Taken In Good Spirit...

The winning entries from the 15th annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo Photographic Competition are set to be unveiled to the public from 10am this Saturday, May 14 at the City's latest free-to-access visitor attraction, The Spirit of the Tattoo, located at the top of the Scottish Capital's Royal Mile.

Recently opened, the new visitor centre, which sits in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, tells the compelling story of the Military Tattoo, descriptively, graphically and interactively.

But it was amateur photographer, Gordon Berry of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, who triumphed, taking first place and £500 for his colourful image of the exotic Estonian gymnasts, Club Piruett, performing at the record-breaking 55th Edinburgh Tattoo.

The award winning shot was taken using a Canon EOS 10D camera, purchased as an indulgence after retiring as a Radio Communications manager with BT, following 33 years service.

"This is the first competition I have ever entered and winning has given me great encouragement," said the surprised, yet delighted winner. "My visit to the Tattoo was a joy, and I now recommend the event to everyone I meet. Long may it continue."

The judges studied over 400 entries from around the world, including submissions from Australia, USA, China, Holland, Switzerland and throughout the UK. "The standard of entries improves every year which makes choosing a winner much more difficult," said Brian Swinburne, one of the competition judges, a retired photography lecturer and former Tattoo photographer.

Second place and £250 went to Wouter Bianchi from Huizen in The Netherlands for his striking shot of the Massed Highland Dancers, fashioning a patriotic St Andrew's cross.

Alec Finch from Wantage in Oxfordshire took third place and £150 for his eye-catching silhouette of a South African Navy Band trumpeter in action.

1st Place Gordon Berry 2nd Place Wouter Bianchi 3rd Place Alec Finch (Click on the images for larger sized versions)

One of the contest's youngest ever entrant's, 15-year old Louise Ireland from Dundee's Broughty Ferry, was awarded a Commendation for her stunning picture of the Cheraw Cultural Dancers, from Mizoram in North East India. " Each year I attend the Tattoo and was so excited to hear my picture had received an award," remarked the promising youngster.

Highly Commended, Commended and Finalist prizes were also awarded as follows:

Highly Commended: Mr Mark P Doherty, Whixley, North Yorkshire Mr Christopher Carter, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancs Mr Ronnie Graham, Tewkesbury, Glos

Commended: Miss Louise Ireland, Broughty Ferry, Dundee Ms Hazel Grant, California, USA Ms Lesley McHardy, Blairgowrie, Scotland

Finalist: Mr Christian Sperka, Zofingen, Switzerland Mr Andrew Scott, Burnhope, Co Durham Mrs Mary Pearman, North Yate, Nr Bristol

All winners receive two tickets for this year's sold-out Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a presentation certificate and a mounted enlargement of their prize entry.

This year's Tattoo runs from 5th - 27th August where there will be another opportunity to win cash prizes worth £900.

Prints of the winning photographs are available on request.