The binman with picture perfect views of Mull and Iona

Colin Morrison's images of local life on Mull have earned him a social media following

Colin Morrison insists he is not a photographer - but thousands of fans on social media would disagree.

So would an array of community groups, youth organisations and charities across the islands of Mull and Iona.

For the past seven years the 55-year-old binman has posted pictures, taken on his phone, that he snapped while out and about on his route.

The pictures proved so popular that he became a social media hit - leading to the creation of charity calendars that have landed more than £42,000 for good causes on the islands.

"I never had a camera, I just took wee snaps on my phone and hooked them up, he says.

"You don't really look for anything in particular. You're out at all different hours, so you could be having a dull day and not expecting to get any pictures, then you go around a corner and all of a sudden there's wildlife, or something that just hits you the right way."

Colin originally started posting them on his Facebook page - A binman's view of Mull & Iona - for fun.

Colin takes pictures while out and about on his job as a binman, like this sunset from the village of Dervaig

Now more than 22,000 people are members of the page, with followers from across the globe, in particular the USA.

"There's a lot of folk who've said they've come here for a holiday because the pictures look nice," he laughs.

"So it's good for the island hopefully."

Colin cites an early picture of Highland cows wandering up a quiet island road as being a particular favourite - it was soon being reshared across social media and boosted his followers.

Since then, he's taken pictures of whatever catches his eye, from cold winter's days to striking sunsets and curious local animals.

Colin mostly uses his phone, but occasionaly uses a friend's camera

Colin says his colleagues are by now used to his picture pursuit.

"I prefer the winter to take pictures, it's better for getting light and the roads are quieter so it's easier to stop," he says.

However, Colin also decided the calendar could help both islands in a direct way, as well as spotlighting the natural beauty there.

His charity calendars have since helped earn funding for scores of groups.

Among those set to benefit from the 2026 edition are a local Gaelic choir, beavers and rainbows groups, the parent teacher association for Iona primary school, and a campaign to raise money for a mini-bus on Mull that would transport local sports groups.

Local wildlife in the likes of Lochdon regularly provides Colin with picture opportunities

Colin's efforts have also earned him a nomination in the Fundraiser category for this year's BBC Make A Difference awards, which recognise local community heroes across the country.

"When it started off I was doing it for groups I'd been in when I was growing up, like the Army cadets or the cubs.

"It's gone on from there. I like to try and concentrate on the kids groups and the OAP groups, and I try and make sure it's spread out across Tobermory. Then I ask people in Iona what they're needing, too."

This snap of the Salen Boats on Mull proved a popular image for Colin

North Beach on Iona is one of the many beautiful landmarks captured by Colin

Colin left Mull in his 20s to live elsewhere but returned about a decade later. He believes he is unlikely to run out of inspiration while going about his routes.

"I probably appreciate the scenery more now," he says.

"I left when I was 22 and moved to Johnstone, and then came back about 10 years later. The likes of Glasgow and Johnstone are nice enough in their own way - but scenery-wise they aren't a patch on Mull."

What is BBC Make A Difference?

What is BBC Make a Difference?

Make a Difference is a BBC initiative seeking to recognise and celebrate members of the public who make life better for others where they live.

Since February, BBC teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been asking audiences to nominate the unsung heroes in their local communities who do amazing things.

Finalists have been selected by a panel of judges in each of the eight categories ahead of the Northern Ireland final in September.

The categories are:

* The Volunteer Awards

* The Young Hero Award

* The Great Neighbour Award

* The Active Award

* The Animal Award

* The Green Award

* The Fundraiser Award

* The Community Group Award

Overall winners from each category will be announced live on BBC Radio Scotland's Mornings show on Monday 29 September.