Rob McDougall - Professional Freelance Photography Edinburgh Blog (PR - Commercial - Corporate)

Royal College of Nursing Bulletin

2012-02-01T11:21:00.003Z

This was a tricky job to photograph. The brief required a portrait of an overseas nurse who had received help from the Royal College of Nursing but didn't want to be identified. Luckily the weather was kind to me and there was just enough low winter sun to be able to shoot the portrait as a silhouette .

Celebrate Burns Night with a Robert Burns Pizza

2012-01-25T20:00:00.002Z

A SCOTS pizza company has combined two of Scotland’s favourite foods just in time for Burns night- haggis pizza.

Cosmo Tamburro Jnr, a restaurateur in Edinburgh has launched the UK’s first retail haggis pizza to offer an alternative to the traditional neeps, tatties and haggis supper.

And to celebrate the launch of the luxury pizza, available in supermarkets across the country, the Newtongrange-based restaurateur has designed a special Robert Burns’ portrait pizza.

Edinburgh Life

2012-01-24T16:41:00.003Z

Front Cover of Edinburgh Life magazine featuring Yang Guang, the male panda settling into his new life at Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh's Mystery Paper Sculptures

2012-01-10T15:20:00.012Z

‘poetree’ sculpted from ‘A Trace of Wings’ by Edwin Morgan.

Next to the ‘poetree’ sits a paper egg lined with gold and a scatter of words which, when put together, make “A Trace of Wings” by Edwin Morgan.

The tag reads: "It started with your name @byleaveswelive and became a tree.… … We know that a library is so much more than a building full of books… a book is so much more than pages full of words.… This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas….. a gesture (poetic maybe?)."

Found in the Scottish Poetry Library, March 2011.

‘A gramophone and a coffin’ sculpted from ‘Exit Music’ by Ian Rankin’s

The tag reads: "For @natlibscot – A gift in support of libraries, books, words, ideas….. (& against their exit)."

Found in the National Library of Scotland in June 2011.

‘cinematic diorama’ carved from a Rankin novel.

A complex scene in a paper cinema; punters arrayed on seats watching men and horses coming alive from the screen and charging outwards.

Amongst the audience is a figure with Ian Rankin’s face, clutching a Deuchar’s.

The tag reads: "@filmhouse – A gift in support of libraries, books, words, ideas….. and all things *magic*."

Found in the Filmhouse, June 2011.

‘Dragon’ carved from a Rankin novel

The tag reads: "For @scotstorycentre – A gift in support of libraries, books, works, ideas….. Once upon a time there was a book and in the book was a nest and in the nest was an egg and in the egg was a dragon and in the dragon was a story….."

Found in the Scottish Story Telling Centre, July 2011.

A teabag filled with cut out letters, on the tag of which are the words “by leaves we live”. The cup on the top has a swirl of words which read ”Nothing beats a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and a really good BOOK”, and on the ‘tray’ next to the cupcake it says “except maybe a cake as well”.

The tag reads: "To @edbookfest ‘A gift’ This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas…… & festivals xx"

Found at the Edinburgh Book Festival, August 2011.

Sculpted from James Hogg’s The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinnerby. A favourite of the City of Literature team but is also known to have been an influence on Ian Rankin’s work.

The tag reads: "To @edincityoflit ‘A gift’ LOST (albeit in a good book) This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas…. “No infant has the power of deciding….. by what circumstances (they) shall be surrounded.. Robert Owen"

Found at UNESCO City of Literature Stand, The Edinburgh Book Festival, August 2011.

‘book with a magnifying glass’

The tag reads: "For Central Library ‘A Gift’ @Edinburgh_CC This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas…. LIBRARIES ARE EXPANSIVE."

The word EXPANSIVE was originally written as EXPENSIVE. You can see the adjustment in the image.

Found in the Central Lending Library, August 2011.

The sculpture is made from Ian Rankin's second Rebus novel, Hide and Seek, and possibly represents a scene from Robert Louis Stevenson’s book The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

The tag reads: “@CuratorEMG A Gift “The stories are in the stones” Ian Rankin In support of Libraries, Books, Words, Ideas …… and Writers.”

Found in the Writer's Museum, November 2011.

‘Tyrannosaurus Rex’ sculpted from Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World

The tag reads: “For @NtlMuseumsScot A Gift Your friends at @edbookfest suggested you might like this. …. In support of libraries, books, words, ideas and those places that house our treasures……”

Found in the National Museum of Scotland, November 2011.

‘cap made of wings and a pair gloves’

The tag reads: “To @ByLeavesWeLive……. THE GIFTS “Gloves of bee’s ful, cap of the Wren’s Wings…….” Norman McCaig …. maybe sometimes impossible things… In support of LIbraries, Books, Words Ideas…."

Found in the Scottish Poetry Library, November 2011.

Brought together by Creative Scotland for an event at the Scottish Parliament.

11 for 2011

2012-01-02T12:27:00.015Z

Bell Rock Lighthouse
Client: Weber Shandwick

Festival of Museums Launch in Glasgow
Client: 3x1 Public Relations

First Minister Alex Salmond
Client: Holyrood Magazine

Wickerman Festival
Client: 3x1 Public Relations

Joanna Lumley launches the fund to save Moat House in Dumfries
Client: Jude Henderson PR

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney
Client: Historic Scotland

Dougie MacLean performs at Blair Castle during Perthshire Amber
Client: Butterstone Events

Virgin Money Edinburgh International Festival Fireworks
Client: Edinburgh International Festival

National Museum of Scotland reopens to the public
Client: National Museums of Scotland

Artist John Byrne
Client: Podge Publicity

The Pandas arrive at Edinburgh Zoo
Client: Weber Shandwick

Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T14:34:00.001Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Starbucks Drive-Thru to roll out across the Country

2011-12-11T20:34:00.003Z

Starbucks Coffee U.K. recently announced its intent to create thousands of new jobs as it significantly steps up its drive-thru program following three years of development and strong customer response to the convenience of Starbucks coffee on-the-go.

The move will see 200 new drive-thru stores opened over the next five years and will establish Starbucks as the market leader in this area. Combined with openings of conventional stores over the same period, the company expects to create 5,000 new jobs.

I was commissioned to travel down to Manchester to shoot press images to accompany the release.

