Kestrel photo wins national competition for Hugh

A PASSIONATE amateur photographer has been crowned winner of a nationwide competition celebrating Scotland’s abundance of wildlife and natural environment. Hugh Ferguson, 45, from Dumfries and Galloway took part in the photography initiative launched by housebuilder David Wilson Homes. It was designed to inspire local residents to pause and appreciate the natural beauty around them, while celebrating the diverse wildlife and nature which share their community. Hugh’s simple, yet beautiful image of a kestrel was captured in New Cumnock in East Ayrshire, while he was out for a drive with his wife. Stunned by the rare opportunity to see birds of prey up close in the wild, he was inspired to take out his camera, capturing the unique moment from his car window. Judges selected the winning photograph from submissions received from across Scotland, commending its simplicity and authenticity in capturing the country’s wildlife in their natural habitats. Hugh said: “We’re so lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful wildlife in Scotland. If you just take a moment to look, you’ll see so much beauty. “It is very rare to see a bird of prey in the wild. As soon as I noticed it just sitting there, peacefully watching the world below, I had to quickly stop and capture the moment. “I took up photography as a hobby in 2023 and have a particular interest in wildlife. As an amateur photographer I don’t get many opportunities to showcase my work, so this initiative by David Wilson Homes was such a great opportunity for me to turn a hobby into something meaningful.” Congratulating him, Alison Condie, from David Wilson Homes, said: “Our warmest congratulations go to Hugh. His photograph captures exactly what this campaign is all about - taking a moment to pause, connect with nature and celebrate the places we call home.” The photo will be displayed on the the firm’s website, and in future marketing collateral.