At ASPC, we’re always looking for ways to showcase the true delights of living in the North East. From the beautiful scenery to the intricate architecture of the buildings throughout the City, calling this wonderful place home is something we may take for granted.

To highlight the spectacular scenery of Aberdeen and beyond, we’ve called upon the budding photographers of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to take part in our 2023 photography competition. Each one of our 12 winners will feature for one month on the ASPC website home page while also receiving a £250 Aberdeen Inspired gift card!

Ray Smith took this magnificent snow-covered photo of Duthie Park, which has featured on our home page throughout the month of January. To give you more context behind this captivating shot, ASPC Chairman, John MacRae shares his thoughts and interpretation of the image…

“The January background photograph on the ASPC home page is a longstanding favourite of mine that previously featured on the front cover of the Property Register.

“When I first saw the striking photograph of Duthie Park, Riverside Drive and the River Dee, in winter, I did not immediately recognise the location, so evocative of other times and places did Ray Smith’s masterly photograph seem. It was only when I recognised the Sir James McGrigor obelisk, did the penny drop.

“The photograph was taken some years ago, by Ray, in the midst of winter snows. I had always referred to the photograph, in my mind, as “ a view from the bridge” as I thought it was taken from the George VI Bridge, part of Great Southern Road. On reconsidering things, I think it must be a view from the south bank, eastward of the bridge.

“Thousands of people will have admired the obelisk, on visits to the magnificent Duthie Park, without, like me, knowing much about it. I now know it is a memorial to Sir James McGrigor (1771 – 1858) a Scottish physician who served as a military surgeon in the British army in the time of Wellington. He was educated at Edinburgh and Aberdeen Universities, and was Rector of Aberdeen University. He is believed to have been responsible for setting up the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was the Duke of Wellington’s Chief Medical Officer.

“I think the composition of the photograph, and the sheer visual impact, are compelling. The quality of light that Ray has captured, coupled with the almost monochromatic hues lend the picture an ethereal quality. It does not strike Aberdonians, instantly, that this is a part of the “grey” North East. There is beauty here, and symbolism. The almost translucent clouds, silhouetting the elegant tracery of the ancient trees, in their winter gauntness and highlighted by the dusting of snow, are nature at its midwinter best.

“The symbolism can be found in the river flowing past, nearing the end of its search for the sea.

“As a picture, pure and simple, it is beautiful. On reflection it contains so much more.” 

If you have a beautiful photo from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire that you think is worth sharing then why not enter our competition?

We’re searching for 12 incredible photographs to be featured on our website home page each month throughout 2023. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just enjoy taking photos as a pastime, this competition is open to everyone!

Each lucky winner will receive a £250 Aberdeen Inspired gift card and to enter all you simply need to do is send your chosen photo to us at centre@aspc.co.uk before the 31st of January.

Best of luck!