One of the first books of photographs that I bought in the 1970s was entitled ‘Edinburgh’ by Douglas Corrance. As well as the ‘tourist’ sights of Edinburgh, Douglas also included more intimate and quirky images that captures the people and details of the places. I really liked this approach and, in this gallery, I've tried to capture images of Edinburgh that show aspects of the city that are, perhaps, less familiar that the conventional tourist images of the Castle, Calton Hill, Festival performers and so on.
Edinburgh has retained much of its character because people live in the city and not just in the suburbs. Most of the city dwellers live in tenement flats but until I got this shot of flats with a rainbow, I'd never been happy with simple tenement pictures.
Edinburgh has all sorts of pubs from seedy dives through Victorian marvels to ultra-modern bars. The Canny Mans in Morningside is one of the quirkiest. It was established in 1871 and is still owned by the same family. I liked this image because of the intimacy of the couple sitting at the bar.
Bruntsfield links was established as a golf course in (reputedly) the 15th century and there is a still a public pitch and putt course where you can play without a fee. The links are a route from Brunstfield to the University and City Centre and they've been planted with delightful spring flowers.
I was walking across the Meadows one misty November evening and, as usual, there were lots of people heading home. I think this image really captures the atmosphere of the evening.
I'm not the kind of person who gets invited to garden parties but my wife was invited to the Hollywood garden party and I thought it would be an interesting experience. I took this picture as it was coming to an end and I think it captures the diversity of people at these occasions. I really like the photography of Martin Parr and I was flattered when this was compared to his work.
Edinburgh book
It's not enough now to walk up Arthur's Seat - to demonstrate to the world that you've been up there, you need to take a selfie. I like the simplicity of this image with the woman silhouetted in front of the single cloud that's lit by the setting sun.
Many people in Scotland now believe that an independent Scotland, with its Parliament in this building, is the key to a more prosperous and sustainable future. Of course, there are risks to independence but I see no real alternative if we are to take our placce as a European nation.
Pentlands, Pentland Hills
A little bit of the Wild West in douce Morningside. Built to film an advert I believe.
Travellers, Waverley station. I liked the contrast of the shadow pattern and the arrangement of people in this image.
Warriston cemetery
Warriston cemetery
