As we prepare to enter 2024, it's only natural to look back on some of the biggest stories of 2023.

Crucial to The Herald is our picture desk, who are on the road come rain or shine capturing some of the best photos in the business.

Below are Colin Mearns' favourite photos he snapped this year, and we'll have Gordon Terris' coming next week.

The Herald:

The Glasgow School of Art Graduate Fashion Show 2023 at the GSA Students’ Association on Scott Street..Pictured are models wearing creations by student Manie Rosie..Fashion, Design and textiles students debut their bold new designs at the Glasgow School of Art’s fashion show on Friday May 26th April, 2023. This latest generation of student talent launch the culmination of years of study and training across three shows

The Herald:

Members of the RNLI lifeboat crew jump in from a jetty at the end of the RNLI Helensburgh New Year dook at Rhu marina. Around 200 people took part in the new years day dip.

The Herald:

George White age 4 reacts while sitting in the drivers seat of a police traffic car as PC Fraser Ramsay turns on the car's siren and lights at Barrhead Police station. George and his parents were invited for a tour of the police station after George, who loves all things police, joined Barrhead police officer PC Rudie McMahon on patrol at the Barrhead halloween parade.

The Herald:

Pro-Palestine campaigners marching to the BBC Scotland HQ at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. The protestors marched to the BBC following a rally on Buchanan Street.

The Herald:

Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour  pictured with Angela Rayner, deputy leader of Labour. They are pictured in Rutherglen where they met constituents, party activists and handed out leaflets.

The Herald:

HRH The Princess Royal pictured tasting a Salted Caramel Cookie Dough ice cream at Equi’s Ice Cream factory in Rutherglen. At left is David Equi, MD of Equi's Ice Cream. Princess Anne spent the afternoon visiting the ice cream producer and was able to try a bespoke flavour, Salted Caramel Cookie Dough..This special flavour was developed by the Mackellar family after their successful bid at a Maggie’s Lanarkshire fundraising event. The family was able to tour the ice cream factory and take part in a Willy Wonka-style tasting experience before donning lab coats and hairnets to create their own flavour.

The Herald:

University of Glasgow honorary degrees. Pictured are, actor Bill Paterson, left who received Doctor of the University and musician Paul Buchanan (formerly vocalist with The Blue Nile) who received Doctor of Music.

The Herald:

Rugby fans watching the England v Scotland Six Nations rugby match at the Three Sisters pub on the Cowgate, Edinburgh. Scotland won 29-23.

The Herald:

Cameron Winton age 4 pictured next to a work by artist The rebel Bear on Argyle Street, Glasgow. The work, at the entrance to the former Debenhams store,  is a tribute to Banksy by The Rebel Bear.

The Herald:

Six year old Kyro McLafferty pictured dancing at his mother April McClafferty's dance studio-  April's Street Feet in Dalmuir, Clydebank.

The Herald:

ACME Comic Con at the SEC, Glasgow. Pictured are members of Ghostbusters of Glasgow and Ghostbusters of Scotland chasing Slimer.

The Herald:

Singer song writer Jill Brown pictured in the chapel at Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow where she performed in front of an audience of prisoners. A group of prisoners also performed prior to Jill's gig, one of whom is pictured holding a guitar. Jill is also the founder of Conviction Records, Scotland's first record label for ex-offenders.

The Herald:

GlasGLOW at the Botanic Gardens. Pictured in the Kibble Palace is GlasGLOW steward Abbie McGoran

The Herald:

Members of the teaching union the EIS pictured on the picket line outside Cuthbertson primary school, Govanhill in the Southside of Glasgow this morning, Tuesday. One of the union members is holding Demo Barbie. Demo Barbie has her own twitter account- @DemoBarbie.

The Herald:

Stranraer Oyster Festival, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, Friday 15th September.  Scotland's last wild, native oyster fishery is in adjacent Loch Ryan. Pictured are people eating native oysters.