Photographers vie for top title

Published on Sunday 1 March 2009 21:04

EDINBURGH Zoo's king penguin inspecting the Norwegian guard, First Minister Alex Salmond being "punched" by actors dressed as kangaroos and a gymnast caught mid leap are among The Scotsman's entries shortlisted for the First ScotRail Press Photography Awards 2008.

The photographs by Scotsman photographer Jane Barlow and others by her colleague Ian Rutherford are among those vying for the award of Photographer of the Year. Rutherford is in the running to win the prize for a record fifth time. He previously won in 1994, 1997, 1998 and in 2008.

The Scotsman and sister newspapers Scotland on Sunday and the Edinburgh Evening News have received a total of 13 nominations: eight for The Scotsman, including in the Magazine/Supplement of the Year, four for Scotland on Sunday, and one for the Edinburgh Evening News. Scotland on Sunday has been shortlisted for Newspaper of the Year. The judging panel, chaired by Ken Lennox, has shortlisted 42 photographers and nine newspapers and magazines from a record 3,100 images .

Mr Lennox said: "The judging panel has once again had the opportunity to view and shortlist some truly outstanding images across categories that reflect the rich tapestry of Scottish life."

The winners will be announced on 26 March. From today, the public can vote online at www.scottishppa.com to decide the winner in the Open category.