Portrait of the Artist

2011-12-09T09:19:00.006Z

A £3.5m scheme by social enterprise Wasps Studios has regenerated a Merchant City warehouse as a new arts and creative industries hub for Glasgow.
The groundbreaking South Block studio complex, which will be shared by artists and creative businesses, is predicted to contribute multi-million pound benefits
to the local economy and jobs to an area which has been through tough times.

Some amazing amounts of creativity going on there.

Giant Pandas Arrive at Edinburgh Zoo

2011-12-05T08:00:00.014Z

Chinese Pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang, the eight-year-old pair of giant pandas, arrived at Edinburgh Zoo yesterday afternoon and will be the first to live in the UK for 17 years. Edinburgh Zoo are hopeful that the pandas will give birth to cubs during their 10 year stay in Scotland.

Hundreds of people lined the streets around the zoo to welcome the pandas to Scotland.

I was commissioned by Weber Shandwick in behalf of Edinburgh Zoo to cover the arrival and was the only photographer to capture the first photograph of the pandas inside their new enclosure.

A selection of UK press coverage can be found here.

Artist in Residence at Stirling Castle

2011-12-04T09:09:00.006Z

A new art exhibition opened on Friday 2nd December, at Stirling Castle to celebrate the works of Iona Leishman, its first ever artist-in-residence.

The exhibition, ‘Sense of Place’, features around 80 paintings by local artist Iona Leishman and will run until 31st December. Her works range from lush naturalistic impressions of the castle to dreamy washes of colour haunted by ethereal figures, all inspired by the history, iconic landscape and Kings and Queens who lived at the Castle.

It was a real joy to photograph Iona and I was immediately taken with her evocative art work.

The middle photograph is a portrait of Iona reflected in her painting 'Horses at Midnight'.

If you do get the chance to see the exhibition, you won't be disappointed. More info here.

Ryder Cup 2014 Announcement

2011-11-30T11:49:00.005Z

The Ryder Cup at The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland, will take place from Friday September 26 to Sunday September 28 2014 with Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business and producer of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky, being named as an Official Partner.

The date for the 40th staging of the biennial contest between Europe and the United States was announced at The Gleneagles Hotel yesterday in the presence of Scotland’s First Minister, The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills, Peter Lederer, Chairman of Gleneagles Hotel, and Patrick Elsmie, Managing Director of The Gleneagles Hotel.

St Andrew's Day Celebrations

2011-11-29T20:52:00.009Z

Glasgow knows how to throw a party and last weekend, George Square played host to the annual St Andrew's Day Celebrations which are part of Scotland's Winter Festivals. Crowds were treated to performances for Clandonia who had revellers dancing in the isles.

Pictures for Stripe Communications.

IN PICTURES: Perthshire Amber 2011

2011-11-15T10:58:00.012Z

The hills were alive with the sound of music recently as the 7th annual Perthshire Amber - The Dougie MacLean Festival took place across Perthshire. From it's new home in Dunkeld, the festival spread it's tentacles north to Pitlochry, south to Perth, west to Kenmore and east to Blairgowrie.

This year the festival attracted big names such as Eliza Smith, Jenna Reid, Canadian star Buddy MacDonald and music legends Archie Fisher, Phil Cunningham and Jamie MacGregor.

The ten day festival is a bit of a musical marathon but also great fun and it was a real pleasure working with Dougie, Jenny, Julia and Jamie MacLean. Also joining the team this year was lighting guru Gary Ebdy and PR supremo Jude Henderson who both made my job just that wee bit easier.

Next year's festival takes place 26 Oct - 4 Nov 2012.

Radio Forth Awards 2011

2011-11-11T07:17:00.017Z

The stars were out in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon for the 2011 Radio Forth Awards which this year came from the fantastic Usher Hall. Matt Cardle, The Wanted, Pixie Lott, ex Spice Girls star Melanie C and comedian Patrick Monahan joined Grant Stott and Arlene on stage to present the prizes. Also making an appearance was Greg McHugh aka Gary Tank Commander.

All the photographs from the ceremony will be on the Forth One website.

Miss World comes to Stirling Caslte

2011-11-09T16:27:00.005Z

Over 60 contestants from the Miss World competition recently dropped into Stirling Castle to brush up on etiquette before heading to London for the final of Miss World 2011 which was won by Miss Venezuella Ivian Sarcos.

Well done to them all.

Seal of Approval at the Scottish Seabird Centre

2011-11-08T15:58:00.003Z

The award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre is celebrating autumn’s seal season in style as a striking new sculpture was officially unveiled taking pride of place on the rocks below the popular café deck.

Generously donated by the Chairman of the Trustees, Rear Admiral Neil Rankin CB CBE, and the Vice Chairman, Sandy Grant Gordon CBE, the affectionately named ‘Sandy the Seal’ was created by Scotland’s premier leading art foundry, Powderhall Bronze in Leith.

Stirling Castle on Tour

2011-10-10T21:37:00.005+01:00

Ladies and gentlemen of the Royal Court at Stirling Castle are heading to Glasgow to tempt shoppers to join them.

On Saturday 15th October the Stirling Castle cavalcade will open its doors in George Square, Glasgow between 11am and 3pm to give shoppers a taste of what is on offer at Stirling Castle following the completion of the £12m project to refurbish the Royal apartments of James V.

Hugh and Carol Robertson of the Royal Court take the wonders of Stirling Castle on the road.

More info here.

Crowning Glory for Stirling Palace

2011-09-30T11:11:00.001+01:00

A new, hand-woven tapestry depicting the Unicorn at Bay has been unveiled in the recently opened James V Palace at Stirling Castle.

The display of the tapestry also marks a funding milestone for the charitable foundation that made the project possible.

The 3.3m by 3.8m tapestry is the fifth in the series of seven to be specially commissioned to hang in the newly opened attraction within Stirling Castle.

The designs are based on a collection of original 16th century Flemish tapestries titled The Hunt of the Unicorn held in the Cloisters Museum at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as research has shown that the Scottish royal collection also included a series depicting ‘the historie of the unicorne’.

2011-09-29T16:02:00.003+01:00

I was up in Orkney at the beginning of the week to photograph sites for next year's Historic Scotland brochures and guide books. Like the previous years, the weather was challenging with only about a minute and a half of sunshine between the horizontal rain. Luckily the second day was better resulting in the shot above taken at the magnificent Ring of Brodgar.

