From Issue Twelve of Hidden Scotland Magazine

An Interview with Gordon Buchanan

Gordon Buchanan on wild encounters and growing up on Mull.

Interview by Rosie Morton · Photographs by Grant Anderson

Printed in Issue Twelve of Hidden Scotland Magazine, Spring and Summer 2026.

In this interview with Rosie Morton, wildlife film-maker and photographer Gordon Buchanan looks back on close encounters in the wild, his upbringing on Mull, and the Scottish landscapes that continue to shape his life and work.

As I sit speaking with Gordon Buchanan, an old adage springs to mind: ‘You can take the man out of Scotland, but you can’t take Scotland out of the man.’ Of course, the passport of this renowned wildlife film-maker and photographer tells of adventures in far-flung places, each stamp serving as a reminder of extraordinary encounters with grizzlies, being chased down by lions or coming face-to-face with hungry polar bears. Yet for all the miles travelled, Gordon’s heart remains firmly rooted in Scotland.

His is a tale shaped by Caledonian mountains, West Coast seascapes and Scottish pine martens, wildcats and capercaillie.

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