A Journey Around the World (and at home!)

Our Wellbeing Team's Summer Photo Competition didn't disappoint this year, with entries taking us from Scottish beaches to dramatic volcanic coastlines and even a solar eclipse!

Among the highlights was the stunning black sand beach at Seixal, Madeira, while another colleague shared his adventures around Valencia on a City Bike, proving that sightseeing is always better on two wheels.

Closer to home, we loved seeing toddler twins enjoying a paddle at St Andrews, showing that a grey Scottish day doesn't stop a summer adventure. Another entry captured the simple pleasure of an after-supper stroll along the beach in Saltcoats, reminding us that memorable moments can be found right on our doorstep.

Not all summer destinations provided relief from the heat. One colleague shared a photo from Khanbulan Lake in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, describing a very (very) hot day where the lake felt less like a cool escape and more like a warm bath!

Perhaps the most dramatic entry came from the recent solar eclipse. Just 15 minutes before the peak, a huge dark cloud appeared and seemed set to ruin the view. Fortunately, it moved away just two minutes before the eclipse reached its peak, creating a fantastic photographic opportunity.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered. Whether capturing family memories, far-flung adventures, beautiful landscapes or rare moments in the sky, your photos brought a little extra summer sunshine to us all.

The Winner is ‘Not quite perfect picnic weather’ taken at St Andrews.