Cumbernauld photographer wins top international accolade

The 13th Annual International Color Awards shone a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers from across the globe.

The jury included captains of industry from America, South Africa, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, France, Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands who considered over 6000 entries.

In total they honoured ‘Color Masters’ with 586 coveted title awards and 881 nominees in 37 categories.

And Sandy, who once worked for our sister paper Kirkintilloch Herald, impressed them with his portrait of Polish war hero Ludwik Jaszczur, who fought in the battle of Monte Cassino during World War 2 alongside the famous “soldier bear” Wojtek.

Mr Jaszczur would go on to run a leather goods shop in Edinburgh until his retirement last year at the age of 92.

The awards’ creative director Basil O’Brien said: “Sandy Young’s entry represents contemporary colour photography at its finest and we’re pleased to present him with the title of nominee.”

An online gala was attended by industry leaders and the photography community from around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the event.

Sandy, who covered many stories for the paper over the years in Kirkintilloch, has been presented with a certificate as well as being featured in an online gallery of the very best work.