Young snapper scoops top pic prize
21/02/2012 15:47:53
On a recent school visit to Edinburgh Zoo, one sharp-eyed student took the photo which won him first place in a competition run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Third year Loudoun Academy pupil Adam Cumming’s superb snap of a drill monkey was judged to be best, beating competitors from all over Scotland. His winning picture will appear in the zoo’s Life Links magazine. Adam, 14, also wins a Silver Adoption Certificate for the drill monkeys for one year, as well as a pack containing zoo stickers and other assorted goodies.
Adam is a member of the Galston school’s Top Gear group, which adopted the famous Chinese Giant Pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian, now resident in Edinburgh Zoo.
The budding young snapper was inspired by East Ayrshire Council photographer Mike Scott, who accompanied the group on the Panda Adopter’s Day visit to the zoo in December 2011.
Teacher Julia Preston said: “Mike was very generous with his time, giving the youngsters an insight into photography, chatting to them and having fun.
“It looks like, in addition, he was able to inspire a couple of pupils, by telling them that with time and patience, anyone with a natural eye for photography could take a winning picture. Mike was totally inspirational, hugely giving and great fun for these youngsters.
“This is an excellent example of what outdoor education can bring about – an opportunity to engage in impromptu activities which can lead to greater achievement”.
Councillor Hugh Ross, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “Loudoun Academy’s animal adoption project in partnership with Edinburgh Zoo has greatly inspired and motivated the young people. In their trips outside the school, working with zoo experts and now with photographer Mike Scott, these pupils have enthusiastically embraced every opportunity offered to them.
“Congratulations to Adam on winning this prestigious competition. I hope this success will encourage him – and his fellow students – towards ever greater achievements in the future”.
ends
For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk