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.
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| Urquhart Castle, Inverness, Scotland. |
🔥 Over 3.3 Million Views Later…
Not long after uploading, I noticed the view count climbing… fast. That image of Urquhart Castle ended up being featured on the location’s Google Maps listing and soon crossed the 3 million view mark.
It was an incredible feeling to know that something I had captured was now being used to help travellers all over the world visualise their destination. My photo had become a tiny part of their planning and inspiration.
🌐 Becoming a Google Maps Contributor (Local Guide)
That one experience ignited something in me. Since then, I’ve contributed thousands of updates to Google Maps, including:
- 📸 Sharing travel photos from around the UK and beyond
- ✍️ Writing honest, helpful reviews
- 🛠️ Correcting outdated or incorrect information
- 🧭 Removing duplicate locations
- 🏪 Adding businesses that weren’t yet listed
I’ve also taken pride in supporting small businesses and local attractions, making sure they’re visible and properly represented online.
💡 Why It Matters
We rely on Google Maps every day — not just for directions, but to discover, trust, and plan. Whether it's checking out a viewpoint, reading reviews, or verifying opening hours, the contributions from local guides make a big difference.
For me, being part of that ecosystem has been deeply rewarding. It’s a chance to give back and to help others fall in love with travel too — just as I did that day in the Highlands.
🗺️ The Journey Continues
That one photo of Urquhart Castle might have been the start, but it certainly wasn’t the end. I continue to share, review, and contribute as I travel — because you never know who might be helped or inspired by something you’ve seen through your lens.
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