Ben Nevis in Winter Raiment

The winter of 1981/82 proved to be one of the most severe in the Highlands for many years, with night-time temperatures dropping, even in Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, to below -20C. For the mountain photographer these unusual conditions proved to be most advantageous because earlier falls of heavy snow remained on the mountains – even down to sea level – for days on end. These stable anticyclonic conditions provided calm days of clear air and light of outstanding quality. On this particular evening the setting sun bathed the totally snow covered mountain in the most delicate pink light, and the still air yielded an elusive reflection in the waters of Loch Eil.