Trio of photographers from Inverness and Nairn win at Scottish Nature Photography Awards

EVOCATIVE and reflective images inspired by nature and the landscape have earned a trio of photographers from Inverness and Nairn recognition in a national competition.

Among the winners in the 10th annual Scottish Nature Photography Awards were Alan O’Brien and Gavin Shand, both of Inverness, and Dave Shillabeer, of Nairn.

Mr Shand won the Scottish Landscape – The Land category with a dramatic black and white image, Ancient Ridges, taken at Bla Bheinn on Skye.

“Being out in the hills and trying to capture the rugged landscapes and changing weather of Scotland is where I am happiest,” said Mr Shand, who headed up the mountain before sunrise last October.

Mr O’Brien won the Natural Abstract category with Forest Floor, which was taken at Monadh Mor on the Black Isle, the largest area of bog woodland in Scotland and features the top of a mushroom and surrounding leaves.

“The image itself is slightly unusual and may not appeal to everyone, but I liked it and am very glad that the judges agreed!,” he said.

Mr Shillabeer won the Urban Greenspace category with an image entitled Wait for me – I’m Coming.

“Before I lost my cocker spaniel, Millie, we used to walk this path in Nairn every morning,” he told the Courier.

“Over a long period of time, you get to know how the light will play in certain conditions and locations.”

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