THE winners of a wildlife photography competition which took place in Renfrewshire have been announced.

The competition, run by community group Dargavel Wildlife and supported by Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, saw youngsters capture amazing pictures of the fantastic local wildlife near Dargavel Village, in Bishopton.

The Gazette:

The junior competition winner was primary five pupil Aaron McDevitt, for his photo of a peacock butterfly, while the senior winner was 15-year-old Billy Stephen, for his picture of a sparrow hawk.

Runners-up in the junior competition were Abigail Mackillop and Meghan Motyka, with notable entries from Autumn Wilson and Archie Cox.

The Gazette:

In the senior competition, the runners-up were Freya Jackson and Charlie McCullough, with a notable entry from Harris Gunn.

David Gunn, founder of Dargavel Wildlife, said: “Dargavel Wildlife is thankful to Taylor Wimpey West Scotland for providing prizes for the winners of our junior photography competition.

The Gazette:

“The competition was designed to encourage young people to engage with nature - and engage they did.

“We were blown away by the number and quality of entries.

The Gazette:

“The judges found it extremely difficult to select the winners but we hope everyone agrees the standard of our winners, runners-up and notable entries is impressive.

“I am also pleased to note that Taylor Wimpey West Scotland has funded the purchase of a bat hibernation box, which has been installed at the heart of Dargavel Village.

The Gazette:

“The box will provide safe roosting for up to 80 bats.”

Dargavel Wildlife consists of people living within the growing community at Dargavel Village.

The Gazette: Dargavel Bat HouseDargavel Bat House (Image: Supplied)

Audrey Ross, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Dargavel Wildlife in their junior photography competition and we are pleased to see that so many children took part.

“Dargavel Village has a rich biodiversity and an interesting mix of local wildlife and it’s great to see it captured in this fun and informative way.

The Gazette:

“Being able to work with local community groups and organisations that surround our developments means a great deal to us and, through donations such as the bat hibernation box in Dargavel Village, it’s great to know that we are helping to make a difference within the local communities where we build.”