If you haven't been, I would recommend a visit. It is a fantastically varied group of islands with plenty to see and do, including a number of sites cared for by Historic Scotland. More info here.

Andrew Murray: The Running Man

2011-09-10T13:12:00.006+01:00

Dr Andrew Murray photographed on Portobello Beach after completing his Scotland to Sahara challenge which involved running 2650 miles in 78 days to raise money in an attempt to reduce poverty in the South Gobi region of Mongolia.

For more information and to donate click here.

Whisky Fit for a Prince

2011-09-08T14:21:00.007+01:00

I was commissioned by The Glenmorangie Company to photograph the opening of their new bottling facility in Livingston which was opened by HRH The Duke of York yesterday.

HRH The Duke of York visited the Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, Ross-shire, in 1997, when a special cask was laid down in his name.

Now, 14 years on, the cask was bottled as a ‘Special Reserve’ when The Duke of York performed the Royal Opening of The Company’s new production facility at the Alba Business Park in Livingston, West Lothian.

HRH was be presented with 270 bottles, which will go to his chosen charities for auction.

Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight

2011-09-06T09:32:00.004+01:00

Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is an annual celebration of Scottish produce which runs from 3-18 September. It champions the wide variety of homegrown quality food and drink available in Scotland and encourages more people to Eat Scottish.

To mark the Fortnight, eleven of Scotland’s top chefs are pledging a fortnight of their time to young chefs who are hoping to make their mark in the Scottish catering and hospitality sector. Chefs committed include Nick Nairn, Martin Wishart, Andrew Fairlie, Albert Roux, Dominic Jack, Tom Lewis, Kevin McGillivray, John Quigley and Joe Queen.

Chefs Roy Brett, Ondine, and John Paul, Macdonald Marine Hotel, will be joined by Fergus Ewing, minister for energy, enterprise and tourism to launch the scheme at Craigie’s Farm showing their support for young Scottish talent.

MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival Day 2 Highlights

2011-08-30T11:28:00.010+01:00

Highlights from the second day of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival included comedian Miranda Hart and co-star Sarah Hadland, Professor Brian Cox, Sky News reporter Alex Crawford via satellite link from Libya, Russel Kane and The Only Way is Essex stars Mark Wright and Sam Faiers.

This is the third year I have photographed the event for MGEITF. The brief included supplying instant press images, capturing the sessions and masterclasses and photographing the after festival events and parties.

MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival Day 1 Highlights

2011-08-29T10:18:00.008+01:00

The cream of the UK's TV talent converged in the capital this weekend for the annual MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival which took place Friday to Sunday.

The highlights from day one included the MacTaggart lecture given by Google chairman Eric Schmidt, masterclasses by Ricky Gervais and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellows and appearances from Vernon Kay, Richard Bacon and Alan Carr.

Elle Street Style

2011-08-25T08:18:00.004+01:00

A recent fun commission from Elle Magazine which involved seeking out 30 of Edinburgh's most stylish women. Chris Hunt from Genuine PR brought his extensive fashion expertise to the project which was photographed around the Old and New Town areas of the capital.

Click here for the Elle Street Style Edinburgh gallery.

Things Are Looking Up

2011-08-23T10:30:00.005+01:00

There aren't too many people I look up to in life, but yesterday was an exception when I photographed Scotland rugby star Richie Gray at Laing Jewellers in Edinbrugh.

The six foot -ten international rugby ace was in-store to receive his new handpicked Omega Speedmaster.

The 21-year-old, who is bound for the world’s third biggest sports event in New Zealand, also joins the Hollywood elite choosing Omega as his official timepiece. George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, James Bond and Daniel Craig are all fans of the Omega range and have become ambassadors for the exclusive brand in recent years.

Fort George Celebration of the Centuries

2011-08-15T09:52:00.006+01:00

2010's inaugural event brought the past to life at the awesome artillery fortification of Fort George. Once again, in Historic Scotland's largest event of the year, hundreds of performers will travelled from all over Britain to put on a fantastic show.

Opening with a grand parade, this celebration of history included exciting and interactive shows, demonstrations covering everything from the marching soldiers of the Roman period to the fighting troops of the twentieth century.

Fallen Angel

2011-08-12T09:44:00.004+01:00

Soprano Lydia Teuscher is a vision, with angel’s wings specially created for her to wear in the Usher Hall this morning.

Lydia will be singing in Das Paradies und die Peri, the Opening Concert of Edinburgh International Festival 2011.

Her winged outfit is inspired by the plot of the Opening Concert which tells of the peri, a winged, fairy like creature descended from fallen angels who is regains paradise through the tear of a repentant sinner

Lydia’s wings have been created by Edinburgh artist Joanne Sykes. Their design was also inspired by the chrysanthemums on the front of the Edinburgh International Festival 2011 programme.

Edinburgh International Festival Opening

2011-08-11T08:18:00.003+01:00

Jonathan Mills comes face to face with a pink Chinese Dragon yesterday morning at The Hub in Edinburgh.

The encounter marked two days to go until Festival 2011’s Opening Concert, and the exploration of the influences of eastern and western culture on each other. Festival performances include an unmissable range of Chinese performers.

Edinburgh International Festival (12 August – 4 September) eif.co.uk

Radio Forth on the Fringe 2011 Highlights

2011-08-08T00:35:00.008+01:00

Radio Forth on the Fringe was back this year bigger and better than before with two nights at the Edinburgh Playhouse. The shows bring together the best of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and this year included Ruby Wax, Paul Daniels, 4 Poof's and a Piano, The Pierces, Frisky and Mannish and Flawless.

This is the fourth year I have photographed Forth on the Fringe which was again hosted by Boogie and Arlene.

More photographs can be found on my Facebook page and the full set are on the Forth One website.

The Lovely Joanna Lumley

2011-08-03T09:24:00.007+01:00

Plans to create Scotland’s First Centre for Children’s Literature at The Birthplace of Peter Pan were unveiled yesterday by actress Joanna Lumley.

A fund raising bid to raise £4 million to renovate Moat Brae House and Garden, birthplace of Peter Pan, and create Scotland’s first Centre for Children’s Literature were announced yesterday (2 August).

