Calendar's photos capture essence of favourite Angus green space

Paul Glennie’s winning photo, which features on the cover of the commemorative calendar.

Launched earlier this year by ANGUSalive, the competition to mark the anniversary invited the public to submit one or two photos which captured the beauty and essence of Monikie, one of the favourite public green spaces in the Angus area.

The finalists and runners-up pictures will feature in the special commemorative calendar.

A total of 76 photographs was received and included pictures of birds in flight, dramatic landscapes and wildlife from around the park.

The country park is popular with visitors of all ages.

Of these, 12 winning and 12 runners-up images were selected for inclusion in the calendar.

The competition was judged by Carnoustie-based artist Jim Dunbar.

The park was officially opened by Dr Jean Balfour CBE, who has held many public appointments such as Chairman of the Countryside Commission of Scotland, President of The Royal Scottish Forestry Society and vice-Chairman of the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

The late Councillor Bruce Mackie OBE, Recreation and Tourism convener at the time, opened the park alongside Dr Balfour in 1981.

In the last four decades the country park has developed to become a hub for recreational activities including watersports, team building, outdoor concerts and seasonal activities for children.

It also took on a new significance during the Covid-19 pandemic as a place where the local population could enjoy socially-distanced exercise and much-needed breathing space.

The winning cover picture is a beautiful shot by self-taught photographer Paul Glennie, showing daisies and a reflective reservoir.

Simon Lock, ANGUSalive’s countryside lead, said: “It was great to mark 40 years of Monikie with a campaign that engaged with the community.

“We were delighted with the number and quality of entries received.

“I think the calendar will be a lovely keep-sake for the winners and runners-up but also a great way to hang a little piece of Monikie on your wall next year. Some really cracking images to enjoy.”

Paul said that the country park is a favourite subject for him to photograph.

He added: “As a hobby photographer, I love going up to Monikie quite regularly because it looks great in every season for photography, also on calm days the ponds can be like mirrors and are beautiful for sunset reflections ”

All winners and runners-up received a copy of the calendar with their photos and name featured alongside. Paul will also receive a £40 voucher for Monikie-based restaurant Byzantium.

A limited number of calendars isavailable to purchase at a number of ANGUSalive venues including Monikie Country Park and Byzantium, with proceeds helping the trust re-invest into services and activities.