Skip to content

In pictures: Winter solstice across Scotland

Glenferness Invader/BBC Weather Watchers SunriseGlenferness Invader/BBC Weather Watchers
The winter solstice on Tuesday was captured on camera across Scotland

The winter solstice - the day with the shortest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere - fell on Tuesday.

It also marked the first day of winter on the astronomical calendar - although that began three weeks ago in meteorological terms.

Despite the relative lack of sunlight, BBC Weather Watchers around Scotland captured some striking images of the day.

Here is a selection of their views from across the country.

Astronut/BBC Weather Watchers ElginAstronut/BBC Weather Watchers
Spectacular sunsets and sunrises - like this one in Elgin - were the order of the day
Jim Kirkdean/BBC Weather Watchers West LintonJim Kirkdean/BBC Weather Watchers
Not everywhere enjoyed much sunlight - like West Linton in the Borders
Ian and Bracken/BBC Weather Watchers SunriseIan and Bracken/BBC Weather Watchers
The view across Loch Gairloch was particularly impressive on the solstice
Graham/BBC Weather Watchers StirlingGraham/BBC Weather Watchers
Stirling was another site where the skies were less clear
Helmsdale Strath and Sea View/BBC Weather Watchers SunriseHelmsdale Strath and Sea View/BBC Weather Watchers
The sun coming up at Helmsdale in the Highlands
Lauren/BBC Weather Watchers Winter SolsticeLauren/BBC Weather Watchers
A cold evening at South Queensferry
The Cutter/BBC Weather Watchers ElginThe Cutter/BBC Weather Watchers
An orange glow over Elgin
Sunseeker/BBC Weather Watchers ElginSunseeker/BBC Weather Watchers
The sun breaking through the trees near Elgin on the winter solstice
Bruce McConnell Winter solsticeBruce McConnell
Looking south towards Beinn Tulaichean from Cruach Ardrain from Bruce McConnell
Nicola Kerr Standing stonesNicola Kerr
Solstice sunrise at Callanish, Isle of Lewis, submitted by Nicola Kerr