Neist Point Lighthouse (Sunset) — Isle of Skye
The classic. The lighthouse on the cliff, the Atlantic stretching west, and one of the last sunsets in Europe. The walk from the car park takes 30 minutes — leave yourself time to get there before the sun drops. The road in is single track. Allow 45 minutes from Dunvegan.
💡 Arrive an hour before sunset in summer. Bring a tripod. The wind can be fierce.
Old Man of Storr (Sunrise) — Isle of Skye
The hike takes 45 minutes in the dark — bring a headtorch. The sun rises behind you and lights up the Storr and the Sound of Raasay. On a clear morning the light is golden and the only sounds are sheep and camera shutters. By 8am the car park will be full.
💡 Start hiking 1 hour before sunrise. £6 parking. Headtorch essential.
Buachaille Etive Mor (Sunrise) — Glencoe
The most photographed mountain in Scotland, and sunrise at the River Coupall is the classic shot. The river in the foreground, the Buachaille behind, and the first light hitting the peak. In autumn, the birches along the river turn yellow. Arrive 45 minutes before sunrise — there will be other photographers.
💡 Pull-off on the A82 near the ski centre turn. Tripod essential for the river shot.
Calton Hill (Both) — Edinburgh
The best sunset in Edinburgh. Climb the steps from Regent Road (5 minutes) and watch the sun set behind the castle with the Firth of Forth to the north. The National Monument (Edinburgh's "Disgrace") makes a good foreground. Popular with locals — bring a bottle of wine.
💡 Free. 5-minute walk from Princes Street. Sunset is best. Sunrise is quieter.
Loch Maree (Sunset) — Wester Ross
The sun sets behind the Torridon mountains and reflects in Loch Maree. The best vantage point is from the south shore road (A832) looking north. Slioch (981m) dominates the skyline. In September, the midges are gone and the light is golden.
💡 Pull into the lay-bys on the A832. The best reflections are on still evenings.
Ardnamurchan Point (Sunset) — Ardnamurchan Peninsula
The most westerly point of mainland Britain. The sun sets over the Atlantic with nothing between you and Canada. The lighthouse makes a classic silhouette. The 45-minute drive from Kilchoan is single track — leave plenty of time.
💡 The lighthouse café closes at 5pm. Bring a flask. The road back in the dark is slow.
Editor's Note
My best Highland sunrise was at the Buachaille in October. I arrived at 6:30am and there were already three photographers set up — one from Japan, one from Germany, one from Glasgow. We stood in silence for 45 minutes in the dark. Then the light hit the peak and all four of us swore quietly. Worth every frozen finger.