Researchers have released stunning images of the thriving marine life hidden away in the underwater caves of the remote island of St Kilda.
They discovered some of the most fascinating wildlife in the waters surrounding the uninhabited Scottish island during an expedition which took place last year.
Among the highlights are the British Wildlife Photography Awards’ overall winning picture of a lion’s mane jellyfish swimming near Village Bay on the island.
The impressive underwater snaps also include colourful corals, the transparent juvenile anglerfish and velvet swimming crabs.
Other species they managed to capture include scorpion fish, Yarell’s blenny, blue-rayed limpets, sea slugs and a variety of beautifully kaleidoscopic anemones.
The images were taken by award-winning marine photographers Richard Shucksmith and George Stoyle. The pair teamed up with scientists from Heriot Watt University, Scottish Natural Heritage and National Museums Scotland in a bid to document the caves.
Pictures: Life in the underwater caves of St Kilda
