photography for over 25 years, since my first commission for National Geographic Magazine. These images feature it's colorful traditions, scenic landscapes, wildlife, whisky distilleries, Highland culture, Celtic heritage, Stone Age archeology and island life. Besides a deep history and long cultural tradition Scotland has emerged as a vibrant economic force and rich cultural wellspring. Questions of Brexit and possible Scottish independence have kept Scotland in the news as it seeks a different path and questions its place in the United Kingdom.

The Highlands and Moors of Scotland are a dramatic landscape of beautiful scenery, wildlife and ancient customs. Issues of rewilding, regrowth of forests, land management and ownership by Highland estates are the focus of conservation. This assignment from National Geographic Magazine focused attention on the controversies in Scotland about the future of the Highlands and the Moors in particular, fragile landscapes that have been managed extensively.

Scottish whisky country is rich in history and culture, but it is also a rich economic source of revenue. This image collection explores its landscapes, culture, people and distilleries, reflecting the ancient history of distilling in Scotland. Travels included the Highlands, Hebrides and Orkney islands, pub, cask making, potstills, digging peat, and traditional Highland Games. Photographed on assignment for National Geographic Traveler by Jim Richardson.

The Hebrides Islands of Scotland are renowned for their wild, mysterious scenic beauty and the Gaelic people who call them home. Shot on several assignments for National Geographic by Jim Richardson this gallery includes Stone Age monuments and stone circles, seabirds, abandoned islands, scenic beaches and bay, archeology, geology, caves, lakes, lochs, hiking, and churches of these Western Isles. Besides the ever-popular Isle of Skye, you'll also find Lewis and Harris, North and South Uist, the Small Isles, including Muck, Eigg and Rum, the whisky islands of Islay and Jura as well as the wild archipelago of St. Kilda, out beyond in the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Orkney, the islands off the Northeast tip of Scotland, consist of twenty inhabited islands with a rich history and richer farmland.. Gifted with phenomenal Stone Age and iron Age archeological wonders it includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seabirds and unique island culture heavily influenced by the Vikings make for a vibrant island realm. Photographed here by National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson over several assignments spanning twenty years. Subjects include churches, villages, cathedrals, dancing, music, Highland cattle, whisky distilling, island landscapes, fishing and farming.

Neolithic Orkney displays wonders ofthe Stone Age world at the beginning of the agricultural revolution -- in abundance. Stone circles include the Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness, there are many burial tombs such as Maeshowe, whole Stone Age villages like Skara Brae and the Ness of Brodgar. Small wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photographed by National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson on multiple assignments over twenty five years.