Defending the Past Photography Competition

The standard of entries to the Defending the Past photography competition was exceptionally high but our expert judging panel were impressed with how the four winning entries captured the beauty and drama of the North-West Sutherland landscape. Entrants were asked to submit photographs under four different headings – architecture and archaeology, mountain and moor, sea and coast and flora and fauna.

These winning images will feature, alongside imagery drawn from RCAHMS’ own collection, on a unique set of playing cards to be given to soldiers who visit the Cape Wrath area to train.

Sea & Coast

Peter Green, now living in Halifax, Novia Scotia, took this stunning shot of Sandwood Bay on his farewell tour of Scotland. Am Buachaille sea stack is just visible in the distance.

Flora & Fauna

Tony Jackson, a Ranger on Cape Wrath Military Training Centre, took this shot of a stag on Cape Wrath itself. Stags are a common sight in the area.

Mountain & Moor

Matthew Thomas, who currently lives in the north coast of Scotland, took this dramatic shot of Autumn sun behind Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh with Foinaven in the distance.

Archaeology & Architecture

This detail of Balnakiel Church in Durness was taken by David Graham from Carnwarth. Founded in 722 by St. Maelrubha, the present building dates from 1619. Alternative names for the church include Durness Old Parish Church, Old St Peter's Church and Clach Na Sagart Ruadh.