Scottish landscape tops international photography competition

More than 500 photographs from across the globe were entered for The Society of International Travel and Tourism Photographers ‘My Voyage of Discovery’ competition.

The winning image of a Buddhist monk being paddled across a river in Bangladesh to get food in the early mist is a tranquil picture in troubled times.

Photographer and local Jewel Chakma, 27 from Rangamati in Bangladesh said: “The photo was taken at Rangkong river.

“The monk goes to collect food from villagers which we call Pindusoron.

“This is a system monks use to get fed.”

Staying on the Indian subcontinent, the runner up Rahul Saha from Santipur, India shows a beautifully composed shot of group of working women raking through the grain.

Third place is nearer to home with Scotland’s beautiful scenery giving the backdrop to a picture of a train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire.

Professional photographer Vytenis Malisaukas, 40, a Lithuanian who has lived in Cork in Ireland for the last decade said: “It was the perfect shot with the steam train crossing the bridge and so I could not resist capturing the moment. “

Also in Scotland was John Massey’s highly commended shot of the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye.

John, 64, retired, from Berkshire said:” I wanted to get this iconic landmark and was expecting to have to do some walking or climbing to get a decent shot.