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Scotland is a beautiful country with so much to see, from bustling cities to tranquil lochs and historic castles. When I visited recently, I based myself in Dundee and used it as a starting point for trips to Inverness, St Andrews, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. It was an adventure — but one that came with a lot of time spent in the car! In this post, I’ll share why I’d now recommend splitting your stay across a few locations to make the most of your Scottish adventure. 1️⃣ The Road Trip vs The Day Trip At first, having one hotel in Dundee seemed practical. However, we found ourselves spending hours driving back and forth each day — for example, our day trip to Inverness meant being on the road for well over 6 hours in total. While the scenery was beautiful, the long drives meant less time to actually explore the places we’d come to see. Staying in multiple locations could have saved so much time, allowing us to focus on enjoying each destination rather than rushing to fit everything in befor...

There’s something truly exciting about seeing your own photographs appear on Google Maps — a visual trail of places visited, memories made, and moments captured. I’ve always loved photographing different locations, whether it’s a landmark, a tucked-away viewpoint, or something as simple as a bridge. But what I enjoy even more is the process of adding those images as pins to the map. 🌍✨ With each photo uploaded, a tiny footprint is left behind — not just for me, but for others navigating the same roads. It’s rewarding knowing that someone searching for a viewpoint, a historic church, or a hidden gem might find my photo helpful in making their own travel decisions. For those who don’t want to share photos publicly, there’s a great option in the form of GeoPhoto , a paid desktop app. 📸🗺️ It displays your geotagged images right on a map interface — and seeing those little image bubbles popping up all over is such a satisfying experience. I’ve used it to explore my own journey visually...

As someone passionate about photography and travel, contributing to Google Maps has become more than a hobby, it’s a responsibility I take seriously. My journey began when one of my images of Urquhart Castle reached over 3.3 million views on Google Maps. That moment truly inspired me to keep sharing meaningful, helpful content with the wider world. Since then, I’ve added thousands of contributions, including reviews, photos, and even fixing map inaccuracies or removing duplicate listings. I’ve even added new businesses to the map that weren’t there before! 📸 DSLR Over Mobile — Here’s Why While it’s easy to snap and upload a photo directly from a phone, I personally prefer using a DSLR. The difference in clarity, composition, and control is huge. But it’s not the fastest route. I like to edit my images before uploading. I avoid sharing photos straight from my mobile device. One big challenge? No built-in GPS on most DSLRs. This means I have to manually pinpoint the location — which isn...

I’ve been contributing to Google Maps for a few years now, and while it may seem as simple as snapping a photo and uploading it, there’s a lot more to it, especially if, like me, you're passionate about photography and doing things properly. I’ll be honest: I don’t love uploading raw photographs straight from a mobile. My preferred process involves capturing images on a DSLR, taking them home, reviewing and editing them, and only then uploading. For me, it's about more than just ticking a location box. It's about contributing thoughtfully. 🎯 Why Take the Extra Steps? Uploading to Google Maps carries a certain responsibility. Out of respect for others, I always try to avoid faces and car registrations in my shots. Even though photos taken in public spaces are allowed, let’s be real, no one wants their face turning up uninvited on Google Maps. I usually avoid including people altogether, or if unavoidable, I blur faces and plates in post-processing. 📷 The DSLR Challenge: No...

From a young age, I’ve loved travelling and exploring the world — but I never imagined that a single photo I took would end up being seen over 3.3 million times. That’s exactly what happened with my image of Urquhart Castle, perched dramatically on the edge of Loch Ness in Scotland. 📸 That photo didn’t just go viral — it changed the way I see travel. 🏰 The Moment at Urquhart Castle It was during a day trip to Inverness that I visited Urquhart Castle. With only a limited amount of time, I explored the area around the castle and took in the breath-taking views from nearby vantage points. The photo in question was taken overlooking Loch Ness, with the castle ruins nestled in the landscape — timeless, powerful, and quietly beautiful. Without overthinking it, I uploaded the image to Google Maps alongside a few others from the trip. I had no idea what would happen next. Urquhart Castle, Inverness, Scotland. 🔥 Over 3.3 Million Views Later… Not long after uploading, I noticed the view count...

Scotland is full of unforgettable landscapes, but Inverness holds something truly special — even if you only have a day to explore it. I visited Inverness on a day trip and spent the day outdoors, camera in hand, soaking in the stunning Highland atmosphere. While I didn’t venture inside many buildings, the exteriors, views, and riverside walks were more than enough to leave a lasting impression. 📍 Highlights from My Camera Roll Even with limited time, I managed to capture a wide variety of sights — each offering its own charm and story Friars Bridge & Ness Bridge I took two beautiful shots while standing on Greig Street Bridge — one facing towards Ness Bridge, and another looking out at Friars Bridge. The views across the River Ness from here are simply breath-taking and offer a sweeping look at Inverness’s scenic charm. Friars Bridge, Inverness, Scotland. Ness Bridge, Inverness Scotland Inverness Castle Though I didn’t go inside, the castle made an impressive silhouette against t...