Striking images from across Scotland recognised in nature photography competition

A STRUTTING red grouse, striking lightning and misty sea waves have all been recognised in an annual nature photography competition.

The picturesque shots form some of the winning entries in the Scottish Seabird Centre's Nature Photography Awards.

The image of the grouse was taken by Barry Forbes in a Perthshire glen and won the award for Scottish Wildlife photograph, while Cameron Henderson was awarded best landscape photograph for his shot of lightning over North Berwick Harbour.

The picture of the waves was also taken in North Berwick by Lewis Henderson and won the Scottish Seabird Centre's best staff and volunteers image.

Lorne Gill, the official photographer for Scottish Natural Heritage, helped to judge the competition, while there was also an award for public votes in the same categories.

Ms Gill said: "For the competition’s 10th year, the standard of entries was quite outstanding and it was tough selecting our winners.

"Having both the public and judges’ vote is really interesting, especially to see where the same images emerged on top.

"Well done to all the winners. I would encourage everyone who entered to keep taking photos, enjoy getting out into the great outdoors, and to always strive to be creative in your photographic approach."

Tom Brock OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, added: "As a conservation and education charity, we focus on encouraging people to engage with nature in a fun yet sustainable way, and our Nature Photography Awards are a fantastic example of this.

"Congratulations to all the winners, and everyone shortlisted: visitors, staff and volunteers alike have voted in their thousands and the winning images are stunning.

"They will be on display for the next few months, so I would certainly encourage visitors to take time to explore them."

The winners received a range of prizes including trips to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, short breaks with Ardgour Estate and Ardtornish Estate; day trips with Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions and Rabbie’s Tours, vouchers for Northshots Photo Adventures and camera equipment from Rigu.

An exhibition of the winning photographs will be on display at the Scottish Seabird Centre until late March.

Resource: http://www.heraldscotland.com