These beautiful winning images now feature in a celebratory calendar marking Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. With over 700 entries, Scotland’s nature agency was overwhelmingly impressed with the quality and selection of photographs.
Francesca Osowska, NatureScot Chief Executive said “We were struck by the range of subjects captured – from underwater wildlife encounters to journeys through scenic waterscapes, spanning the length and breadth of Scotland, including our island treasures.”
The final calendar is available to view and download from https://www.nature.scot/naturescot-calendar-2021.
5. May - Castle Semple Loch
"This was taken on the first day after full lockdown ended and features my wife on the morning of her birthday on Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch with ‘Semple Temple’ on Kenmuir Hill in silhouette in the early morning sun. I‘ve paddled the loch for 40 years, and this one was as special as it gets." Gary Fawcett, Lochwinnoch Photo: Gary Fawcett
6. June - Bass Rock - Danni Thompson
With so many birds, a first visit to the Bass is so overwhelming it’s hard to know where to look! I just sat down and watched the intimacy of this brooding gannet and chick preening and playing with the nest." Danni Thompson, Larbert Photo: Danni Thompson
7. July - Argyll - David Gibbon
"While staying near Kilmartin in Argyll, I heard about a young otter cub that was visiting the harbour regularly. I went to visit and saw this delightful young cub fishing and bringing crabs back to the shore to eat. I crept close and lay on my stomach to capture this image." David Gibbon, Durham Photo: David Gibbon
8. August - Westray - Gordon Lawrie
"Taken after we’d visited the puffin colony at Castle O’Burrian on the eastern side of the island. I was particularly struck by the vastness of the sky and the way the couple walking on the beach seem so insignificant in comparison." Gordon Lawrie, Dunblane Photo: Gordon Lawrie