This is our own house and not our Green Brae holiday barn. Sadly, family commitments mean a relocation for us, so our wonderful barn is now on the market.

Recently completed in late 2012, this contemporary barn conversion is close to Blackwaterfoot in the south west of the beautiful Isle of Arran, Scotland. Architect designed, with stunning balcony views. 3 bedrooms with master en suite. Fully equipped fitted kitchen and modern stylish bathroom. 

We had been hearing strange 'rasping' noises outside our barn for a week or two, usually around dusk. I had been meaning to go and take a look, but it was our guests in Green Brae who pointed out that we had an Owl in residence!

The next evening I set up camera/tripod/flash with the longest lens I had available (300mm), pre-focused on the hole - where I was told it appeared from - and waited . . . 

As the light fell I started to see a blurred shape emerging from behind the rock. With still just enough ambient light available, the view through my lens revealed the character you see here and, as he/she(?) peered out I capture this image.

A moment or two later and the Owl moved forward and took flight from the barn, a picture I missed.  As it circled above in the still clear azure twilight, a silhouette of outstretched wings, I felt so privileged to witness such a creature for the first time. 

With virtually no light left to see by and, as I had moved the camera no chance to focus again on the hole, I thought I caught the presence of another shape. A second Owl? But more of that later!