New calendar portrays photos of Edinburgh taken by overseas students

Overseas Edinburgh University students were challenged with presenting an outsiders’ portrayal of the city, resulting in a record 342 entries.

The best shots have been made into a glossy calendar and include this slow-exposure snap of the night sky over Edinburgh’s Disgrace; cherry blossoms perched along The Meadows; and a shadowy depiction of a pathway in The Meadows.

Now in its fourth year, the contest aims to celebrate the eclectic international composition of Edinburgh University, which boasts around 10,000 non-UK students.

The winning entry by US student Daniel Thornton, depicts a moody graveyard scene at Canongate Kirkyard under shimmering moonlight. The amateur snapper won £150 in prize money.

He said he felt “humbled” and “honoured” to have won and expressed fears the image would be “too sombre”.

“I was really just trying to capture how evocative Edinburgh is at night,” he said. “It’s such a beautifully creepy city. I think the judges liked the subject and my approach but I’m not sure why it won.

“I’m just happy that it did.”