Wildlife photographs scoop prize

A picture of a nuthatch was one of four picture submitted by Mr Bricknell

A West Lothian man has won a competition to find Scotland's favourite nature photographer.

Dean Bricknell, 46, from Bathgate, scooped the Scottish Nature Photography Award after beating 40 other entrants.

The RSPB volunteer said he was "really chuffed" to have won the award for his pictures of birds and wildlife.

Niall Irvine, Scottish Nature Photography Awards organiser, said Mr Bricknell's pictures showed "great depth of interest in nature".

Mr Bricknell, who is a wedding photographer, said: "I'm really chuffed to have won.

"The wildlife in Scotland is in my opinion, some of the best in the world, but I'll admit, getting good photos of birds like crested tits, or even things like wood mice, can be a real challenge.

"It's all down to the light and the weather and just really knowing your subject. You've also got to have the patience to wait things out, even if you're sitting there getting bitten by midges."

Mr Irvine told the BBC Scotland news website: "Mr Bricknell's pictures show a great depth of interest in nature photography."

He won a certificate and a bottle of Glenlivet whisky.