Skip to content

In pictures: Winter solstice across Scotland

The winter solstice on Tuesday was captured on camera across Scotland

Glenferness Invader/BBC Weather Watchers Sunrise — 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.

Spectacular sunsets and sunrises - like this one in Elgin - were the order of the day

Astronut/BBC Weather Watchers Elgin — Spectacular sunsets and sunrises - like this one in Elgin - were the order of the day

Not everywhere enjoyed much sunlight - like West Linton in the Borders

Jim Kirkdean/BBC Weather Watchers West Linton — Not everywhere enjoyed much sunlight - like West Linton in the Borders

The view across Loch Gairloch was particularly impressive on the solstice

Ian and Bracken/BBC Weather Watchers Sunrise — The view across Loch Gairloch was particularly impressive on the solstice

Stirling was another site where the skies were less clear

Graham/BBC Weather Watchers Stirling — Stirling was another site where the skies were less clear

The sun coming up at Helmsdale in the Highlands

Helmsdale Strath and Sea View/BBC Weather Watchers Sunrise — The sun coming up at Helmsdale in the Highlands

A cold evening at South Queensferry

Lauren/BBC Weather Watchers Winter Solstice — A cold evening at South Queensferry

An orange glow over Elgin

The Cutter/BBC Weather Watchers Elgin — An orange glow over Elgin

The sun breaking through the trees near Elgin on the winter solstice

Sunseeker/BBC Weather Watchers Elgin — The sun breaking through the trees near Elgin on the winter solstice

Looking south towards Beinn Tulaichean from Cruach Ardrain from Bruce McConnell

Bruce McConnell Winter solstice — Looking south towards Beinn Tulaichean from Cruach Ardrain from Bruce McConnell

Solstice sunrise at Callanish, Isle of Lewis, submitted by Nicola Kerr

Nicola Kerr Standing stones — Solstice sunrise at Callanish, Isle of Lewis, submitted by Nicola Kerr

South Queensferry