I was standing on a rock in South Lochboisdale, South Uist, this morning, watching a hen harrier that has consistently evaded my camera over the last five days. A little van drew up beside me and Danny, the driver, introduced himself. He interrogated me for a couple of minutes about my status as a photographer – professional, amateur etc., and when I told him I supported Zarach which provides beds and essentials to children in poverty, he produced a £20 note and gave it to me.

Our interaction lasted about 5 minutes. I thanked him, gave him my card, and off he went to his home just up the road.

I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced such instant and unexpected generosity from a complete stranger. It took me completely by surprise and made the fifth day of missing my hen harrier so much more bearable.