Wave power station panorama from 2005, Isle of Islay

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Panoramic picture of an industrial concrete building, a wave power station
Wave power station panorama from 2005, Isle of Islay

It’s long gone now, but back in 2005 when I took the pictures for this panorama it was still very new and exciting. This is a panoramic view of the experimental wave power station at Claddach on the Rhinns of Islay. Waves came in from the Atlantic (on the left, obviously), driving air through the tunnel (centre) and out through the vents (on the right). When the wave went out again the same process went in reverse. This drove a wind turbine in the station, generating electricity.

I was told it made a lot of noise and could be heard for quite a distance. Also the grid in the area didn’t have enough capacity, so it couldn’t be used to its full capacity.

Colourful cloudy sunset over waves in Machir Bay, Isle of Islay

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Picture of a dramatic colourful sunset behind clouds over a bay with breaking waves rolling in
Colourful cloudy sunset over waves in Machir Bay, Isle of Islay

A November sunset on the west coast of Islay. Clouds over Machir Bay mostly hide the sun, yet we are treated to some beautiful dramatic colours over the waves rolling into the bay and breaking as they approach Kilchoman beach.

June evening sun in Sanaigmore Bay, Isle of Islay

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Picture of low sun over a bay with a beach and rocks
June evening sun in Sanaigmore Bay, Isle of Islay

A beautiful June evening in the north west of Islay at Sanaigmore Bay, standing on the beach between some rocks. The bright sun is low in the sky over the steep cliffs to the west of the bay, reflecting on the water.