Rural Community Gateway

And the winner is . . .

We are delighted to announce that Felicity Martin's photo 'Northern Haven' has won the first prize of our photo competition for 2008.

Her photo, taken looking east across Rackwick Bay on Hoy, Orkney is the winner in our 'My favourite place in rural Scotland'. Click on the photo to be taken to a larger version.

Norette Ferns, Rural Gateway editor said, "We were absolutely delighted with the many submissions we had to the 'My favourite place in rural Scotland' theme. Entries came from all over rural Scotland, and it was great to see the places that are special to you.

"We think the light and composition in Felicity Martin's 'Northern Haven' are great, but best of all we feel the photo has a wonderful sense of place."

Felicity explained why this place is special to her. She said, "On my first visit to Hoy, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere of Rackwick Bay. I felt both a sense of great space and a feeling of being enclosed by the cliffs and hills. It seemed like a vast cathedral where I could worship nature. From Burnmouth Bothy (on the edge of the dunes just off picture to the left), it is difficult to grasp the scale of the place.

"I only realised the extent of the smooth, sandy beach and the enormous size of the rounded boulders at the west end when I actually walked around them. It felt just as powerful a place when I went back a year later. Although I have only managed to visit twice, I return there in my mind's eye when I want to induce feelings of tranquility and expansiveness."

Runner up by the river

Our runner up for 'My favourite place in rural Scotland' is this great photo from Sarah Peters called 'By the river'. Click on the photo to be taken to a larger version.

Sarah said, "This is my favourite place, as it is only a short walk from my house.  It's taken in Douglas, in the grounds of Douglas and Angus Estates on the Banks of the Douglas Water.  It's brilliant to have great walks, beautiful scenery and a range of wildlife on your doorstep."