Hi, I’m Mark

I’m an Australian living in Scotland. It’s easy to remember because I mention it all the time. I also like climbing mountains and usually manage to avoid falling off them.

Growing up in Australia was great.

I developed a love for the outdoors because my parents would lock my siblings and I out like the “heathens” we were (as my mum put it).

The joke was on my parents though!

I would go adventuring with my friends, get absolutely grubby and then proudly walk dirt through the house to my parents’ outrage.

Born and raised in Australia and I try my hardest to fit the stereotypes.

climber climbing a wall barefoot

This is what happens when I ask my friends to take photos of me, nothing but blur!

Went up a mountain, loved it.

Went up a bunch more mountains, continued to love it.

I even fell off one once and still love going up big steep hills! My photographic journey and my love for the mountains began at the same time and place: 2013, Whistler, Canada.

I did say I try my best to fit the Australian stereotypes and nothing screams Aussie more than spending a winter season in Whistler.

I was 19. I took a camera without really knowing what I was doing, and while I was there felt an incredible affinity for the surrounding mountains.

I felt so much peace while wandering about the forests or peaks.

Why did you move to Scotland? WHY DID YOU MOVE TO SCOTLAND!?

Scotland makes me feel the way you feel when the music from “How to Train Your Dragon” comes on. It’s the best way I can describe it.

Australia is seen as this glorious sunshine country full of beautiful places and people (which is true, we are all beautiful and the places are glorious) but Scotland had a way of seeping into my soul and making me feel at home.

I have a special place in my heart for Australia but Scotland has well and truly become my home.

While I have picked up a few Scottish traits like deep frying everything and loudly trash talking England whenever I’m down there I have held onto one of the core things about Australia that I love.

Colloquially said as “She’ll be right”. When things go wrong you keep your head up take it as it comes and work around the problems that arise.

It’s worked out so far.