One Take Photo

Ten tips from the Foundation for Environmental Education on how to take a good photo

First Place: 10 Years & Under

Camille Adam, Glashieburn Primary School 

We should all keep Scotland beautiful because: "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: 10 Years & Under

Madeleine Adam, Glashieburn Primary School

We should all keep Scotland beautiful because: “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: 11 to 14 Years

Michael Murdoch, Duncanrig Secondary School

We should all keep Scotland beautiful because: "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: 11 to 14 Years

Lily Watt, Duncanrig Secondary School

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

Third Place: 11 to 14 Years

Sasha Siegert, Montrose Academy 

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

First Place: 15 to 18 Years

LP, Clifton Hall School

"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: 19 to 25 Years

Lauren Adamson, Forth Valley College

“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: 19 to 25 Years

Lauren Adamson, Forth Valley College

“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.”

Honourable Mention 2026

Sasha Siegert, Montrose Academy

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

Honourable Mention 2026

Sophie Peggs, Duncanrig Secondary  School

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

Honourable Mention 2026

Cameron Rae, Clifton Hall School

“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.”

Honourable Mention 2026

Catherine Smith, Duncanrig Secondary School

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

First Place: 10 Years & Under

Megan McKenzie, Yester Primary School

We should all keep Scotland beautiful because: "there is nowhere else like it so if we ruin it then it is gone. If Scotland is not kept beautiful then it will affect our whole planet because we rely on green spaces, clean air and biodiversity for our survival. The impact of not looking after Scotland does not just affect humans but animal life as well by destroying their habitats and pushing species to extinction".

Second Place: 10 Years & Under

Rex Davidson-Kelly

"I think we should keep Scotland beautiful to encourage people to be outside"

Third Place: 10 Years & Under

Rex Davidson-Kelly

"I think we should keep Scotland beautiful to encourage people to be outside"

First Place: 11 to 14 Years

Alana Loy, Duncanrig Secondary School

"My photo features famous infrastructure in Glasgow and I think it should be maintained to help keep Scotland beautiful."

Second Place: 11 to 14 Years

Ellie McKenzie, Knox Academy

"Scotland is world-renowned for its stunning coastlines, breathtaking mountains, expansive natural beauty and magical lochs. This immense natural environment provides a vital habitat for many wonderful and diverse species. The ecosystem is a delicate balance, with every creature playing a crucial role; if one species becomes extinct or loses its habitat, the ripple effect can impact all others. Keeping Scotland beautiful helps preserve these habitats, protect clean air, and maintain these precious ecosystems for generations to come".

Third Place: 11 to 14 Years

Fraser Smith, Duncanrig Secondary School

"It is important to keep Scotland beautiful because of its distinctive landscapes which have become a major attraction for international tourists who are is essential for our economy. What I loved about this place was it's unspoilt natural beauty which needs protecting so
future generations can also enjoy."

Honourable Mention 2025

Sophie Peggs, Duncanrig Secondary School

"Whitelee Windfarm near Eaglesham. A photo of the sunset framing the
windmills."

First Place: 15 to 18 Years

Archie Shepherd, Montrose Academy

"When I've made it to my camp site on the 1st day of my Sliver DofE award. I saw this frog on the Grass. I've decided to take a picture of it, and spend time with it for 2 hours."

Second Place: 15 to 18 Years

Oliver Wright, The Royal High School

"This place is special to me as it’s near my home and I’ve made amazing memories here since moving from Brazil to Scotland. Scotland’s
wildlife is truly special and it’s crucial to preserve these natural places ensuring future generations can experience it and create their own amazing memories in these places years to come."

Third Place: 15 to 18 Years

Hannah Devlin, Duncanrig Secondary School

"My Walk home from school every day helps with my health and wellbeing."

Honourable Mention 2025

Cameron Bain, Ellon Academy

"I think we should keep Scotland beautiful because it shouldn't need to be changed."

First Place: 19 to 25 Years

Lauren Adamson, Forth Valley College

"It’s no secret Scotland is a beautiful place. From the wildlife that can be found near our towns to the building within to the winding rivers and rolling hills. It has an amazing balance of city life and natural beauties. Our country our home relies on the people to keep it that way. The historic buildings should be preserved to teach and the Natural tranquilities deserve to be kept clean for that breath of fresh air. Scotland deserves life."