Picture credit: Richard Shucksmith
An image of a jellyfish captured off a remote Scottish island has won the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011.
Amateur photographer Richard Shucksmith, from the Shetland Islands, landed the £5,000 top prize with his picture taken at Sula Sgeir, an uninhabited island 41 miles north of Lewis.
?The inhospitable area is home to exposed islands sustaining an astounding variety of marine life,’ said competition organisers.
?The remoteness of these islands, as well as the challenge that comes with visiting them, makes Richard?s incredible photo all the more special.?
The 38-year-old, who is a marine biologist, said he came across the jellyfish while diving off the west coast of Scotland in his spare time.
His winning shot triumphed in the contest’s Coast and Marine category.
Greg Armfield, one of the competition judges, said: ‘This is a truly beautiful shot of a jellyfish that perfectly captures its iridescent colours and magical qualities. All the more remarkable that it exists in UK waters. Fantastic.’
The best entries will go on show at Alexandra Palace in London from 14 October, before touring nationwide.
The British Wildlife Photography Awards is now in its third year.
