Mental health issues affect 1 in 4 people in Scotland. At the beginning of 2021 I experienced a significant mental health breakdown. At the time there were a number of different things in my life that were contributing to my mental state and very little I could do about any of them. I sought help and eventually discovered that I had an anxiety disorder.

While trying to bring that under control, I ended up developing dark thoughts tending towards self-harm. This was my lowest point.

After what felt like an eternity, lockdown restrictions began to ease and I was able to dash to the Highlands. Get away from my empty flat and the constant feeling of being locked away.

The first trip I made was out to the north west where I parked my car and sat watching Suilven. I didn’t even go hiking, just watched as the shifting light transformed the land in front of me.

While I began to heal I realised that I wanted to use my skills as a photographer to do more than just pay my bills.

And so the idea of Northern Home began to form. Today that journey has led here; to an exhibition of my fine art landscape photographs with the intent to inform, inspire and guide the public on how they can explore the highlands in safe, ethical and sustainable ways.

The highlands have been a haven for healing to me. Now I want to do my part to make that accessible to others while providing information on the importance of keeping the wilderness wild. Each print in the Northern Home exhibition will be accompanied by specific information on how to visit those places whether by car, bus or other means, as well as tips for safety and leaving the land untouched.