THE stark contrast between the cold image of frost creeping over a window pane and the warmth it shows to the community has won a Scottish church a total of £2500 in a UK-wide photography competition.
The snap, taken by Rector Nicki McNelly, was entered into Ecclesiastical Insurance’s Parish Pixels competition and took third place, securing £1000 for St Cuthbert’s Church in Colinton, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
It was also awarded £1500 as one of nine regional winners and then named runner-up by a public vote.
Parish Pixels was launched last summer, inviting Anglican churches in Scotland, England and Wales to capture the essence of their church in a single snapshot, accompanied by a one-sentence caption.
More than 600 entries were submitted ranging from pictures of people, places, features, and artefacts. McNelly often takes pictures when walking her dogs and was struck by the image of frost creeping over the porch window, lit up by the morning sun rising in a stunning blue sky.
She said: “Something about that image struck a chord with me. I’ve visited the Himalayas five times, and it’s the extreme difference between the enormity of Mount Everest down to this little bit of ice on my window, each linked in their beauty.
“I have to say I was astonished to win! We’ll use the money to support the community.”
Michael Angell, church operations director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “We received so many incredible entries, each illustrating the unique and fascinating items, stories and people that make our Anglican churches so special.
“We thank everyone who took the opportunity to showcase their churches and congratulations to the winners.”
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