Let’s see just how beautiful Scotland is

A new photo competition aimed at capturing images of wildlife on the National Cycle Network has been launched.

Sustrans Scotland wants photographers of all ages and experience to submit entries to the Go Wild competition, which is supported by Scottish Canals and Scottish Wildlife Trust.

The free competition forms part of Sustrans Scotland’s Greener Greenways project, which is part- funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and aims to improve and enhance biodiversity on traffic- free sections of the Network that are home to a variety of animals and plants.

Entrants will compete for a selection of prizes, including the opportunity to have their image displayed along the Union Canal, during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Sus t rans S c o t l a n d volunteers coordinator Laura White said: “We hope Go Wild will help encourage more people to get out by foot or bike to explore their local National Cycle Network routes and discover some of the wildlife on their doorstep.

“The National Cycle Network plays a vital role in supporting and promoting a wide variety of wildlife in Scotland and is a fantastic place for people to experience some of the rich biodiversity that Scotland has to offer.

“We hope it will inspire more people to take part in our wildlife volunteering and record[ing], something that is vital to the future health of wildlife in Scotland.”

There are approximately 2,371 miles ( 3,815 km) of National Cycle Network routes in Scotland, including 644 miles of traffic- free routes. The National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 7 and Route 75 both run through Renfrewshire.

Deadline for entries is Monday, June 18, with winners being announced on Monday, July 17.

Visit www.sustrans.org.uk/ scotphotocomp18 for more information.