A Ross-shire based jeweller is one of seven shortlisted artistes announced for a new eco-prize to celebrate creative, literary or artistic work in Scotland which promotes greener lifestyles.

Jaimie MacDonald from Strathpeffer in Ross-shire has created pieces of jewellery recycled from the unlikely material of used plastic film cartons.

The winner, who will be announced next Tuesday at an awards ceremony in Glasgow,  will receive £1,250 and a further highly commended entrant will receive £500.

The award celebrates work in all creative forms which demonstrates flair and originality and inspires others to participate in environmentally friendly living.

This is the first year of the award, which is an initiative of the Eco Trust in association with leading environmental group, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, The Lighthouse.

The shortlisted entries are:

- 'Breathtaking' by Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion (Dundee).
Striking photographic billboard art posing questions about the implications of current lifestyles and levels of energy consumption. The images work on multiple levels to stimulate reflection, rather than reinforcing polarised views in the critical debate about renewable energy and energy consumption.

- 'Citrus Sinensis' by Ruth Maxwell (Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire).
Innovative photographic composition focused on a mobile phone mast disguised as a tree. Despite the pun (Citrus Sinesis= Orange tree), this work raises important questions about landscape and authenticity in the face of new technology.

- 'Exodus' by Julie Bertagna (Glasgow).
An engrossing children¹s novel set in a plausible future world of extreme climate change. Without preaching, the book illustrates the personal and social as well as environmental catastrophes threatened by global warming and sea level rise, with a hopeful subtext that personal and collective action can make the difference.

- 'Expansion' by Martyn Gutteridge (Glasgow)
A short and spiritual animated film exposing the destructive impacts of continued growth and consumption. This moving piece challenges us to take personal action rather than following the herd.

- 'Lay of the Land' by Jaimie MacDonald (Strathpeffer, Ross-shire)
Jewellery evocative of Scotland¹s landscape, recycled from the unlikely material of used plastic film cartons. These pieces would be very much at home on the fashion catwalk ­ challenging that industry to reflect on the way it drives consumerism and waste generation.

- 'Our Home' by Rowan Dewar (Edinburgh).
A short and punchy animation using recycled fabrics to construct an engaging tale about the ongoing impacts of rainforest loss. This film makes its point sharply, and challenges us to act collectively to help solve the problem.

Kay Henning, Founder and Trustee of the Eco Trust said:

"We created this award to encourage and celebrate artists working with flair and inventiveness on important issues which touch the lives of many people in Scotland. We have been really impressed by the range and quality of the entries".

Duncan Mclaren of Friends of the Earth Scotland said:

"The shortlisted entries showcase some great emerging creatives and some powerful work from established creatives. We hope this award will promote the use of the powerful medium of the arts as a catalyst for environmental action and concern amongst people in Scotland".

Stuart MacDonald of the Lighthouse said:

"We are delighted to be associated with this award. Scotland needs more awards, especially relating to projects that combine creativity and an emphasis on sustainability. This award fills a vacuum."