The Scottish Nature Photography Awards announces winners

Two puffins sit on a grassy cliff edge adorned with pink flowers, against a serene blue ocean background

(Image credit: Callum McKenzie)

Celebrating its landmark 15th anniversary, the Scottish Nature Photography Awards spotlight the nature, landscapes, and rich wildlife diversity of Scotland. The winning images not only showcase unique perspectives on wildlife and nature but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world, with some highlighting critical environmental issues that affect it.

This year's competition features eight categories within the "Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year" section. Additionally, including Student and Junior categories offers opportunities for young, emerging talent to share their unique visions and experiences. For some of the winners this year, it was even their first time entering a competition.

Here are some highlights from the Scottish Nature Photography Awards, along with the stories and photographic techniques behind them…

A seabird stands on a mossy cliff amidst swirling particles of mist, illuminated by soft golden light — (Image credit: Nicki Gwynn-Jones)

Scottish Wildlife Portrait Category +
Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
1st: Nicki Gwynn-Jones – Fulmar with Golden Raindrops

Nicki explains that winter in Orkney can illuminate nature in a magical light. On a December day, she experienced rain, sleet, snow, and sunshine all at once, which provided her with a beautiful backdrop and the hope of capturing fulmars in flight at Longaglebe Geo. The winter light created deep shadows and stunning golden hues.

She says, "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."

Macro capture showing patterns/textures in frozen water — **Natural Abstract Category, 1st: Brian Nicholson -** **Frozen**, he says, "I vividly remember the bitterly cold spell in January 2024, when sub-zero temperatures gripped the area. I had a plan to visit Gladhouse Reservoir, near to my home, to look for patterns/textures in the frozen water" (Image credit: Brian Nicholson)

A cluster of yellow and black wasps gathers around small brown mushrooms on weathered wood — **Scottish Wildlife Behaviour Category, 1st: John Cobham -** **Wasps Feeding Frenzy** (Image credit: John Cobham)

Two seabirds on a rocky cliff with fishing nets above; a fish is suspended below, highlighting marine debris issues — (Image credit: Ruaridh Mitchell)

Environmental Category
1st: Ruaridh Mitchell - Too Late

Ruaridh embarked on his photography journey just last year but has quickly made a mark by winning the Environmental category at the Scottish Nature Photography Awards with an impressive and poignant image.

Captured during a boat trip around the breathtaking Isle of Noss in Shetland, his powerful photograph tells a heartbreaking story. Ruaridh reflects, "I witnessed the devastating impact of human activity on wildlife. A northern gannet, tragically entangled in discarded fishing rope, hung lifelessly from its nest – a nest itself woven with the very material that had caused its demise."

Ruaridh describes the process of capturing this image as both challenging and deeply emotional and hopes that this image serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect our wildlife and preserve the natural world.

Serene coastal landscape at low tide, featuring winding water channels and a glimmering ocean under a moody sky — **Scottish Landscape - Sea and Coast Category, 1st: Douglas Bruce -** **Evening Light, Luskentyre** (Image credit: Douglas Bruce)

A lone tree stands in the center of a dimly lit, abandoned underground parking lot, surrounded by overgrown gravel and concrete pillars — **Scottish Landscape - Urban Greenspace Category, 1st: Anthony Robson -** **Paved Paradise, Put Up a Parking Lot** (Image credit: Anthony Robson)

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Two white seabirds with gray wings sit closely together on a rocky surface, with a shimmering blue background — (Image credit: Callum McKenzie)

Love birds, Avian Pairs Portfolio by Callum McKenzie

Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
Callum McKenzie – Avian Pairs Portfolio
HND Photography, Glasgow Kelvin College

Among the fresh talents is Callum McKenzie, marking an exciting milestone in his artistic journey. He says, "This is the first photography competition I have entered, and having my work recognised in this way is truly inspiring."

His work highlights various aspects of avian relationships. 'Love Birds,' 'Puffin Protest,' and 'Flying Duo' are three wildlife images that demonstrate his technical understanding of photography. In Love Birds, the shallow depth of field emphasizes the two birds, while the framing technique in Puffin Protest adds dynamism and interest through perspective and foreground elements, showcasing the playful interaction of wildlife. His knowledge of wildlife is particularly evident in Flying Duo, where he skillfully captures two red kites in flight, perfectly synchronized.

A Robin flaps its wings above shimmering water, creating ripples and reflections in the tranquil scene — **Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024: Kiran Simpson (age 13) -** **Feathers and Ripples**, Judge Charles Everitt says, "It’s unusual to find a robin interacting with the surface of such a large expanse of water, so this photograph immediately jumped out at me" (Image credit: Kiran Simpson)

Underwater scene with tall, thin seaweed-like plants swaying gently in the blue water, surrounded by vibrant marine vegetation — **Scottish Botanical category, 1st: James Lynott -** **Fifeness Shallow Seaweeds**, James captured this image of thong weed (Himanthalia elongate) in the shallows at Fifeness, full of many species of seaweeds and kelp (Image credit: James Lynott)

Snow-covered rocky peak under dramatic clouds, showcasing a rugged mountain landscape with mist and sunlight breaking through — **Scottish Landscape - The Land Category, 1st: Adrian Metzelaar -** **Alligin**, Adrian’s shooting morning started with sleet and hail, he adds, "Slowly it started to clear, breaking up in the most dramatic and elegant way, giving depth and richness to this already unbelievable scene" (Image credit: Adrian Metzelaar)

Aerial view of a vast, grassy landscape with patches of snow and low hills under a partly cloudy sky — **Scottish Nature Video Award 2024**: **Richard Nicholls -** **July 19 2022,** Judge Morag Paterson says, "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" (Image credit: Richard Nicholls)

Book cover titled "Unseen Scotland" featuring a ruined castle reflected in a calm lake, surrounded by misty hills and trees — (Image credit: Bryan Millar Walker/Greenfinch/Quercus (Cover image Unseen_Scotland))

Browse the best photography awards and contests for more inspiration, or take a look at the best professional cameras.

Kim is the Staff Writer on Digital Camera World, and formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. With a Master’s degree in Photography and Media, she is driven to educate through an analytical approach, visually and technically. With her guides and tutorials, Kim seeks to uncover new facets of this time-honoured medium and foster a deeper understanding of its profound role in culture. Kim highlights topics that resonate with modern society, including women in photography and critical issues such as environmental conservation. She also discusses and reviews camera gear, giving you an overview to find the best fit for your photography journey.

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