‘One of the world’s great coasts’: Photographer explores Caithness cliffs and shores in new book

The imposing cliffs, dramatic stacks, rocky shorelines and pristine beaches of Caithness make it “one of the world’s great coasts”, according to award-winning natural history photographer Ken Crossan.

Ken’s new book, Life at the Edge, is an exploration in words and images of 147 miles of coastline – and, with spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife all around, he was “spoilt for choice” about what to include.

He describes the project as being particularly close to his heart and one that he had been longing to complete for years.

Life at the Edge: The Natural History of the Caithness Coast, published by Whittles Publishing of Dunbeath, is divided into five broad habitats with each photograph accompanied by explanatory information.

Ken lives in Wick, having moved from Glasgow around 30 years ago. He is a multi-award-winning photographer and naturalist who has been recognised in international competitions including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature’s Best, with his images exhibited in venues such as London’s Natural History Museum and the Smithsonian in Washington.

Ken was happy to take part in a Q&A to discuss his new book and his life as a photographer.

How long have you been working on Life at the Edge, and has it meant exploring every nook and cranny of the Caithness coastline in all weathers?

“My latest photographic project is one that is particularly close to my heart and one which I have longed to undertake for many years. The Caithness coast has been described as one of the great coastlines of the world, yet, perhaps surprisingly, its natural history has not been recorded systematically before.

“In taking on the task of capturing the essence of this wonderful stretch of coastline, I felt that it was a privilege, yet quite a responsibility. Life at the Edge provides a photographic record illustrating selected elements of the natural wonders of our coast along with descriptions relating to each image.

“There is so much diversity that I was spoilt for choice about what to include and what to omit and the selection process was not an easy one. In a similar vein, decisions had to be made about when to draw the project to a close – nature is unpredictable, particularly in these times of climate change, with different emphases year-on-year. In the end, it took six years to capture the images to give what I felt was a fair representation of my perspective of our coast.

“Although I was familiar with the coastline, this project gave me the opportunity to explore exciting new nooks and crannies that I had not come across before. Moreover, it took me out in all conditions that any person in their right senses would not have endured – being battered by horizontal hail, getting soaked through by sea spray whipped up on wild seas, battling against gale-force winds along exposed cliffs and trudging through snow on winter clifftops.

“Challenging though these were, they were really exhilarating experiences and, of course, were balanced by more comfortable warm, calm summer days in the dunes or crisp, fresh winter walks along deserted, pristine beaches.”

Do you have a favourite section of Caithness coast, one that you find yourself drawn to more than any other?

“There are spectacular features all along our coast which draw in large numbers – both locals and visitors – such as the Stacks of Duncansby which are, arguably, the jewel in the crown of the Caithness coastal geology. However, it is the more remote, less frequented areas of the coastline where I feel most at peace with the world.

“Having said that, it was the subject matter rather than the location that produced the highlights of my exploration of the coast – to name a few, highlights such as finding a Scottish primrose, the county flower found only in this part of the world, on the links on a calm May evening; monitoring grey seal pups, one of the most endearing mammals in the animal kingdom, along rocky shorelines in November and December; observing a fulmar effortlessly gliding with the air currents along the cliffs during the summer breeding season; and interacting with a curled octopus during its relocation after being stranded in a rock pool.”

What is it that makes the Caithness coast so special? And what challenges do you face in trying to convey these unique qualities through your photography?

“The combination of its geology and climate has resulted in our unique coast. The deep deposits of Old Red Sandstone on which Caithness lies, formed some 370 million years ago, are exposed on the coast forming cliffs that have been faulted and folded by tectonic processes and that, in relatively more recent times, have been scoured and fractured by a series of ice ages.

“While most of the coast comprises these majestic cliffs with spectacular Old Red Sandstone features, beaches have been formed where sand has been deposited in sheltered bays, often backed by dunes and links beyond.

“Moreover, given the latitude of Caithness, 58 degrees north, similar to that of northern Canada or Siberia, the climate is much more temperate than might be expected. This is due both to the maritime influences on our climate and to the benign influence of the Gulf Stream.

“From stunning spectacles such as the internationally important numbers of breeding seabirds on the cliffs during the summer months to the delicate details of our coastal butterflies, the diversity of fauna and flora along our coast never ceases to amaze.

“By selectively highlighting the richness of the coastal landscapes, the birds, marine mammals, invertebrates and coastal plants, Life at the Edge provides the reader with images and information which describes one of the world’s great coasts.”

Do you hope the book might inspire others to get out and explore our coast?

“My hope is that this book will inspire others, locals and visitors alike, to go out and explore the wonders of our special coast and appreciate what an amazing and diverse environment it is – one which we should treasure, promote and be proud of.

“From picturesque harbours nestled in tranquil bays to dramatic geological features; from sheltered coastal waters to wild, stormy seas crashing against the cliffs; from long stretches of often deserted golden sands with protective dunes to rocky shores studded with rock pools full of life, our coast has so much from which to choose that there is something for everyone.”

Based on your experience, what are the most important attributes when photographing wildlife and the natural environment: technical expertise, a creative eye, timing, patience, or a combination of everything?

“What would my top tips be for the budding natural history photographer? First and foremost, know your subject – the better your understanding of what you are going to photograph, the greater are your chances of capturing your best shot and the natural behaviour that you are looking for.

“Persevere – I often go back and try the same subject again and again, learning from what I have already taken. The more you persevere, the luckier you get!

“And finally, ultimately photography is all about the light – but remember, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it always has to be bright and sunny. Often you want to avoid direct sun so that texture and detail are enhanced and distracting shadows eliminated. But most important of all, have fun – love and enjoy what you are doing.”

Are you planning any illustrated talks or other events to promote the book?

“I will do my best to promote the area by offering illustrated talks to interested groups and organisations, both locally and beyond. Indeed, I already have dates in my diary.”

Can you tell us about your previous book projects?

“I was fortunate enough to co-author a book on the Wild Flowers of the North Highlands of Scotland [Birlinn, 2009], providing the photographs to illustrate the text by the late Ken Butler, local botanist and Caithness plant recorder.

“In 2016, An Amazing Adventure: The Story of a Grey Seal Pup was published, with photographs taken on a daily basis, providing a unique insight into the development and behaviour of one particular local grey seal pup, from the day of its birth until its entry into the North Sea as an independent young seal.”

Life at the Edge: The Natural History of the Caithness Coast, by Ken Crossan, is published by Whittles Publishing (£18.99, softback). It features 280 colour photographs.

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