Photograph of the entrance to a cave formed of vertical basalt columns supporting a 'v' shaped roof. On the right of the entrance stand two men who face away from the viewer, looking into the cave.

Photograph from a portfolio of 42 photographs taken by Wilson to illustrate a book titled Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands that was published to great success in 1868. The book featured entries from Queen Victoria's journals, written during her visits to Scotland. On 19 August 1847, Queen Victoria visited Fingal's Cave and recorded the event in her journal: 'As we rounded the point, the wonderful basaltic formation came in sight. The appearance it presents is most extraordinary; and when we turned the corner to go into the renowned Fingal’s Cave, the effect was splendid, like a great entrance into a vaulted hall.. It was the first time the British standard with a Queen of Great Britain, and her husband and children, had ever entered Fingal’s Cave, and the men gave three cheers, which sounded very impressive there.’