One Take Photo

Thanks to sponsorship from HP, winning entries in the 2026 One Take Photo Category were published in our Keep Scotland Beautiful calendar celebrating the diverse beauty of Scotland, from towns and villages to hills and fields, school gardens, allotments and parks.  

Copies of the calendar are available to purchase here.

We are grateful to HP for their support of the YRE programme and their encouragement of young voices.

First Place

Camille Adam, Glashieburn Primary School "Breezy Balmedie Beach"

"Scotland is a beautiful place, and we need to keep it that way. We have to do what we can to make sure we are picking up our rubbish and investing in renewable energy which is why I like the wind turbines at Balmedie. They remind me of how we are trying not to pollute and make more renewable energy. I know some people don't think wind turbines are pretty, but I do.”

Second Place

Madeleine Adam, Glashieburn Primary School "Balmedie Ladybird

“It's good to keep the environment healthy.  Scotland is important to me and the people who live here and when something is important and we love it we take care of it. Then everyone can enjoy how beautiful it is.”

First Place

Michael Murdoch, Duncanrig Secondary "Beinn Scrien Eirisgeidh"

"We should keep Scotland beautiful to keep views like the photo. A nice and healthy walk up Eriskay Hill clears the mind and brings peace.​”

Second Place

Lily Watt, Duncanrig Secondary "Camusdarach Beach"

“We should keep Scotland beautiful because everyone should have clean water to drink and be able to swim without fear of pollution.”

Third Place

Sasha Siegert, Montrose Academy "Dewy"

“Scotland's beauty is unmatched and it's little things like butterflies dancing around on flowers that make Scotland a truly beautiful place.”

Honourable Mentions

Sasha Siegert, Montrose Academy "Butterfly on Buddliea"

“Scotland's beauty is unmatched and it's little things like butterflies dancing around on flowers that make Scotland a truly beautiful place.”

Sophie Peggs, Duncanrig Secondary "Winters Breakfast"

“We should all help to keep Scotland beautiful to preserve its wildlife.”

Cameron Rae, Clifton Hall School "Glen Coe"

“It's important to keep Scotland beautiful to preserve wildlife, which will help the ecosystem and ensure humans can live here healthily, happily and safely.”

Catherine Smith, Duncanrig Secondary "Culzean Castle Gardens"

“By protecting green spaces like this we help support biodiversity and by caring for historic gardens we can keep Scotland beautiful.”

First Place

LP, Clifton Hall School "Lendrick Hill"

"It’s important for everyone to keep Scotland beautiful because we don't want to lose natural beauty because our green spaces are very valuable.  Green spaces are home to many animals and insects and are really good for our mental health.”

First Place

Lauren Adamson, Forth Valley College "The Time it Takes"

“Scotland’s beauty is a treasure worth protecting. From the bright fresh highlands to the vibrant cities, our culture is a beautiful mixture that is a melting pot of beauty.  The historic charm of the cities are known for their creativity, and we should encourage that to continue to grow together.”

Second Place

Lauren Adamson, Forth Valley College "Counting Sheep"

“You clean your home to feel safe and comfortable. Why doesn’t your country deserve the same? It is so important now more than ever that we preserve the amazing wildlife and beautiful nature that comes with Scotland, from rolling hills to herds of cattle we have so much that benefits not only the land we love and live in but our lives.”

10 Years & Under

First Place: Megan McKenzie, Yester Primary School "Fairy Forest"

Second Place: Rex Davidson-Kelly "Beautiful Gullane Beach"

Third Place: Rex Davidson-Kelly "Dogs on Gullane Beach"

11 to 14 Years

First Place: Alana Loy, Duncanrig Secondary "A View Across the Clyde" 

Second Place: Ellie McKenzie, Knox Academy "Sunrise Over Loch Ness"

Third Place: Fraser Smith, Duncanrig Secondary "RSPB Reserve on North Uist"

Honourable Mention: Sophie Pegg, Duncanrig Secondary "Whitelee Windmills"

15 to 18 Years

First Place: Archie Shepherd, Montrose Academy "One Hidden Frog"

Second Place: Oliver Wright, The Royal High School "Ripples"

Third Place: Hannah Devlin, Duncanrig Secondary "Home" 

Honourable Mention: Cameron Bain, Ellon Academy "Cameron's Best One"

19 to 25 Years

First Place: Lauren Adamson, Forth Valley College "Free Spirit"

Have a look at entries from the international competition:

• One Take Photo Gallery on YRE Global