Fife photographer wins national award with '˜King of the Road'

Glenrothes photographer Barry Forbes secured a double win at the Scottish Seabird Centre's tenth Nature Photography Awards.
Barry Forbes with his winning picture. Pic Greg Macvean.Barry Forbes with his winning picture. Pic Greg Macvean.
Barry Forbes with his winning picture. Pic Greg Macvean.

Barry not only wowed the judges, but also got the public vote in the Scottish Wildlife category for his picture ‘King of the Road’.

The winners were chosen from an impressive 510 images and short films of wildlife, plant life, the environment and landscapes, submitted by amateur photographers from around the world.

In each of the categories there was an image selected by the expert panel of judges and an image selected by the voting public.

Visitors to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick have been voting since November, as well as online, with thousands of votes cast.

Barry said: “I’m delighted to have won such a prestigious award.

“I have a passion for Scottish wildlife so to win the judges award and public award in that category was fantastic.

“The standard was very high so to have my work recognised in such a competition was very pleasing.”

Barry said that he was after a “different” type of shot.

“I had taken a few of your normal type of shots but with this one I wanted to get in some of the scenery so I used a wide angle lens so you’re able to see that nice view of the glen as well.

“That was actually a rogue male bird. It was very territorial. It was flying at passing cars to warn them off!

“This is my first national award so I’m really pleased.”

One of the judges, Lorne Gill, Scottish Natural Heritage photographer said the standard had been “outstanding”.

She added: “Well done to Barry. Having both the public and judges’ vote is really interesting.

“I would encourage everyone who entered to keep taking photos, enjoy getting out into the great outdoors, and to always strive to be creative in your photographic approach.”

Tom Brock OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “Congratulations to Barry. Visitors, staff and volunteers alike have voted in their thousands and the winning images are stunning.

“They will be on display for the next few months, so I would encourage visitors to take time to explore them.”

Related topics: