We've recently launched our Supported by Tiso scheme, so what better time to meet our ambassadors? We catch up with Munro-bagging Shetlander Bee Leask.
My name is Bee, short for Bernadette, and I live in the rather large town of Coatbridge, just outside Glasgow. I'm from Shetland originally and while I used to enjoy the 24hr convenience of the city and the hustle and bustle when I was younger, I have to say I now crave what I grew up with... and that is literally having the sea on my doorstep, living somewhere a bit more remote. The plan has always been to move west coast, so hoping that will happen in the near future. Plus it will be handy being closer to the hills!
I've always loved the outdoors from a very young age, but growing up on a remote Scottish island before mobile phones has that effect on you. Every day I used to be on the beach after school or running about the hills, or cycling with friends. I got to enjoy the amazing Mirrie Dancers, the stunning sunsets and the unrelenting, dramatic weather without probably appreciating, at that time, how lucky I was.
There are no Munros in Shetland, so that love came later to me. I have to admit, before 2013 I didn't even know what a Munro was! The concept that you could actually WALK to the top of the hills in Glen Coe (a place my Dad always took us as kids) blew my mind a bit. It wasn't until around 3 years ago that I bagged my first, Ben More on the Isle of Mull. After that, I was hooked! Now it's a gradual progression: from summer walking and winter hiking to camping, there's so much to do and I can't wait to try it all!
I'd never describe myself as a photographer, I'd only ever see myself as an opportunist. I never go anywhere with the sole intention to take a photo. I'm always just going on a trip, cycling around an island, bagging a Munro or camping on a hillside because I love it and because I want to be there. The photography is very much a by-product of that, but one that I equally love. I've always taken lots of pictures but always as a memory or memento of a time or occasion, and sharing it on social media is exactly the same thing. It's almost like my online diary and I love sharing these wee moments. I also hope they inspire people, especially girls, to get out there and do it for themselves.
Perfect day in Scotland? Is there anything but a perfect day in Scotland?! I absolutely love this country and to be honest, I've had soooooo many perfect days already from cycling in the sun round Coll and Tiree, to camping solo on Conic Hill for sunset, road tripping the North Coast 500, to having endless amazing clear and dry and wet and miserable days on the hills, to loch swims and road trips and skinny dips! Every single one has been perfect and all for very different reasons.
I have a few kit list essentials. One is my bright pink Berghaus 30L rucksack. I've had it a while now, but I absolutely love it. It's really practical with great storage and support, but is also really bright and girlie, which is just what I want from my outdoor gear. Second, my Salewa Women's Raven Combi GTX winter boots. They are soooo comfortable and are extremely hard-wearing. And last but not least? My bobble hat. It keeps my head and ears warm in the unrelenting Scottish winters AND summers, plus it's also cute as a button. What more could you want?
If my pictures encourage, or give confidence to one person (especially the girls!) to get out there and try something different, then I'm happy. I have a genuine passion for Scotland and the outdoors. I love this country, from the islands to the Munros and everything in between! I intend to explore as much of it as possible, by foot, boat, bike or kayak. All I hope is that my passion comes across on my Instagram feed and through my pictures.
