IT was a year of events both big and small, and as always our team of photographers was there to capture the colour and spectacle that made the news.

From the meeting of two of the Clyde's favourite daughters, to the vibrant arts world, social events and portraits of those who take centre stage in Scottish public life, our cameras were at the ready to document and entertain.

Here is a selection of the stunning images The Herald team produced this year, from behind the scenes and at the centre of the action, and all angles in between.

Kirsty Anderson was given access to explore the weird and wonderful world of the Life Gallery at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is undergoing a refurbishment. Among the exhibits are a number of stuffed animals such as this water buffalo, kept in the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre Taxidermy Pod.

Dancers from Scottish Ballet were captured putting the final touches to their performance of their autumn show Motion of Displacement by Jamie Simpson.

Colin Mearns snapped a riot of colour at the Ayr Flower Show, which was attended by thousands in August.

TV Star David Hasslehoff struck a cheeky pose for Jamie Simpson ahead of his appearance as Hook in Peter Pan at the SECC in November.

Photographer Mark Gibson snapped chef Craig Crozier in a playful mood as he unveiled a new dish made from hare's blood.

Multiple wreaths were used for Gordon Terris's poignant illustration of the Poppy appeal in November, featuring veteran and former navy submariner Robert Watson.

It was as though the independence referendum was being fought all over again for Colin Templeton as he pictured September's Hope over Fear rally in Glasgow's George Square.

Colin Mearns snapped history as the Waverley sailed past the Queen Mary 2 at Greenock in May. The paddle steamer has been sailing for 40 years since being restored.

Dancers from Rambert Ballet posed for Mark Gibson ahead of their Frames show at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, which was being given its world premiere.

Jim Murphy was in the thick of his general election campaign back in May when he was snapped by Gordon Terris as he gave a speech at Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth, but ended up losing his seat.

Kirsty Anderson captured author William McIlvanney's brooding personality during an interview in Glasgow. The writer passed away in December, ten months after the picture was taken.

A symphony of light played before Colin Templeton;s camera as he took this mesmerising shot of riders practicing for the Ghost Pellaton artpiece in Glasgow.