Beginner photographer captures stunning Deeside shot

Alan Findlay's winning shot of the Water of Tanar

A RETIRED paper mill worker has won his first photographic competition at the first attempt at the age of 74 with a stunning view of the landscape of Royal Deeside.

Alan Findlay, a keen amateur photographer, has been taking pictures of the scenery of the north east of Scotland for almost 50 years. And he had beginner’s luck when he entered a photographic competition for the first time, run by the Glen Tanar Estate, close to the Queen’s estate at Balmoral.

His atmospheric photograph of the Water of Tanar on the estate has won the top prize in the competition.

Mr Findlay, from Peterculter, said: “I’ve been taking photographs as a hobby since I was in my 20s and I’ve been a regular visitor to Glen Tanar for many years, so when this competition came up there was something that told me I should enter. I’m glad I made the effort now.”

He continued: “The scenery in the glen is just breathtaking. I had cycled the length of the Water of Tanar just before I found out about the competition and it was a perfect day so I took lots of photographs.”

A spokeswoman for the estate said: “Alan’s winning image was praised by judges because of its composition, with the combination of the low angle and slow shutter speed emphasising the movement in the water.

Judges also liked how it portrayed Glen Tanar, with fast-flowing clear waters cutting through great pink granites flanked by flowering heather with ancient pines in the background.

Claire Bruce, the estate’s owner, said: “We were delighted with the standard of entries into the competition, but we felt that Alan’s photograph just had that little something extra.

“The whole idea of running the competition was to encourage people to visit the estate. We’re so lucky because we live right in the heart of this very special place, and we want to be able to share it with as many people as possible.”