Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year

© Jim Robertson – winner of the Botanical category

The Scottish Nature Photography Awards have once again brought to light some superb images that capture Scotland’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Now in their sixth year, the awards were judged by a panel of experts – Colin Prior, Richard Shucksmith and Niall Irvine – and covered landscape, wildlife, environmental, botanical and abstract subjects. The winning images feature in the competition’s Portfolio Yearbook 2015 and will be showcased in a touring exhibition beginning in July. 

David Queenan, based in West Lothian, was named Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2015 for his image of the Bass Rock from Seacliff beach (below). The judges praised David’s image for its composition and subtlety. Colin Prior said: ‘What underlies the success of this image is the convergence of many elements, and the fact that it makes use of such ordinary and accessible subject matter over which many people will walk during the next 12 hours. Through his vision and lens, David has successfully transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.’ 

© David Queenan

As well as the adult categories, there were also awards for junior photographers and students. Ten-year-old Max Eve from Hexham won the title of Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year for his image of a white-tailed eagle, entitled Catch of the Day (below). 

© Max Eve

To find out more about the competition, including details of the touring exhibition and accompanying book, visit scottishnaturephotographyawards.com.