The Rural Gateway website has launched a new photo competition for 2008 – and this year it’s bigger and better.

In 2008, the Rural Gateway wants photos from all around rural Scotland on a wide range of subjects from wildlife to landscapes to folk getting the craic.

The competition has six themes, with closing dates staggered throughout the year. The six themes are:
• My favourite place in rural Scotland. Closing date 29th February
• Working away in rural Scotland. Closing date 29th April
• Going wild in rural Scotland. Closing date 29th June
• Action and adventure in rural Scotland. Closing date 28th August
• Gatherings and happenings in rural Scotland. Closing date 30th October
• Characters and the craic in rural Scotland. Closing date 15th December

A winner and runner up for each theme will be chosen by the Rural Gateway Team. Winners will receive a £15 Amazon voucher, and runners up a £5 Amazon voucher.

In 2008, there is also a special prize for young photographers. Photographers under 18 can submit photos under any of the themes before 15th December 2008, to be in with a chance of winning a £50 Amazon voucher to spend online. Second prize is a £25 Amazon voucher and third prize is a £10 Amazon voucher.
Norette Ferns, Rural Gateway Editor said, "After the success of last year's competition, we are really looking forward to receiving submissions under our different themes. And we are particularly excited about the special prize for young photographers.
“There is something for all photographers this year. Whether you take great wildlife photos, stunning landscapes, character studies or action shots you’ll find a theme to suit you.”

The winner and runner up for each theme will be chosen by the Rural Gateway Team and announced shortly after each closing date. A gallery of the best submissions for that theme will be published on the site.

The overall winner will be chosen by the public in an online vote at the end of the year, and will receive a luxury hamper full of great Scottish produce.