In addition to the front page of The Scotsman, coverage was achieved in The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Daily Express, The Daily Mail, The Herald and Daily Record.

More photographs here on Facebook.

Wickerman Festival 2011

2011-07-26T19:56:00.013+01:00

Last weekend I was commissioned by 3x1 Public Relations to photograph The 10th Wickerman Festival which took place near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway.

This year the Festival attracted The Choral, Echo and the Bunny Men, Feeder, The Pigeon Detectives and The Noisettes.

The festival culminated in the burning of the Wicker Man effigy at midnight on Saturday, watched by 15,000 people.

Over the weekend coverage of the festival was achieved in The Scotsman, Daily Record, Metro and online.

Full set of images on my FACEBOOK page.

MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival

2011-07-19T20:26:00.002+01:00

A timely photograph of James Murdoch, chief executive of News Corporation taken at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival in 2009.

Murdoch gave the MacTaggart Lecture at the McEwan Hall in addition to taking part in a Q&A session at the EICC.

I am delighted to be commissioned as official photographer to the MGEITF for the third year in 2011.

HM The Queen officially opens Stirling's Royal Palace

2011-07-07T09:19:00.012+01:00

HM The Queen accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh officially re-opened the Royal Palace at Stirling Castle yesterday. Security was tight and the castle was closed to the public for the duration of the visit. My car was even thoroughly checked by a sniffer dog before I could gain access to the esplanade.

On arrival, HM The Queen was presented with the keys to the castle before being shown round the ground floor by Ruth Parsons, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland.

Technically the shoot was quite challenging as we were told that flash was to be used sparingly, if at all and some of the rooms in the palace were pretty dark.

HM The Queen unveiled a plaque carved from oak to commemorate her visit before sitting down to lunch with invites guests in the Great Hall.

Children from the local Raploch area provided entertainment.

HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh appeared to enjoy their visit to the Castle and it was all smiles as they left.

Click here for the Stirling Castle website.

Edith Bowman - Festival Queen

2011-06-30T09:47:00.006+01:00

UK festival queen and one of the country’s top broadcasters, Edith Bowman visited Edinburgh recently as part of a broadcast initiative to showcase the surprising number of things to see and do in the world’s favourite Festival City this summer.

The collaborative project supported by VisitScotland, Festivals Edinburgh and Marketing Edinburgh, includes the production of a short online feature starring Edith and the distribution of inspiring festival footage that can be used by major TV production companies around the world.

Click here to watch the film.

Great fun to work with and very easy to photograph.

Paterson Food Photography

2011-06-22T10:20:00.006+01:00

I was recently commissioned by Paterson Arran to photography recipes created by food writer Wendy Barrie. The images have been used on recipe cards which will accompany cookery demonstrations taking place at this years Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh which begins this week.

The idea of the campaign is to show that Paterson's shortbread and other products can easily be incorporated into tasty meals and snacks.

One of the perks of food photography is getting to try the products after I have photographed them and I can vouch that they tasted as good as they look. Especially the cheesecake!

Guiding the way at Edinburgh Castle

2011-06-17T09:53:00.007+01:00

Children from Edinburgh's only school to teach Gaelic are using their bilingual skills to become tour guides.

Tollcross Primary pupils spent weeks training to become junior guides at Edinburgh Castle, culminating in a costumed performance on Monday evening.

The group performed a 16th century banquet scene in Gaelic for an audience at the castle’s Great Hall on Monday before the graduation ceremony hosted by Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle.

The images appeared the The Scotsman, Metro and STV Local.

Textiles Scotland Postcards

2011-06-15T13:54:00.006+01:00

I shot these images of spring lambs wearing jumpers, scarves and legwarmers on a Borders farm a few months ago. They are being used as part of a Textiles Scotland ' Rediscover the wonders of wool' campaign and have been made into postcards. The lambs featured were just a day old and none were harmed in the making of these images.

New Boys at Ernst & Young Jump for Joy

2011-06-13T10:13:00.004+01:00

Recent corporate shot for Ernst & Young which appeared in Scotland on Sunday yesterday along with the following text:

'NORMALLY when companies send out photographs to accompany announcements about their latest hires, they're highly professional, but, some might say, slightly boring compositions.

Ernst & Young in Scotland surprised Barfly when it sent through a snap that looked like the subjects had just finished their exams, announced a comeback tour or even won the lottery.

Apparently spurred on by female cheers from street level, E&Y's new team, including lead partner for financial services in Scotland Peter Wallace, adopted some highly unusual poses during a recent photo shoot.

A spokesperson for the firm declined to comment on whether Peter Ames' stripey socks marked him out as the hell-raiser of the group.'

Perth Racecourse Ladies Day

2011-06-08T09:20:00.010+01:00

The photograph on the programme above was shot a couple of months ago for Perth Racecourse to promote their very successful Ladies Day which took place on the 12th May 2011. The photograph was used in the press, in print publications and on a huge billboard in Perth.

The shoot was less than straightforward. The first date for the shoot was cancelled due to atrocious weather at the course and the second date wasn't much better. It rained heavily for most of the time we were there and the sky was overcast and colourless.

The brief was to produce an image of a model dressed in pink, sipping pink champagne with a pink horse. The first part was relatively uncomplicated. We waited for a break in the rain and set up the shot, lighting the model to make it appear that the sun was shining on her.

The key to the shot was to get the horse facing in the right direction and also to make sure that it's ears were pointing upwards. Easier said than done. This took several attempts in between the model being stood on by the horse.

A great deal of post production was required to complete the image. Designer Adam Wilson from Four Colour Black did a great job making the horse pink and adding a pretty believable
blue sky.

All in all a fun job to work on. The client was delighted and Ladies Day was a great success I believe.

Royal Palace Throws Open It's Doors

2011-06-05T09:26:00.009+01:00

Over two and a half thousand visitors flocked to Stirling Castle yesterday to catch the first glimpse of the newly refurbished £12m Royal Palace which opened it door's for the first time. Over 70 performers treated the audience to a parade up the esplanade, led by Mary of Guise on horseback.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop dropped by to drink a toast the Scotland's newest tourist attraction.

The fun continues today from 12 noon and tickets may be purchased at the door. Or draw bridge. Or portcullis.

More info here.

