In 2023 ASPC held a photography competition, open to members of the public. We were so impressed by the number and quality of entries that we held another competition in 2024.

The response, again, was so good we repeated for a third year – 2025.

Each year we choose twelve “winners” to feature, one per month, as the background for our public website front page. In addition each “winner” receives a modest gift.

Our December winner – Mike Diamond – has caught a real midwinter scene. Judging by the single set of tracks in the snow, Mike was out and about early on the day he took this photograph.

The location is Leith Hall, near Kennethmont, in Aberdeenshire. I have to confess I was unfamiliar with this house, but I will make a point of visiting, on a fine spring or summer’s day. The house is interesting and surrounded by gardens. Built in 1650, it sits on the site of a Mediaeval Castle. Home for generations of the Leith – Hay family, the house became National Trust property in 1945. There is evidence that the house may experience paranormal episodes – is haunted – so perhaps a place to visit, but not to stay. There are interesting gardens, and the interior of the house has attributes, including noteworthy clocks.

This area of Aberdeenshire might be considered a little out of the way, by some, but most folk in the area value the natural beauty of the area, and the space and pace of life here.

December can be a grey month, but it can also give us magical snow scenes, on days like this.

If you’re interested in learning more about each one of our images as part of our photography competition, then why not take a look at one of our previous submissions, here.