New Photography Exhibition Celebrates the Fragile Beauty of Scotland’s Seabirds

Stunning new photography exhibition opens at the Scottisnh Seabird Centre this weekend (21 November). As part of the Charity’s 25-year celebrations, the exhibition showcases images of all 23 of Scotland’s breeding seabird species. While celebrating the diversity of seabirds that return to Scotland’s shores each spring to breed, it delivers a powerful message about the precarious nature of their survival. 70% of the species featured are in decline and many, like the Atlantic puffin, are at risk of global extinction.

The competition called on amateur photographers of all ages to capture images that best represent Scotland’s seabirds. Judging the initial stage were Centre staff, Jamie McDermaid and Emily Burton. The winners from the final shortlist were then chosen by zoologist, wildlife TV presenter, author and Seabird Centre Ambassador Megan McCubbin; and Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner, Bird Photographer of the Year portfolio winner and seabird photographer Rachel Bigsby.

Competition judge Rachel said “I really enjoyed going through the entries. The standard was so high, and it honestly wasn’t easy to choose between them! It’s been such a treat to see all the creativity and talent in the entries.”

Emily Burton, Conservation Manager at the Scottish Seabird Centre, said “We were genuinely overwhelmed with the volume and quality of images submitted! Whittling the entries down was a tough task but we’re so pleased to have such a wide array of stunning, creative imagery. We hope that this exhibition illustrates how incredible Scotland’s seabirds are and how important it is that we continue to protect them.”

From the 800 plus entries, the judges’ chose Iain Donnachie as their overall winner with his photograph of common guillemots on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth. The Under-18 winner was Anwen Whitehead, with her picture of a razorbill, also on the Isle of May.

While the judges have already chosen their winners, the exhibition will offer visitors the chance to vote for the overall competition winner who will be announced in February 2026.

To find out more about the Scottish Seabird Centre and the exhibition, visit www.seabird.org.

Image credits and captions:

• Image credits: The Judges’ Overall Winner © Iain Donnachie, The Judges’ Under-18 Winner © Anwen Whitehead
• Note these images are free to use for this story only.
• The images can be downloaded here.

ENDS

For further press information:

• Jess Thompson, Marketing Manager, email jesst@seabird.org, tel: +44(0)1620 890202.

Notes for Editors

• The exhibition features images of all 23 seabirds that breed around Scotland. It opened on Friday 21 November and entry is free.
• Some of the best images from the competition selection are also included in the Charity’s 2026 Scottish Seabird Calendar which will be used to raise funds for their vital marine conservation and education work. The calendar is available now, online and in the Centre gift shop.
• The Scottish Seabird Centre is a award-winning marine conservation and education charity whose purpose is to inspire and educate people about the Scottish marine environment and motivate people to care for it by supporting conservation projects.
• In 2025 the Charity celebrates its 25th anniversary of the opening of its Visitor Centre doors to the public and over the years has won multiple awards for tourism and sustainability. It has led a range of high-profile conservation and education projects including the SOS Puffin initiative in the Firth of Forth.
• For more information on the Scottish Seabird Centre visit www.seabird.org

Header image here is the under 18 winner (c) Anwen Whitehead

Listing image is 'Puffin on the Isle of May' (c) John Scott