11 images that prove Scotland has the most dramatic skies on Earth

Inspiring Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, among many other wonderful literary and cinematic works, Scotland continues to be one of the greatest places on Earth for otherworldly landscapes, painted by epic skies. Sometimes thought of as rainy and cold — which, can be very true — these images prove that when the clouds part, the real magic happens.

1. A rainbow leads the way to Kilchurn Castle

2. The Needle, the Old Man of Storr, and the last rays of light

3. The Glenfinnan Viaduct carving into the West Highlands

4. Talisker Bay at sunset

5. Isle of Sky drenched in golden hour light

6. Neist Point at last light

7. A deer, a valley, and a Stormy Sky near Loch Tay

Le cerf by Patrice MESTARI on 500px

8. Northern Lights over Dunnottar Castle

9. Buachaille Etive Mòr covered in snow under a blue sky

Glencoe, Scotland by James Ross on 500px

10. Lake of Menteith in pastel swirls

11. The Kelpies under a hot pink sky