Photography Competition 2025
The 2025 photography competition is officially open! After conducting a Facebook poll in Glen Urquhart and Strathglass the theme is:

Rock and Water of Glen Urquhart and Strathglass
This theme invites photographers of all levels to explore and capture the stunning landscapes and natural elements of this picturesque region.
Rock Formations: Explore the rugged and ancient rock formations that define Glen Urquhart and Strathglass. From towering cliffs to weathered stone structures, these geological features offer a rich tapestry for photography. Capture the textures, patterns, and unique shapes against the Highland backdrop.
Water Wonders: From tranquil lochs to meandering rivers and cascading waterfalls, water shapes the landscape of Glen Urquhart and Strathglass. Capture reflections, the play of light on water, and the energy of flowing streams.
Prizes:
For 2025, there will be four winners: two in the under 18s category and two in the adults category. Winners will receive a 20×16 inch (portrait or landscape) canvas of their winning photograph from Max Spielmann in Inverness.
Winners will also receive an individual voucher prize worth £50 to spend in their preferred local business. They will also nominate £100 to a Strathglass or Glen Urquhart based group, club, or charity of their choice. Only groups applicable to apply for our grants are eligible for nomination. Please see the Groups/Clubs Directory here.
All runners up (10 in each age group) will receive an 8×6 inch print of their photograph from Max Spielman.
Bonus Draw – Soirbheas members will be entered into a draw for a £25 prize voucher to spend in their preferred local business. This will be drawn at the Soirbheas AGM on Thursday 3rd July 2025, at Balnain Hall, Glenurquhart. All members are cordially invited, please arrive for refreshments from 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start.
All entries will be considered to produce a Soirbheas calendar for year 2026.
Please fill out the Online Entry Form, or fill out the Word Version and e-mail/print and scan it to Kara at [email protected]
If you have any issues with submitting your entry, please don’t hesitate to contact Kara for alternative options.
Competition Rules:
- The photograph must have been taken by the entrant in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass since June 2024.
- Participants must be residents of Strathglass or Glen Urquhart. Exceptions will be granted under the following circumstances:
- Participants who attend school in the area but do not reside in the area.
- Any other exceptional circumstances deemed appropriate by the Board – please contact [email protected]
- Photographers of all skills levels are invited to submit an entry.
- Entries can be portrait, landscape or cropped.
- Photos can be colour or black/white.
- Each entrant can enter one image.
- Entries should be submitted by email to [email protected].
- Entries must be in JPEG format and no larger than 6MB.
- All entries must be previously unpublished photographs and not have been entered in any other photography competition.
- It is the responsibility of each entrant to ensure that any images they submit have been taken with the consent of anyone who is identifiable or owns any property in that image. In addition, where an entrant is under 16 parental/guardian consent is required. Entrants confirm that they have been advised of the purpose of the submission and that the photograph may be used on the Soirbheas website and other promotional or marketing materials. Photographer’s work will be credited if used for merchandise. Entry forms will be kept for a period of three years and not used for any purpose out with the scope of the competition.
- Photos should be appealing and original. Any images that are felt to be inappropriate, cause offence or do not fall within the stated themes will not be included in the competition.
- Deadline for entries – Sunday 25th May 2025 at midnight.
- In the event of a tie-break in the community vote, the Soirbheas Board will decide on the overall winner.
- To ensure the viability and competitiveness of the photography competition, a minimum threshold of 40 applicants (including adult and under 18 entries) for each category must be met. If the number of applicants falls below the threshold for each category, the photography competition for that category will not proceed. Participants will be promptly notified if the competition does not proceed due to insufficient entries in a particular category. The Soirbheas Board reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule under exceptional circumstances, at their discretion.
- The competition deadline may be extended based on the number of entries received, ensuring sufficient participation.