Aberdeen Instameet - Dunnottar Castle
What is an Instameet?
An instameet is just a gathering of people who love to take pictures. It is for all skill levels and provides an opportunity for you to meet people with a passion for photography at a photogenic location. You can connect with Instagrammers you might have followed for a while and share photography knowledge.
When and where
This is the north-east's first Instameet. We will be hosting it at Dunnottar Castle, just outside Stonehaven. The main event starts at 8am. We will be meeting at the car park and will have a short introduction to the day. Then we will make our way down to the castle, where we will have exclusive access to the castle for an hour before it is opened to the public. Dunnottar's custodian will give us a brief history of the castle. For the super keen amongst us, there will be an opportunity to meet at 5.30am to watch the sunrise over the castle. A truly beautiful experience, if the weather gods co-operate.
Once we have finished visiting the castle, there will be an opportunity to walk along the coastal path towards the town of Stonehaven. (We will ferry people back to their cars from the town afterwards). The walk takes around 30-45 mins, photo-breaks not included and passes the Stonehaven War Memorial. Depending on timings we will stop for lunch/ refreshments and then visit Stonehaven's harbour and the small village of Cowie (or vice-versa).
Please note that there is minimal phone reception at the castle and immediate surroundings.
Cost
This meet does have a cost of £7 which covers entry into Dunnottar Castle. Please try and take the exact money if you can to save on time entering the castle.
Directions
You can find directions here: http://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/location.cfm
Transport
Transport to the meet is your own responsibility but you might want to join the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1587620201560808/ if you are struggling to get your own way there or want to try and organise a car share.
What to wear and take
Even on a gloriously warm day, the wind chill can make it feel very cold. Wear lots of layers and take a hat. Also wear appropriate footwear - hiking boots/ trekking trainers etc.
This will be a long morning, especially for those who have opted to take in the sunrise there. You may wish to bring a flask with hot drinks and snacks.
Please note that there are toilets within the castle grounds but we won't have access to these until 8am.
Weather
If the weather is extremely bad, the meet will be cancelled. We have to take everyone's safety into consideration. We will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible. Please keep an eye on Instagram for updates. My IG account is: https://www.instagram.com/katstewart01/ or you can search the tag #dunnottar2016
Tags
One of the best things about an Instameet is viewing everyone's pictures afterwards. Please use the tags #dunnottar2016 and #aberdeeninstameet so that everyone can view your shares.
Organisers
The organisers of this meet are Neil Donald (neily39) and myself, Katrina Stewart (katstewart01). Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us if you have any questions about the day.
Looking forward to meeting you all on the day and keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.