Two photographers from the north-east have snapped up top prizes at the annual Scottish Seabird Centre Nature Photography Awards.
Images captured by Bob Humphreys from Alford and Peter Lewis from Peterhead were chosen from more then 400 entries depicting wildlife, plantlife and the natural environment.
Mr Humphreys’ Dolphin with Fish claimed the judges prize, while Mr Lewis’ Safety Net stole the public’s heart.
Mr Humphreys, who is the chairman of Donside Camera Club in Alford, said: “Wildlife photography can be challenging, requiring patience, being in the right place at the right time and knowing how to get the best from your equipment.
“Add to that an element of luck and sometimes you can capture that special moment.”
Visitors to the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick have been voting for their favourites in the public contest since November, as well as online.
Mr Lewis added: “It was a very pleasant surprise to have won an award – I was just delighted to have been shortlisted as the standard of images was very high.”
This year’s judging panel included Lorne Gill, award-winning official photographer from Scottish Natural Heritage, as well as freelance photographer Graham Riddell and Scottish Field editor Richard Bath.
Mr Gill said: “Choosing winners from the hundreds of images we receive is never easy, but the level of creativity and the diversity of photographs makes it such a pleasure. Congratulations to Bob and Peter.
“So many of the images are thought-provoking and inspiring, and I especially enjoy the photographs submitted by younger photographers. It is a completely different perspective to see nature through a child’s eyes and one we should all aim to take more often.”
The winners received a range of prizes including trips to the Isle of May national nature reserve with Lorne Gill, memberships for the Scottish Seabird Centre and Scottish Wildlife Trust, vouchers for Northshots Photography and day-long wildlife trips courtesy of Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions.
An exhibition of the winning photographs will be on display at the Scottish Seabird Centre until late March.