Spectacular images of Scotland’s iconic landscapes and majestic creatures have been praised by judges in a national phototography competition.
Yesterday the winners of the sixth annual Scottish Nature Photography Awards were announced, with talented snappers from all across the country receiving top accolades.
The awards are aimed to help promote Scotland as a must-visit destination for nature photographers from around the world, and encourage youngsters to consider a career behind the camera.
David Queenan secured the title of Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year with his picture of The Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth early in the morning.
The winner of the Landscape category was Harry Martin, with his beautiful view of The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye.
Gordon Rae came out first in the Scottish Wildlife Portrait category for his “Grumpy Sparrowhawk” picture, which displays a rather angry-looking raptor frowning down the camera lens with its talons in the air.
The first place in the Wildlife Behavior category went to Robert Snell, who perfectly captured an image of a golden eagle moments after it snatched up its dinner.
Ian Talboys, who works for the Aberdeen City Council’s ranger service, scooped the top prize in the Urban Greenspace category for his picture of a wildflower-filled meadow in the city’s St Fittick’s Park.
Mr Talboys said: “Winning this award means a lot to me, having been involved with the physical park improvements as part of my work, but also as a site where I have spent many hours taking photos in my own time over the last couple of years as the wildlife moved in.”
