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HEAD-turning images of Scottish wildlife and landscapes put Highland photographers in the frame for accolades in a prestigious competition.

The Scottish Nature Photography Awards inspired Toby Houlton of Kildary who said he sensed "a special moment" on his beloved Loch Fleet observing a Eurasian curlew with shore crab. "I might have been wet and covered in sand but it was well worth it!" said the winner of the Scottish Wildlife behaviour award.

Eight-year-old Kaitlyn Clark of Inverness was named Junior Nature Photographer of the Year with her shot of a red squirrel in Lossiemouth Wood.

Colin Campbell from Beauly watched and waited in changing conditions on An Teallach near Dundonnell and was rewarded with a Scottish Landscape – The Land award.

Tomasz Szatewicz snapped up second place in the Environmental section for a shot of a confused lone deer in Glen Etive Forest. He said he was "deeply saddened to see the entire forest was cut down in one of the most beautiful glens in the Highlands". he said looking at the deer made him feel guilty and wanting to capture the moment so others could see.

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