Stirling Heads Together for First Time in 200 Years

2011-06-03T07:03:00.004+01:00

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop yesterday unveiled the new gallery at Stirling Castle that will display the original collection of Renaissance sculptures known as the Stirling Heads.

A total of 34 Heads, some a metre across, have survived the centuries since their creation sometime after 1530. Many originally decorated the ceiling of the King’s Inner Hall at the heart of the Royal Palace and there is nothing quite like them anywhere else in the world.

Historic Scotland has 31 of the Heads in its care, and three original Heads from the National Museums of Scotland have now joined them in the new gallery.

Bit of a tricky shoot this one. The gallery is very dark (much darker than it looks in the photograph) with no natural daylight to protect the heads. An exposure of 1/6 of a second was required to capture the ambient light with a spot flash picking out the minister.

Prince Charles opens Marie Curie Hospice

2011-06-02T07:43:00.008+01:00

Prince Charles officially opened Scotland's newest hospice yesterday - the Marie Curie Cancer Care Hospice in Glasgow - where he chatted to patients, volunteers and staff.

The Duke of Rothesay, as he is known in Scotland, took time to chat to patient Patrick Hanlon who with the RAF in Burma, where his commander in chief was Lord Mountbatten.

He also thanked fundraisers for achieving the £16million pounds to complete the project.

Photographs for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival

2011-05-19T09:59:00.006+01:00

This was an interesting shoot at the Garden of Cosmic Speculation which was created by American architectural theorist, landscape architect and designer Charles Jencks. The purpose of the images were to promote the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival which kicks off on Friday 20th May.

Dancers from Ignite dance group created some interesting shapes in the grounds. Bit of a tricky shoot but we got their in the end.

Starbucks Terminal 5

2011-05-17T09:02:00.010+01:00

A couple of weekends ago a headed down to London to photograph the new Starbucks store at Terminal 5C. The images were to be used for media purposes to accompany interviews with Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Shultz on a recent visit to the UK.

It was a rather strange experience being in the new terminal wing before it was open to travellers. Certainly made the job easier. As did having a fantastic looking store to photograph.

Pelamis P2

2011-05-16T16:48:00.009+01:00

I was recently commissioned by Scottish Power Renewables to document the 6 month project of the construction of Pelamis 2 - an offshore wave energy converter. The project involved working closely with Pelamis Wave Power in Leith where the building took place.

More info can be found here.

Festival of Museums

2011-05-11T07:32:00.007+01:00

The first ever Festival of Museums takes place across Scotland this weekend. 80 events will take place across 70 museums to showcase what Scotland's museums and galleries have on offer. Many of the events are free.

More information can be found here.

I was commissioned by Festivals of Museums to produce press images to highlight events happening in Edinburgh. Blue skies and fantastic costumes helped ensure that coverage was achieved in amongst others, The Scotsman, Metro and Edinburgh Evening News.

You're The One That I Want

2011-05-09T15:10:00.006+01:00

‘You’re the one that I want’! The iconic Pink Ladies from the hit musical Grease, running at the Edinburgh Playhouse (6-21 May) in the capital, know what (numbers) they want as they help celebrate tomorrow’s (Tuesday 10 May) launch of the new EuroMillions draw.

EuroMillions is launching a new Tuesday draw on May 10, with a stunning £85 million jackpot. The special draw marks EuroMillions moving to twice a week, as well as other changes to the game which are designed to create bigger jackpots and even more winners.

The ladies from Grease were a joy to work with - so professional and looked great in their specially made gold jackets.

David Calder - Personal Fitness

2011-05-04T10:14:00.007+01:00

I was recently commissioned by David Calder who runs his own personal fitness and wellness studio in the West End of Edinburgh to produce some images for his website.

The style of the photography was a high end, glossy magazine, polished look to reflect the stylish, professional and friendly reputation the studio has built up.

Visit David's site and view more images here.

Downhill, County Antrim

2011-04-30T20:48:00.004+01:00

I shot this from my car window on the beach at Downhill in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It must be one of the few places in the UK where you can drive along the (11k) beach. Stunning.

1911 Census Released

2011-04-06T08:52:00.006+01:00

The 1911 census was made public for the first time yesterday at the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh.
On had was 100 year old Ann Moncus from Edinburgh who appears in the census when she was just 2 months old.
Staff from the National Archives of Scotland dressed in period costume to celebrate the launch.

See the full set of images on Facebook.

Mary, Queen of Mother's Day

2011-04-04T10:58:00.004+01:00

Mary Queen of Scots dropped by the Queen Anne Cafe at Edinburgh Castle this weekend to sample the delights of the special Mother's Day menu of tea and cakes.

Jolomo

2011-04-01T10:35:00.007+01:00

I first photographed the artist Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison) a couple of years ago on the Isle of Mull. We are both ex-teachers so got on well with each other straight away.

In February this year I photographed the unveiling of a brilliant new paining by John of Bell Rock, commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

John then commissioned me to photograph him at his studio in Argyll. We spent an interesting morning together and hopefully captured some of John's character which influences his paining.

You can find out more about Jolomo here and The Jolomo Foundation here.

Scottish Renewables Conference 2011

2011-03-29T11:45:00.011+01:00

The annual Scottish Renewables conference took place over two days in Glasgow last week and attracted names such as Prof Susan Deacon, VP of National Geographic Terry Garcia and saw Professor Stephen Salter MBE, a world-leading pioneer of wave power technologies, presented the Saltire Prize Medal by First Minister Alex Salmond.

More info here.

NEW HEIGHTS FOR EAST LOTHIAN SCHOOLS

2011-03-26T22:37:00.006Z

Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison MSP visited Knox Academy in East Lothian recently to learn of the latest progress in the roll out of community sports hubs.

Top marks to Shona for getting on the trampoline!

Festival of Museums Launch

2011-03-18T08:43:00.005Z

Buchanan Street in Glasgow was the setting for an impromptu flash mob breakdance performance to mark the programme launch of a brand new festival for Scotland.

The inaugural Festival of Museums will see a jam-packed programme of events taking place in museums and galleries across Scotland from the 13 to 15 May 2011.

More info here.

Visit Cafe Ruby

2011-03-17T07:55:00.006Z

Here's a postcard featuring some photography I shot for my friends Lesley and Peeter who own Cafe Ruby in Edinburgh's Tollcross area.

