Doon the Coast Photo Competition 2025
Doon the Coast is back for the fourth year in a row, and we’re asking you to send in your best photographs from around Orkney.
We are looking for photographs which fit into one of our five categories, capturing the essence of island life:
- Boats and Ships
- Nature’s Wonders
- Coastal Communities
- Island Games
- Under-16s
Here are some examples of entrants from previous years to help you understand our categories!
Framing Island Life
Boats and Ships
As an archipelago of islands, life on Orkney is intertwined with the sea. Whether it's the ferries that keep our islands connected, or the fishing industry that has supported Orcadians for centuries, we’re a community of maritimers. To capture the importance of seafaring to Orkney, we’re asking you to send in your best pictures of ferries, cruise ships, fishing boats, leisure craft, navy vessels and everything in between!
Nature’s Wonders
The Orkney Islands are home to stunning scenery and amazing wildlife. Whether it's the iconic puffins at Westray or the striking Old Man of Hoy, our islands are not short of beautiful wildlife and picturesque geography. To enter the Nature’s Wonders category, send in your best pictures of the natural beauty of Orkney.
Coastal Communities
Above all, it’s the people who make Orkney truly special. Our warmth, wit, and love for the islands are second to none, so we want to see photos that capture what it means to be an Orcadian. In this category, we’re looking for images of everyday life by the coast; this could be loved ones by the sea, the hustle and bustle of Albert Street on a sunny day, or a moody, haar-laden morning at Kirkwall harbour.
Island Games
With the International Island Games in Orkney this year, we expect some dramatic sporting moments from across the islands. Along our shores, we’ll see sailing in Kirkwall Bay and triathlon swimming at Stromness. If you are at these events, send in your best photos to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize.
Under-16s
As always, we’re opening up the competition to Orkney’s peedie photographers. Parents or guardians can enter on behalf of children aged 16 or under, submitting photos otherwise applicable to any of the above four categories.
Great Prizes Up For Grabs
Prizes will be awarded to the best photos, as chosen by our judges, in each category. The winners in our four adult categories will receive a £100 Kirkwall BID voucher with two runners-up in each category receiving a £25 Kirkwall BID voucher. For the Under-16s category, prizes will depend on the age of the winner.
The top three entrants into the Boats and Ships, Nature’s Wonders, Coastal Communities and Under-16s categories will also be placed in the 2025 Doon the Coast Calendar.
Entry Requirements
No matter your age or ability as a photographer, the competition is open to everyone who has an address in Orkney. Your photos must have been taken within 12 months of the closing date and can be submitted as either landscape, portrait or square.
For judging purposes, we ask that all photographs be submitted in as high resolution as possible.
Stay safe by the sea
Orkney’s rugged coastline and unpredictable weather are one of the many reasons why we love it, but please remember to stay on the designated footpaths and take extra care when near the edge of cliffs, on piers or when near water.
Need inspiration?
Take a look at some brilliant photos we’ve received over the last few years.
Sorry, this competition is closed.