A remorseful Atlantic Puffin bearing a floral gift captured the eyes and hearts of some of the most esteemed photographers in the country to be named one of Scotland’s nature image of the year.
Johan Siggesson was awarded the esteemed title of Photographer of the Year at the Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2014 yesterday for his image – ‘I’m sorry…’ – taken on a trip to Scotland’s Fair Isle.
Siggesson, from Malta, said despite having travelled extensively, he had only recently discovered the wonders of Scotland’s wildlife.
“This newly developed love for Scotland makes this award even more inspirational,” he said.
“When I came across this puffin on Fair Isle, I couldn’t resist thinking that he must have some kind of hidden agenda.
“He looked so human with the flower in his bill. Exactly like he had been out doing something he wasn’t proud of and was now on his way home to ask for forgiveness.
“I am naturally thrilled, proud, humbled and extremely excited to win Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2014.
“It is a great honour to be chosen by such experienced and well renowned judges amongst the stiff competition.
Andy Howard from Little Dalcross, Inverness, was crowned the winner of the Scottish wildlife behaviour category for his picture, ‘Let Battle Commence’ – a pair of roe deer getting ready to fight.
Meanwhile, Chris Stuart from Charleston, Inverness, captured an incredible image of the complex mountain massif, Beinn Eighe, in the Torridon area of the Highlands, clinching him the Scottish Landscape Land category.
