A view from the northern banks of Loch Ard looking towards the Queen Elizabeth Forest, as the morning mist reflects in the calm of the loch.

Fotospeed Photographer of the Year 2022 - Winning image

On this morning I was actually on my way home, driving back along the round that winds round the northern banks of Loch Art. When I saw the bird sitting so still on the perch in the loch, I couldn’t believe my luck. I thought sure that by the time I had grabbed my camera out of my bag it would be another of those prize-winning shots that got away. I shouldn’t have worried. The Cormorant was in absolutely no hurry. It was like he was waiting to have his portrait taken.

This image was taken at sunrise on the first morning of 2020. I was staying with friends to celebrate the New Year and got up early to enjoy the first sunrise over the harbour of this small fishing village on the east coast of Scotland. The conditions did not disappoint. It was an incredibly peaceful start to the year, a year which has since been far more unsettled for many.

This image was taken on a memorable winter morning after hiking up Beinn a’Chrulaiste in deep snow. In freezing conditions we witnessed an incredible sunrise above Buachaille Etive Mor.

A favourite location with photographers, the Belhaven Bridge at high tide seems to lead to nowhere. It makes a great subject by timing the tide with the kind of beautiful sunrise which greeted me on this particular morning. At low tide the bridge crosses the Biel Water to allow access to the beach beyond.

An image taken near Borve on the Isle of Harris and looking across the Sound of Taransay. The contrast of the wet rocks against the incoming tide and combined with the rather threatening skies made for quite a pleasing composition.

Luskentyre is one of the most breathtaking landscapes, characterised by stunning sand patterns shaped by the tides and winds. These intricate formations create a unique visual texture, which shifts with the changing light throughout the day The soft hues of the sand, contrasted with the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, provide a serene and captivating scene.

This image was taken from Stac Pollaidh which offers some of the most spectacular views anywhere. On this particular trip I camped half way up the mountain and finished the rest of the climb in the morning darkness. Watching the sunrise over Cul Mor in the distance was certainly worth the effort.

One of a series of images taken on a memorable morning at Loch Ard when the combination of mist and early morning light surpassed anything I had seen there before or have seen since.

There is nothing quite like a misty autumn woodland for creating a perfect blend of colour and atmosphere. This image was taken on one such morning in a local woodland with just the right blend of conditions.

Glen Affric is often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland. The National Nature Reserve has one of the largest areas of ancient Caledonian pinewood forest in Scotland. On a chilly February morning we enjoyed a memorable day hike around the glen, although this stunning view is only metres from the car park.

“the glorious beams of rising sun…from a tabernacle of purple and golden clouds…such a scene of natural romance and beauty.” A description of Loch Ard from Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott.

Suilven is one of the most unique and characterful Scottish mountains. The hike in from Lochinver is relatively long but the panoramic views from the summit are worth it. On this trip I camped overnight on the summit in order to get up early to enjoy the sunrise.

Stob Dubh, is the higher of the two Munro’s on Beauchaille Etive Beag, standing at 956 metres. It offers breathtaking views but takes on an altogether different challenge in winter conditions. At times during this hike the visibility was no more than a few metres. Crampons and an ice axe were essential with wind chill lowering temperatures to -15 degrees Celsius. Thankfully there were enough breaks in the weather to take some images of the snow patterns and spindrift.

This beautiful little beach situated between Borve and Scarista on the Isle of Harris, takes on a completely different mood depending on the weather conditions. This image was taken in particularly wild conditions with Taransay in the distance almost obscured by the incoming storm.

Loch Beinn A'Mheadhoin is a freshwater loch located in Glen Affric, a National Nature Reserve within Scotland’s Caledonian Forest. The water levels within the loch are artificially controlled by a hydroelectric damn at its eastern end. Aspen around the shores were recently planted as part of rewilding efforts to support the reintroduction of beavers.

This image was taken just before sunrise at the beautiful Loch Rusky, a freshwater loch in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The rowboat, perfectly reflected in the calm waters, is used by local anglers fly fishing for trout.

This image is taken from the Necropolis at sunset. Glasgow Royal Infirmary has stood on this site, beside Glasgow Cathedral, since 1794. It has been home to many notable physicians, perhaps the most famous being Joseph Lister, Professor of Surgery in 1860 and now considered “the father of modern surgery”.