A PHOTOGRAPHY student from Alva was shocked to learn he had been selected to document a project which saw disabled people access a peak at 2,362ft.

Sam McDiarmid was selected by poet and artist Alec Finlay to take pictures for the Month of Access pilot.

The project aims to promote the benefits of the outdoors to people with disabilities and saw four individuals scale Meall Tairneachan in Perthshire.

Sam applied through open invitation from the Travelling Gallery earlier in the year, following a call-out for new Scottish photographers.

His pictures will now be exhibited in the gallery's bus, which will tour the country in August and September.

Sam said: "To be honest I had forgotten about sending a selection of my photographs through to the Travelling Gallery, but they called me and I was told that Alec really liked my photos and wanted me to document the day.

"It was absolutely amazing to be asked.

"I was quite shocked, but very quickly I got really excited as it has been my first proper opportunity to be paid for taking photographs.

"I have taken photos of landscapes right from when I started, so to take these during the day and document the pilot event was a great thrill and I loved every minute of it.

"It was excellent to work with Alec and the Travelling Gallery and I want to thank them all for the opportunity to show what I can do and I was really happy with the images I took.

"It was great to be involved in such an inspirational project and everyone agreed that the conversations had on the day were just as good as the views.

"It was great just to be in the company of those up on the hill."

During the pilot event, called Day of Access, the four disabled people were taken up the hill by a 4x4 as far as possible before disembarking.

The idea was supported by Forestry and Land Scotland, the John Muir Trust as well as Dalchosnie and Kynachan Estate.

It was hailed such a success that a full Month of Access is being planned for next year.

Sam, an HND Photography student at Forth Valley College, is about to start his second year on the course.

The 27-year-old added: "My advice to new photography students who start next year at the college would be to apply for every live project that is offered to them with both hands.

"Live projects are the key, no matter what it is, just as long as you are using your camera, as it will add to your understanding and experience."