HND photography student Barry McIlloney’s picture impressed judges with its vibrant colour and striking framing of the river looking upstream towards Clydebank. 

This is the second time Barry has won the annual competition in three years after previously sharing the award jointly with his wife Jilly in 2013. He has been studying photography for three years and now intends to embark on a professional career. 

He wins £300 worth of camera equipment from sponsors Calumet and one day's hands-on experience with local photographer Stewart Cunningham of Great Scot Photography, and the Romanes Group.  

In second place was Colin Poultney, an HNC Photography student, for his creative shot of the Titan Crane and a local statue The Kromer Hat which celebrates the local craftsmen who made the best ships in the world. 

The 11 shortlisted photos were viewed nearly 10,000 times by people on Flickr and the public vote influenced the decisions of judges to select Barry. 

Barry, 35, from Knightswood, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have taken part in this competition, it was a joy to take photographs around West Dunbartonshire as there are so many great places. I’m over the moon about the win, the quality of work is great and I’m glad I could be a part of it. 

“I am really enjoying my time at WCS. I started out on the night course Intro to Photography and finished my HNC at the Clydebank campus, I’m now finishing off my HND at the Paisley campus. The lecturers have been fantastic and a great experience to work alongside so many talented people. 

“I plan to use my experience and qualifications from WCS and move into work as a photographer.

My advice would be if you are considering photography as a career not to put it off, there is a great network of lecturers who are amazing photographers with years of experience and it is great to learn from them and also to work with like-minded people.” 

The Picture This competition, now in its fourth year, asked students at West College Scotland to capture images of West Dunbartonshire at its best. The winners will now have their photos displayed in the Clyde Shopping Centre and in various Council communications channels such as brochures and social media. 

Councillor Michelle McGinty, Convener of Educational Services at the Council, said: "Congratulations to Barry for his great picture which really I'm sure will be used many times by the Council and attract future visitors to the area. To win twice in three years is a great achievement and it seems Barry has a great chance of success in his new career." 

Bob McEwan, Curriculum Leader for Art, Design & Photography, said: "Well done to Barry on winning the photography competition. Myself and the other judges were very impressed with the quality and range of photographs that were submitted this year and it was a tough task to pick an outright winner. Congratulations to everyone who took part,thanks to all the people who voted, and I look forward to 2016 already." 

The images can still be viewed on the Council's Flickr page, and all the shortlisted images are currently on display at the Clyde shopping centre for the month of June.