Scotland in January can stop you in your tracks. Snow dusts the hills, fog hangs over rivers, and every breath feels crisp enough to snap. This week, BBC Scotland’s “Your pictures of Scotland” feature (9-16 January) is pure magic, with readers sending in shots that make you want to pull on boots and head north right now.
Three images in particular have stolen hearts across social media.
Eric Niven’s Winter Fairytale in Dunkeld
Eric Niven, from Dundee, braved a snowy walk in Dunkeld and came back with a photograph that looks like it belongs on a Christmas card. A small cottage sits tucked beside a forest, everything blanketed in thick snow, trees heavy with frost.
“The snow can be a nuisance but also beautiful at times,” Eric told BBC Scotland.
He is not wrong. Dunkeld, perched on the edge of the Highlands in Perthshire, had a proper dumping of snow last week. Locals say it was the heaviest fall in the area since 2021. The River Tay was half-frozen, and the Hermitage woodland turned into Narnia. Eric’s shot has already been shared hundreds of times on X and Instagram, with people tagging friends and writing “need to visit”.
Barry Pert’s Perfect Robin Moment
Meanwhile in Falkirk, Barry Pert was walking near the River Carron in Bothkennar when Britain’s favourite bird landed right in front of him.
That cheeky robin redbreast, puffed up against the cold, perched on a branch with the soft light catching every feather. It is the kind of photo that makes you smile out loud.
Robins have been especially bold this winter. RSPB Scotland says the cold weather pushes them closer to paths and gardens looking for food. Barry’s photo is perfect timing and perfect luck. It is now one of the most-liked images in the gallery.
Kim Bennett’s Ethereal Twilight in Cupar
Then there is Kim Bennett’s atmospheric masterpiece from Cupar in Fife. She finished work, stepped out into freezing fog, and found a park path lit only by old-fashioned street lamps. Bare trees arched overhead like something from a Victorian ghost story.
“Freezing fog in Cupar made for a rather ethereal walk along the river after work,” Kim said.
The photo is hauntingly beautiful. The fog was so thick last week that it lingered all day in parts of Fife, creating scenes that photographers dream about. Kim’s image has been called “pure mood” on social media, with many saying it should be printed and framed.
Why These Photos Hit So Hard Right Now
Scotland is in the middle of a proper cold snap. The Met Office recorded -9°C in parts of the Highlands overnight on 14 January, and snow gates were closed on the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul road for several days.
People are craving beauty after the grey drizzle of early winter. These photos arrive at exactly the right moment. They remind us that Scotland does winter better than almost anywhere else.
They also show the power of community photography. Every week, hundreds of people email scotlandpictures@bbc.co.uk with their shots. The BBC team picks the best ten or so, and suddenly ordinary walkers, commuters, and dog-owners become published photographers.
It is democratic, joyful, and very Scottish.
How to Get Your Photo Featured
Want in? It is easy.
- Take your own photo (no stock images or other people’s work)
- Keep yourself and others safe
- If children are in the shot, get written permission from parents
- Email it to scotlandpictures@bbc.co.uk with your name and where it was taken
The BBC owns nothing. You keep full copyright. They just get to show the world how gorgeous your country looks through your eyes.
These January images prove once again that you do not need fancy gear or perfect conditions. You just need to step outside, look up, and press the shutter when Scotland decides to show off.
Which of this week’s photos is your favourite? Have you managed to capture the winter magic yourself? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or share your own shots on social media with #YourPicturesOfScotland. Who knows, yours could be in next week’s gallery.
