The best camera in the world is the one you have with you. So goes the saying and it's so true. Today a walk on Balnakeil Beach presented the Big House in all it's splendour. Perched on it's outcrop of rock, this is a truly imposing building. It is thought that a building has stood here since the 12th century with links to the Bishop of Caithness and later, the chiefs of Clan Mackay. Age old stories tell of a secret passage between the house and Balnakeil Church dug by monks.

One thing was clear today, the mood called for a monochrome image. For once, I had the best camera in the world at my disposal.

Anybody that knows me will tell you that I'm not a morning person. That's a bit of a disadvantage when some of the best light is to be experienced in the early hours. A phone call from a friend on the way out of the village alerted me to some amazing light and low hanging mist - "get yourself out there" was the suggestion, and a good one it was too.

The light was truly amazing, the mist clinging to the hills filtering the sunlight and bathing the Kyle of Durness in the most beautiful soft light. The light and mist were constantly changing as a gentle breeze moved things along making composition challenging and metering more so.

As is often the case, my Virgo characteristics of over-analysis and concentration on detail meant that I didn't quite capture the image I was hoping for, however, this image of Grudie was a welcome consolation. 

Back at the gallery in time for coffee, the image on-screen had a similar quality to that of a watercolour painting. Working with this thought, this became one of the very rare occasions when I have decided to soften the image slightly to emphasise the simplicity of the composition. 

A very satisfying session - I must work on this morning thing!