THE winners of the annual Scottish Nature Photography Awards have been announced.
In its 15th year, the annual Scottish Nature Photography Awards celebrates nature, wildlife and landscape photography in Scotland and can be entered by anyone from all over the world.
This year Nicki Gwynn-Jones' image Fulmar with Golden Raindrops, taken at Longaglebe Geo in Orkney, was the Scottish Wildlife Portrait winner and the overall winner from environmental, abstract, botanical, wildlife and landscape entries.
Gwynn-Jones, who has lived in Orkney for nine years, said she spends much of her time photographing seabirds on the island and captured her winning image on a bitterly cold December day.
She said: “Even though it was the middle of the day, the sun was low in the sky, not much more than 10 degrees above the horizon, and I was desperately hoping for something special in those few moments when the raking winter light was producing deep shadows and gorgeous golden tones.
“It began to rain. I turned around and spotted a fulmar at rest in the geo behind me, and at the same moment the sun appeared from behind the clouds, bathing the fulmar in a shower of back-lit golden raindrops. Happy photographer.”
Kiran Simpson, aged 13, won Junior Scottish Nature Photographer, while Callum McKenzie, a HND Photography student at Glasgow Kelvin College, won Student Scottish Nature Photographer.
Simpson, from Dunfermline, said that winning the award means a lot to him and that it is “incredible" seeing his picture being celebrated.
He said: “Winning the Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year award feels unreal, and I'm just so happy. I am completely honoured that my photo was chosen.
“Feathers and Ripples, capturing a common bird in an uncommon setting, means a lot to me, and it’s incredible to see it celebrated.”
Meanwhile, Scotland's hottest day sparked Edinburgh filmmaker Richard Nicholls's concern about the climate crisis, and his short film, 19th July 2022, winner of the Scottish Nature Video Award 2024.
The film documents Nicholls's journey working with NatureScot’s Peatland Action team in a bid to raise awareness of the need to restore peatland.
He said: “I remember standing on Princes Street in Edinburgh filming at 5pm on that day, and the temperature was over 30 degrees Celsius. It didn’t feel right.
“This is Scotland, after all! The experience left me feeling very concerned about the climate crisis and wanting to do more.”
Morag Paterson, one of the judges for the awards, said the film is a powerful reminder of why protecting and restoring peatlands in Scotland is so important.
She said: “I was really impressed by this video – it’s a brilliant showcase of peatland restoration in Scotland, with great production and a strong human touch. The shots of people working in the classic Scottish weather, mixed with moments of humour, made it both engaging and relatable.
“It’s a powerful reminder of why protecting and restoring peatlands is so important – for carbon storage, biodiversity, and the future of our planet. Huge congratulations to Richard for creating such a meaningful and well-crafted piece!”