It's situated right next to the King's Theatre and serves the best coffee in town.

More info from their website here.

Do pop along - they would love to see you.

First Minister visits Stirling's Royal Palace

2011-03-15T21:33:00.004Z

First Minister Alex Salmond has revealed details of a weekend of celebrations to mark the opening of Stirling Castle’s Renaissance royal palace after a £12 million refurbishment.
He made the announcement during a visit to the palace where he saw the first of the original 16th-century Stirling Heads being prepared for display in a specially-created gallery on the upper floor.
The royal palace opens to the public on June 4th and 5th 2011.

More images on Facebook.

Starbucks Unveils New Logo and Store

2011-03-09T11:38:00.013Z

I photographed the newly refurbished Starbucks store on Edinburgh's Royal Mile last year and was delighted when Starbucks commissioned me to photograph their redesigned Knightsbridge store on Brompton Road along with the launch of their new logo.

Day one of the shoot involved me working with Dutch designer Liz Muller to provide interior images of the store. On the second day I provided press and PR images of the store opening along with the unveiling of the new logo.

Starbucks also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Above, top: Darcy Willson-Rymer, Starbucks UK Managing Director unveils the new logo.

Historic Scotland Print Suite for 2011-12

2011-03-04T13:05:00.003Z

Photographing these leaflet and brochure covers for Historic Scotland took me all over the country last year from Orkney in the north to Caerlaverock Castle in the south. Over 2 million guides are printed and distributed.

One of the perks of the job was getting to spend time at some amazing locations. I think the highlight was the Fort George Colossal Event last August which features on the cover of the 2011 Events guide.

Click the image for a closer view.

For more information about Historic Scotland click here.

Dennis The Menace comes to Edinburgh

2011-03-03T15:04:00.007Z

This was a tricky PR shoot yesterday to promote the City of Dundee as the King of the Castles - in Edinburgh.

The picture had several elements needed to convey the message; Edinburgh Castle, Dennis The Menace and an advertising trailer with a giant poster of a castle in Dundee on it.

What made the shoot difficult was the position of the sun which was directly over Edinburgh Castle. I had to use quite a lot of off-camera flash to compensate for the strong sunlight.

You can read about the campaign on the Guardian site here.

First Minister Alex Salmond

2011-03-01T10:49:00.009Z

I was recently commissioned by Holyrood Magazine to photograph First Minister Alex Salmond at Bute House in Edinburgh. The photographs were to illustrate a wide ranging interview with editor Mandy Rhodes and can be found here.

The Jewel of Fife

2011-02-28T16:23:00.006Z

Great property in the lovely village of Aberdour in Fife photographed for Scotland on Sunday's AtHome magazine.

Amazing terraced gardens with a fantastic view over the Firth of Forth, although the day I visited it was so misty that I couldn't even see the sea.

If you are interested, the property is also listed on the ESPS website here.

Corporate Portraits in Edinburgh

2011-02-23T10:58:00.009Z

The brief from the client was to provide corporate portraits which would appeal to National and Regional Press. The office where the photographs were to be taken was very traditional so I decided to use only details of it in the photographs.

I almost never use a flash on my camera and prefer to go for off camera flash. All the images were taken using one flash and a brolly to soften the light, except for the shadow shot.

I was quite happy with the set of images produced and so was the client.

King of the Castle

2011-02-15T12:04:00.008Z

Nick Finnigan has been appointed as Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle, taking over from Barbara Smith.

Nick has worked in Historic Scotland since 1989. His extensive experience within the organisation includes managing corporate hospitality, catering, membership and weddings. In his previous role as Events and Filming Manager, Nick was responsible for the organisation of the packed events programme that entertains the millions of visitors to Historic Scotland’s 345 sites each year.

The Past Reclaimed

2011-02-14T09:39:00.008Z

This recent commission for Scotland on Sunday's AtHome magazine featured a 260 year old historic house in the village of Culross which has been lovingly restored by Samantha Kerr and husband Robin.

Bell Rock Lighthouse

2011-02-11T13:22:00.010Z

Almost 200 years to the day the Bell Rock Lighthouse was lit, I took a trip on the Northern Lighthouse Vessel Pharos to take part in the bi-centenary celebrations.

More information about the Bell Rock can be found here.

Recent work for Taylor Wimpey

2011-02-10T14:05:00.004Z

Queen's Gate is a new development of houses by Taylor Wimpey situated on the outskirts of the beautiful border town of Peebles. I got lucky shooting the exteriors of the houses a couple of weeks ago as the sun appeared just as I arrived then promptly disappeared just after I had taken the images.

I prefer an overcast day when shooting interiors as it makes the light inside more even, avoiding the harsh contrasts which direct sunlight can produce.

Well worth a visit if you are down that way. More information here.

Royal Palace Comes Alive

2011-02-07T09:27:00.007Z

Costumed performers will soon be appearing at the newly restored Royal Palace in Stirling Castle when it opens to the public in June.

The images appeared in in local and national media and will be used for Historic Scotland publications.

Read more on the Stirling Castle blog here.

Expedia open Scottish Office

2011-02-02T10:48:00.005Z

The world's number one on-line travel company Expedia recently opened it's first Scottish office in Edinburgh, headed by Irene Roberts.

The expansion into Scotland is part of the company’s plans to grow its global network of market managers at key destinations around the world.

Tracy Beaker author Jacqueline Wilson

2011-01-28T09:35:00.008Z

Tracy Beaker author Jacqueline Wilson gave her biggest ever book talk yesterday as she took part in a live webcast from BBC Scotland's HQ in Glasgow. The event, organised by the Scottish Book Trust had an audience of over 40,000 children from all over the UK as well as a lucky class from Deans Primary School in Livingston who were there in person.

Lovely lady - she even signed a book for my daughter!

Border Taste Awards 2010

2011-01-26T11:17:00.006Z

The St. Andrew’s Day Taste Awards, created to showcase the Borders’ best food created using the best locally produced ingredients took place on Burn's Night at Wedderburn Castle near Duns in the Scottish Borders.

The rescheduled Border Taste Awards awarded prizes for;

Best Borders Breakfast - awarded to Whitehouse Country House
Best Borders Lunch - awarded to The Caddy Mann Restaurant
Best Borders Dinner - awarded to Allanton Inn

Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism hosted the evening.

