Church of Rodel, Outer Hebrides Photograph by Jim Richardson, National GeographicThe 15th-century church of Rodel on the Isle of Lewis, built for the warlike chiefs of the MacLeods, towers over the sea lochs of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Nothing in early modern Britain, from its cities to its remotest corners, was more political than religion. The church in every parish—nearly always the most imposing building—was as much a symbol of worldly control as a shrine to God. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Highland Cattle, Scotland Photograph by Patrick KelleyWhile hiking in Scotland we encountered an ancient breed of highland cattle known as “kyloe.” They are stout and have adapted to grazing on plants that many other cattle avoid. Their long shaggy hair protects them from the cold winters and rainy weather. They curiously approached us because to them, I’m sure we were the unusual-looking visitors! Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Whitesands Beach Near St. David’s Head Photograph by Jim RichardsonSeen from a rocky hilltop, low cliffs frame Whitesands Beach on the West Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. Situated west of England on the island of Great Britain, Wales has 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) of coastline along the Irish Sea, a mountainous interior, and breathtaking pastoral beauty. Comparable in size to Massachusetts, Wales is a regionally diverse land rich in Celtic history.
Basalt Pinnacles, Scotland Photograph by Jim Richardson This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine FeaturesOn Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula, basalt pinnacles loom over the Sound of Raasay. Rising from the debris of an ancient landslide, they bear witness to the geologic upheavals that shaped these lands. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Meadows Park, Scotland Photograph by Mike Bascombe, My Shot This Month in Photo of the Day: Nature and EnvironmentMeadows Park in Edinburgh has its avenues lined with trees. This early morning shot was taken in especially thick fog as people walk through on their way to work. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
Shetland Isles Cow Photograph by Kate Ali This Month in Photo of the Day: Your PhotosThis shot was taken at Voe Agricultural Show, Shetland Isles. A very handsome specimen, but it was completely nonplussed about the prospects of winning a trophy!
Sheep, Scotland Photograph by Jim Richardson This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine FeaturesTangles of seaweed lure a flock of sheep from Iona’s green slopes down to the beach for a mineral-rich graze. In Gaelic this stretch of coast is called Camas Cùil an t-Sàimh, the “bay at the back of the ocean.” Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)