AN ALVA man has had his impressive photography work recognised with a prestigious award.

Alan Gray was given a FIAP gold medal for the best colour landscape print in the Scottish International Salon of Photography.

His winning entry, entitled Breakwater, is a picture of the zig-zag breakwater wall at St Monans harbour, Fife, and was one of three entries he had accepted by the salon.

The others included Sterna Pariadisaea – an artistic rendition of an Arctic Tern in flight taken on the Isle of May – and the Disappearing Bridge, which is a monochrome print of the Clackmannanshire Bridge taken on a foggy morning.

Alan told the Advertiser: “I would have been more than happy to get a photograph accepted into the international photography salon, but to win a gold medal...I am overwhelmed to say the least.”

The Scottish international salon was founded in 1904 and this year had just under 9000 entries from 56 different countries.

It was split into six judging categories and the award ceremony was held at Torrance Gallery, Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride, recently.

Alan was given his award by one of his favourite photographers and president of the Scottish Photographic Society, Hunter Kennedy.

He added: “I have been doing digital photography for about five years now, although I did have a go at film photography in the late 80s early 90s. But I’m finding that there is much more help and support around now.

“I joined Stirling District Camera Club four or five years ago and have made many friends and gained a lot of help and experience through their internal and external competitions.

“I also joined the RPS (Royal Photographic Society) where, last year, I gained a licentiate distinction for my photography.

“I exhibit some of my work in local coffee shops including the Coffee Bothy in Blairlogie, Maggie’s Cafe in Tillicoultry, and Alva Dental Centre. I also have a website so people can view a larger selection of my photographs.”

To see more of Alan’s work, visit www.alangrayimages.com