To view the full gallery of images and to buy prints visit the GALLERY.

London Calling

2011-01-25T10:33:00.008Z

I was down in London recently working on a commission from VisitBritain with a press trip from Asia who were in town to sample some of the world class service and visit world class establishments. My role was to provide images which the journalists could then use in their various publications.

From top to bottom we have, Sandy Nairne, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Atul Kochhar, owner of Benares Restaurant and Bar in Mayfair and Chantal Coady, owner of Rococo Chocolates, Belgravia.

Perthshire Amber - The Dougie MacLean Festival Photo Gallery

2011-01-20T14:43:00.006Z

The Perthshire Amber - Dougie MacLean Festival Photo Galley is now up and running where you can view over 450 images from last year's Perthshire Amber Festival which ran from the 29th October to 7th November 2010.

The gallery is packed with concert photographs, session and workshop images as well as some behind the scenes shots of Dougie MacLean, Karen Mathieson and others and the winners and runners-up of the Birnam Fiddle Tree competition.

Prints are also available to buy.

Click here to view the gallery.

Heads Up For Stirling

2011-01-18T14:55:00.006Z

I have been following the progress of the Stirling Heads for a couple of years now, photographing master craftsman John Donaldson during the carving of the 37 replica oak medallions.

The heads were masterpieces in themselves and I have to admit that I wasn't sure that I would be so keen on them after I head that they were to be painted. But seeing them positioned on the ceiling of the Kings Inner Hall of Stirling Castle convinced me that it was the right thing to do.

Last month I braved the snow and headed up to Stirling to photograph John and Graciela Ainsworth who led the painting team. The images were used for press and marketing purposes.

I am very much looking forward to June when the project will be complete and the palace will be open to the public.

BUPA GREAT EDINBURGH CROSS COUNTRY

2011-01-09T11:11:00.008Z

Mo Farah produced a great start to his New Year with an awesome performance to win the the International Men's Team Challenge at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country on Saturday.
Farah destroyed the hopes of his rivals with a tactical break with over a lap remaining, winning the eight kilometres race in 25 minutes 41 seconds ahead of the USA's Galen Rupp (25:50) and Spain's Ayad Lamsdassam (25:55).

Cold but beautiful conditions in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park.

More photographs on Facebook

Good enough to Eat

2010-12-30T09:38:00.002Z

Former Miss Scotland Lois Weatherup braves the cold to model a bespoke Lees of Scotland Snowball dress in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow.

As Lees of Scotland, one of Scotland’s leading confectioners, enters its 80th year in business, it’s celebrating with another milestone as it reveals it has produced a mammoth 1.6 billion Snowballs since the product was introduced in the 1950s.

To mark the occasion, a unique snowball dress made from hundreds of Lees Snowballs has been designed by Glasgow School of Art graduate Lori Marshall.

Lees of Scotland is synonymous with the iconic mallow snowballs which are loved by generations. The Lees Snowball is made to a traditional recipe and contains a soft fluffy mallow covered in chocolate and flakes of coconut.

Rather cold in Kelvingrove park - even a hot water bottle and a nibble at the snowballs couldn't warm up the model.

More here and here.

Green Energy Awards 2010

2010-12-08T13:44:00.008Z

Despite the recent poor weather conditions, The Green Energy Awards 2010 took place last week at the EICC and over 800 people attended the event hosted by funnyman Fred MacCaulay. The keynote speak was given by Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore.

View all the images here.

St Andrews Festival

2010-12-02T10:27:00.008Z

One of the few Scotland's Winter Festival events which wasn't called off because of the heavy snow was the St Andrews Festival in the Fife town of St Andrews. The four day long event featured ceilidhs, carol singing, ice skating and fireworks.

Lennoxlove Book Festival

2010-11-26T09:27:00.005Z

Lennoxlove Book Festival which took place at Lennoxlove House near Haddington last weekend and attracted authors such as Alasdair Campbell, Iain M Banks, Mary Contnini and Nicolas Parsons.

Radio Forth Awards 2010

2010-11-19T19:47:00.011Z

One of my favourite gigs of the year, the Radio Forth Awards 2010 took place at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. The awards celebrate local heroes and the audience was treated to performances by Joe McElderry, Olly Murs, Alesha Dixon and Paulo Nutini.

More view the complete gallery and buy prints click here

RSV Originals

2010-11-17T15:10:00.008Z

Russian Standard Vodka Originals brought three nights of concerts this week to the HMV Picture House in Edinburgh. Music fans won tickets to the free concerts performed by Plan B The Hoosiers and White Lies.

This is the second session of concerts I have photographed for RSV - the first being The Noisettes back in May this year.

Perfect 10

2010-11-15T09:54:00.003Z

This image was produced as a publicity shot for the recent Euromillions draw which promised to make 10 people millionaires. It was shot in a studio in Glasgow and took a number of attempts until we got the numbers just the way we wanted them to look. Tricky job shooting in the dark but very pleased with the result.

Too Early for a Resolution?

2010-11-11T10:56:00.005Z

I am delighted that two of my photographs have been used on the latest Dougie MacLean CD Resolution which was launched at Perthshire Amber last week.

Two images of Dougie photographed last year at Perth Concert Hall were used on the back of the jewel case and also on the back cover of the booklet. I also photographed the paining by Jenny MacLean which is used on the cover.

Copies of the Resolution will be available from DougieMacLean.com.

Perthshire Amber - The Dougie MacLean Festival

2010-11-09T09:16:00.008Z

I first met Dougie MacLean in London a few years ago and then photographed him several times last year when working on Homecoming Scotland 2009. I have always admired his music so I was delighted when he asked me to photograph Perthshire Amber - The Dougie MacLean Festival up in Perthshire last week. It's a 10 day long feast of events in locations as diverse as Dunkeld Cathedral, Castle Menzies, Perth Concert Hall, The Crannog and of course Pitlochry Festival Theatre which is the hub of the operation.

Galleries of images can be seen of the Festival Facebook page here and on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RobMcDougallPhoto

Burke and Hare

2010-10-27T13:53:00.006+01:00

As more set-jetters are expected to visit Edinburgh this year on the back of the latest Burke & Hare film, new research carried out by YouGov on behalf of VisitScotland shows that 64% of people across the UK are keen to learn about ghostly myths on an autumn break.

