MY MOMENT
Salesman Andy beat the lockdown blues by getting up early to take stunning pictures of city’s wildlife
BY JON HEBDITCH jon.hebditch@reachplc.com
AN UNEMPLOYED Glasgow man beat his lockdown blues – by taking stunning pictures of the city’s wildlife. Andy Slater, 37, from Cardiff, moved to the city in March just as the Covid-19 lockdown hit. But with th e pandemic, the salesman has been unable to land a new role. Not content to stay at home in Carntyne, Andy has taken to capturing the wildlife in his new hometown TEAM Andy and dog Eris
– which he says has been a boost for his mental health.
His pictures show an unseen side to the Scotland’s biggest city – capturing everything from deer to butterflies.
He rises with sunset taking his beloved dog Eris, who sometimes finds the early mornings a hard ask.
Andy said: “I came here in March just as we were getting into the national lockdown, so I couldn’t have picked a worse time really.
“I’ve not really had the chance to make any new friends or get to know anyone so it was a big strain on my mental health.
“Financially, as well, it is really tough but going out and taking the pictures is so free as well as a good way to see parts of the city.
“Taking the pictures has helped me with the struggles.”
He rises early to capture animals at sunrise or heads out at sunset with favourite locations including Hogganfield Park, Alexandra Park and Frankfield Park.
Andy added: “For me, it is about the escapism. I’ve only been taking pictures for about 18 months and it is just a hobby that has clicked with me.
“I love getting out and into nature and away from it all.
“In a way, it isn’t even about the pictures as much as about the experience of being in nature and appreciating what is around you.”
Modest Andy said he sent his pictures to friends back home but wasn’t considering it as a future career.
He added: “I need to get back into work quickly.
“But photography is something I’m keen to keep with and maybe show other people who are interested.”