Scotland 2023: Photographer picks 14 best photos of the year

Herald photographer Gordon Terris has chosen his favourite photographs taken of standout moments in 2023, from the Banksy exhibition in Glasgow, to dawn dips in the ocean and festivals of colour. 

International Women's Day dip

The International Women's Day swim (Image: Gordon Terris)

Dippers go into the sea at sunrise in Portobello to mark International Women's Day in March. The official annual dip was cancelled due to cold temperatures but locals turned out in numbers at dawn.

Cherry blossom

Cherry blossom in Edinburgh's Meadows park (Image: Gordon Terris)

The cherry trees come into bloom in Edinburgh's Meadows, vibrantly proclaiming the arrival of spring.

Holi festival

Holi celebrations in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris)

Hindus celebrate the Holi festival of colours in Glasgow's Rouken Glen Park. The festival coincides with the final full moon of the Lunar calendar and celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon makes a statement outside her house (Image: Gordon Terris)

Nicola Sturgeon speaks to reporters outside her house for the first time since her husband Peter Murrell's arrest. He was later released without charge. The former First Minister announced her resignation in February after nine years in the role.

Banksy in Glasgow

Banksy Cut & Run exhibition in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris)

Banksy's Cut & Run exhibition was held in Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art, and the Herald had an exclusive look behind the scenes. 

The haar

Fog obscures the Queensferry Crossing (Image: Gordon Terris)

This miraculous photograph captures the moment mist obscures the Queensferry Crossing bridge over the Firth of Forth. 

Abortion protests

Doctor asks anti-abortion protesters to move on outside the QEUH in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris)

During his break, paediatric radiologist Dr Greg Irwin asks anti-abortion protestors outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow to move along. The group staged 40 days of vigils outside the hospital amid efforts to introduce buffer zones outside healthcare services. 

Humza Yousaf becomes First Minister

Humza Yousaf was chosen as the new SNP leader and First Minister (Image: Gordon Terris)

Humza Yousaf won the SNP leadership race, beating Kate Forbes and Ash Reagan to become First Minister in March 2023. Here he is pictured at an Edinburgh meeting in COSLA headquarters. 

BMX champion

GB rider Oliver Weightman at the BMX trials in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris)

GB rider Oliver Weightman on his way to winning the Mens Junior 20" BMX trials at Glasgow Green. 

Kelty coal carrying race

Kelty coal carrying race in Fife (Image: Gordon Terris)

Participants in the annual Kelty Coal Carrying Race through the Fife village where men and women carry sacks of coal for a kilometre harking back to the town's coal heritage. Children and mascots races are also included.

Pot of gold

A rainbow over the Wallace Monument at Stirling (Image: Gordon Terris)

A rainbow appears above the Wallace Monument in Stirling. 

Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh International Festival's new creative director Nicola Benedetti in Princes Street Gardens (Image: Gordon Terris)

Edinburgh International Festival's new creative director Nicola Benedetti launches her programme in the city's Princes Street Gardens  with musicians from Oi Musica. 

Loch Lomond

A man jumps into Loch Lomond during hot temperatures (Image: Gordon Terris)

Enjoying soaring temperatures at Luss Pier on Loch Lomond. Stuart Hogg from Kilmarnock takes the plunge.

Highland Games 

Dancers feet at Luss Highland Games (Image: Gordon Terris)

Dancers feet at Luss Highland Games in July. The gathering, which celebrates local community spirit and sporting endeavour, has been held annually since 1875, except for a break during the two World Wars.