Burke and Hare came to prominence in 1820 when they started murdering and selling their victims bodies for use in Dr Knox’s infamous Edinburgh Medical school classes.

The Burke and Hare movie, starring Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher, Tim Curry and Ronnie Corbett, was filmed at a host of landmarks from around the city including Edinburgh Castle, Heriot Place, Old Fishmarket Close, Merchant Street, Milne Court and the Anatomy Museum at the Medical School of Edinburgh University. It gives a light hearted insight into the escapades of these two evil murders who originally came from Northern Ireland to work on Scotland’s Union Canal.

Photographed for VisitScotland with actors from Mercat Tours.

Are Ya Dancin?

2010-10-13T20:29:00.007+01:00

Are Ya Dancin brought together the thriving professional and community dance organisations within Dundee to celebrate the Delhi Handover Ceremony taking place at this year’s Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony.

Comprising a series of experimental workshops for schools, community groups and the public, the event was a fun, social and healthy celebration accessible to all ages and backgrounds.

The ‘Great Big Dance Show’ finale event will also provided an exciting opportunity for amateur dance groups to perform alongside professional dance companies at the Dundee Rep Theatre.

BUY PRINTS HERE

Foraging with Amanda Hamilton

2010-10-11T09:45:00.010+01:00

I spent the day recently with TV nutritionist Amanda Hamilton at the Ardanaiseig Hotel in Argyll who was taking part in a foraging activity. Foraging for food is becoming increasingly popular in Scotland and VisitScotland is promoting the activity as part of their Harvest campaign.

I have photographed Amanda several times over the years and she is always a joy to work with.

More photographs on my Facebook page.

Quarriers

2010-10-08T09:51:00.004+01:00

YOUNG HOMELESS SCOTS CALL FOR MORE SUPPORT FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT.

YOUNG HOMELESS SCOTS INCLUDING SEAN RICE SUPPORTED BY QUARRIERS PRESENTED A SIGNED PETITION TO RHONA BRANKIN MSP, CONVENOR OF THE PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE CALLING FOR SUPPORT FOR 'OUR CHARTER' WHICH SEEKS CONSISTENT SUPPORT AND CHANGES TO THE HOUSING AND BENEFITS SYSTEM.

Making It All Add Up

2010-10-06T12:04:00.002+01:00

Learning and Teaching Scotland's Connected Magazine with a special feature on how Craft Design and Technology fits in with the new Curriculum for Excellence.

Commissioned for LTS by White Light Media.

Oil Museum Hits The Mark

2010-10-05T08:15:00.006+01:00

Museums Galleries Scotland announced today that a museum collection which tells the story of the Scottish shale oil industry has been unveiled as the 37th Recognised Collection of National Significance. The collection can be seen at the Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston which contains over 2,500 objects including the paraffin lamp and oil samples pictured above.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop visited the centre to mark the occassion.

Well worth a visit. More info here. And the full story on the BBC here.

Feeling Lucky?

2010-10-01T08:40:00.004+01:00

Scottish golden girls Sarah Montgomery, Bo Kawczynska and Diana Strausa were dressed to impress in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens yesterday when they sported specially commissioned gold kilts to promote the EuroMillions Mega Jackpot draw, when one lucky Scot could scoop an estimated £82 million*.

The kilts were created by Edinburgh kilt designer, Howie Nicholsby of 21st Century Kilts.

All the photographs on the Facebook page here.

Transition Town

2010-09-27T14:58:00.006+01:00

Portraits of three members of the North Howe Transition Toun in Fife which is trying to reduce the amount of oil used in their daily lives. Photographs for Scotland on Sunday Spectrum Magazine.

Five Seasons in One Day

2010-09-24T08:43:00.006+01:00

I was up in Orkney last week photographing key sites for next year's Historic Scotland leaflets, brochures and guidebooks. It was a challenging shoot due to the micro climate which Orkney has. We could literally see the rain coming over the hill and within 2 minutes it would be on us and we would have to run for cover.

Scara Brae, the Neolithic Settlement was closed for part of the day we were there due to Force 9 winds. Fortunately there is a replica village built into the excellent visitor centre so we were able to get the shots we needed.

Great fun. Next year I think we should aim for May.

SMWS at Whisky Live

2010-09-13T11:27:00.005+01:00

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society have launched a brand new website called The Spirit Cellars which enables customers to find their perfect whisky. The website was launched at Whisky Live, the annual Whisky Festival which takes place in Glasgow every year. Guests were also give the chance to win an iPad.

Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival Launch

2010-09-03T08:42:00.005+01:00

Idlewild frontman Rod Jones, ex-Delgados singer Emma Pollock and Sparrow and the Machine singer Jill O'Sullivan gather at the Royal Burgh of Rutherglen Town Hall to launch the 2010 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival.

Also on offer this year is a new album Music Like a Vitamin and two concerts in Edinburgh and Glasgow. More info here.

MGEITF 2010 Sunday Highlights

2010-09-02T12:50:00.003+01:00

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that Katie Price canceled her appearance at the Festival - would have been good fun and a bit of a bun fight with the other photographers but Doctor Who's Karen Gillan more than made up for it. Doctor Who writer Stephen Moffat was also good value along with Michael Grade.

MGEITF 2010 Saturday Highlights

2010-08-31T21:46:00.005+01:00

Highlights from Saturday at the Festival included The Bill and Eastenders star Scott Malsden, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Shameless creator Paul Abbot with Mariella Frostrop and Coronation Street creator Tony Warren.

MGEITF 2010 Friday Highlights

2010-08-30T11:02:00.008+01:00

The UK's TV industry descended on Scotland's capital city last weekend for the annual MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

For the second year I was commissioned to provide photography services for the three day festival which involved supplying press images, covering delegate sessions, lectures and parties.

Friday's highlights included the McTaggart lecture by BBC Director General Mark Thompson, TV's Got To Dance competition, hosted by Vernon Kay, an appearance by Louis Spence and Radio 2's Jeremy Vine.

Striking the right (Harpsi)Chord

2010-08-25T09:56:00.001+01:00

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop marked the announcement of more than £200,000 of funding for Recognised Collections of National Significance with a visit to University of Edinburgh's Collection of Historic Musical Instruments.