Scottish landscape tops international photography competition

Images of Scotland featured in a collection of photographs showing the wonders that our earth still holds for us.

This picture of a train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland by Vytenis Malisaukas, 40 a photographer originally from Lithuania. Picture: SWNS

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 Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye by John Massey, 64 retired from Berkshire was highly commended. Picture: SWNS

“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.

Winner - Buddhist monk going to collect food from a village in a boat on the Rangkong River, Bangladesh by Jewel Chakma. Picture: SWNS

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.