Three local photographers praised by awards judges

Shetland was well represented in the Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year competition – with three isles photographers getting recognition and the winning shot being taken in Fair Isle.

The results the Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2014 were announced today and an Atlantic puffin photographed in Fair Isle by Johan Siggesson, who was visiting from his home in Malta, earned Johan the title of Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2014. The judges were won over by the image showing the puffin bearing a floral gift.

Johan said: “When I came across this puffin on Fair Isle, I couldn’t resist thinking that he must have some kind of hidden agenda. He looked so human with the flower in his bill. Exactly like he had been out doing something he wasn’t proud of and was now on his way home to ask for forgiveness.

“I am naturally thrilled, proud, humbled and extremely excited to win Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2014. It is a great honour to be chosen by such experienced and well renowned judges amongst the stiff competition.

“Having travelled a great deal during the years, it is only recently I discovered the amazing nature and wildlife of Scotland. I have visited four times in the last two years and I hope to be back very soon. This newly-developed love for Scotland makes this award even more inspirational.”

But the puffin was not the only piece of Shetland wildlife which attracted the judges’ attention.

Robbie Brookes from Unst, was runner-up in the Environmental category with a photo called Dunna Chuck Bruck, featuring a gannet with a plastic wrapper obscuring its view.

Richard Shucksmith, who lives in South Nesting, was third in the Scottish Botanical category with his Kelp Forests at Sunset, while Rebecca Nason of Lerwick, came third in the Scottish Wildlife Behaviour category with Reassurance, a red-throated diver with young chick.

Judges Lorne Gill, Niall Irvine, Neil McIntyre and Colin Prior selected their winners from more than 2,000 entries to the competition which covers wildlife, landscape, environmental, botanical and abstract subjects.

• More from the local photographers in next week’s Shetland Times.