2024 Title Winners
Scottish Wildlife Portrait Category &
Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
1st: Nicki Gwynn-Jones - Fulmar with Golden Raindrops
© Nicki Gwynn-Jones - Fulmar with Golden Raindrops
Nicki said: "I was stunned to receive the news that I had won the Scottish Wildlife Portrait category, as well as being the overall winner of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2024. As Scotland’s top nature photography competition, this is a huge honour, and I am delighted to be showcasing the beauty of Orkney. A huge thank you to both the organisers and the judges, and congratulations to all the winners.
"Winter in Orkney can provide magical
light for photography. I had gone out on a bitterly cold December day
– one of those that brings rain, sleet, snow and sunshine seemingly
all at once – hoping to photograph fulmars in flight at Longaglebe
Geo. 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.
"I have lived in Orkney for nine years and spend much of my time photographing our spectacular seabirds; their epic journeys and migrations a constant source of fascination and wonder."
Judge Niall Irvine said: "This is a fantastic image with the fulmar beautifully composed and positioned within the frame. The rain adds highlights of texture to the grassy outcrops in that golden light. The fulmar itself, hunkered down on a ledge, seems to just be waiting for the rain to stop. A worthy winner for our 15th Awards!"
Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
Kiran Simpson
(age 13)
- Feathers and Ripples
© Kiran Simpson - Feathers and Ripples
Kiran 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. This photo, capturing a common bird in an uncommon setting, means a lot to me, and it’s incredible to see it celebrated. Photography has brought me to see nature more closely, and this award inspires me all the more to keep exploring."
Judge Charles Everitt said: "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. Split-second timing to capture the robin’s outstretched wings in lovely, soft light amidst a circle of blue ripples all add to the mystery as to what has drawn the robin to the water in the first place. The unobtrusive background and bird’s reflection simply build the picture further. Congratulations on taking such a beautiful and unique image."
Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
Callum McKenzie
– Avian Pairs
Portfolio
HND Photography, Glasgow Kelvin College
©
Callum McKenzie - Love Birds. Avian Pairs
Portfolio
©
©
Callum said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be named the Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024; it’s an incredible honour. This is the first photography competition I have entered, and having my work recognised in this way is truly inspiring. It motivates me to continue exploring and sharing Scotland’s wildlife through photography. I am especially grateful to my college mentors, particularly my lecturer Simon Murphy, for introducing me to this competition.
"Avian Pairs explores the interactions and subtle communication between birds, capturing moments of connection in their natural environment. The images highlight different aspects of avian relationships, whether it's the quiet companionship of fulmars perched together by the sea, the synchronised flight of red kites in perfect harmony, or the playful exchange between puffins on a cliffside. Each pair demonstrates a unique form of interaction, reflecting the instinctive bonds and behaviours that define their species. Through Avian Pairs, I aimed to showcase not just the beauty of these birds, but also the exchanges that exist between them."
Judge Niall Irvine said: "The judges liked Callum's interpretation of the Natural Stories theme and the way he portrays a narrative of the interaction between the pairs of birds. We look forward to seeing what Callum goes on to do next!"
Simon Murphy, Lecturer in Photography at Glasgow Kelvin College said: "All at Glasgow Kelvin College are thrilled with the news that our HND Photography student Callum McKenzie has been awarded this most prestigious prize. Callum's interest in nature photography and his dedication to capturing exceptional wildlife images have been encouraged throughout his studies, and his accomplishments fill us with so much pride. We look forward to seeing what Callum does with his talents in the future and how the recognition that may come through being crowned Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year might provide him with opportunities connected with a future career."
Scottish Nature Video Award 2024
Richard Nicholls - 19th July 2022
© Richard Nicholl - 19th July 2022
Richard said: "I am really thrilled and honoured to win this award! My video, 19th July 2022, is the culmination of a two-and-a-half year journey that began on what was to become Scotland’s hottest ever day.
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. Shortly after this, I learned that 15% of all of Scotland’s carbon emissions come from degraded peatlands, but restoring this land can greatly reduce this. I jumped at the chance to work with NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION team to help raise awareness of this vital work that helps combat the climate and nature crises. I had imagined that the opportunity would allow me to travel across Scotland and film some of our most amazing landscapes. My short video documents this journey.
"Congratulations to all of the winners and to those who have been shortlisted, and many thanks again to the Scottish Nature Photography Awards team."
Judge Morag Paterson 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!"
Favourite Scottish Nature Photography Book 2024 biennial public vote
Unseen Scotland: The Hidden Places, History and Lore of the Wild Scottish Landscape
Author: Bryan Millar Walker
Publisher: Greenfinch/Quercus Books
Emily Arbis, Editorial Director at Greenfinch/Quercus said: “Bryan’s
exquisite photography captures the ethereal beauty of the Scottish
landscape, and he has such a talent for storytelling. This book is a
spectacular celebration of Scotland, its wildlife and history, and I’m
delighted that Bryan's incredible work has been recognised with this award
for the Favourite Scottish Nature Photography Book 2024.
"Working
with Bryan on Unseen Scotland has been such a treat, and I’ve
now got a bucket list as long as my arm of hidden gems all over Scotland
that I can’t wait to visit. I’m sure this book will inspire lots of
other readers to venture into nature and explore this beautiful
country."
Bryan Millar Walker said: "Winning this award for Unseen Scotland is a huge
deal for me. It’s a project rooted in stillness and subtlety, and to see
it not just recognised – but understood – is a real gift.
"It feels
like forever ago that it all began – when Emily and the fantastic team
at Quercus reached out after seeing some of my photos and writing. I’d
always had the vague idea in my head, but it was their drive that made
it a real thing, pulling everything together to create what is now an
award-winning book about the place I call home.
"Massive thanks
to everyone who’s picked up a copy and to everyone who just gets it."
Environmental category
Natural Abstract category
Scottish Botanical category
Scottish Landscape - The Land category
Scottish Landscape - Sea & Coast category
Scottish Landscape - Urban Greenspace category
Scottish Wildlife Behaviour category
Scottish Wildlife Portrait category
Junior category
Student category
Scottish Nature Video Award 2024
Favourite Scottish Nature Photography Book 2024